Initial Situation
Goals and Challenges
The ABF Solution: Machine integration, SAP ECC connection, and real-time Andon transparency
Together with its partner scc EDV-Beratung AG, ABF integrated a fully automated logistics system with connected transfer units into the existing system landscape and implemented end-to-end SAP ECC integration via SAP ME, SAP MII, and SAP Plant Connectivity (SAP PCo). This allows manufacturing-relevant information to be visualized or reported back in either the SAP Manufacturing Execution System (SAP ME) or SAP ECC with minimal operational intervention.
A central step was machine integration. To define a standardized interface based on Euromap77, close cooperation with the machine suppliers was required. The focus was on seamless interaction between the injection molding machine, the mounted transfer unit, and the MES landscape, utilizing modern industry standards such as OPC UA and SAP PCo.
In addition, ABF implemented a real-time visualization of the current manufacturing status as an Andon board for operators and key users in the new plant area. The focus was on the authentic, up-to-the-minute presentation of manufacturing values. This was achieved using a modern SAP development toolkit and bidirectional communication via the WebSocket protocol, enabling just-in-time status updates down to the exact second a change occurs.
Result and Benefits
Through the measures of the digitalization initiative, manufacturing processes can be controlled more effectively and efficiently, while the availability of real-time manufacturing data creates maximum transparency across all manufacturing processes. The result is a fully integrated and automated material flow, leading to the establishment of one of the most advanced injection molding plants in Europe. In the reference presentation, ABF also emphasizes that the project made a significant contribution to developing the Vsetín site into one of the world’s most advanced injection molding plant locations.
