Technological change, dynamic competition, a shortage of skilled workers – against this backdrop, a growing number of companies are finding themselves forced to make their production more efficient, digitalize their systems and automate their procurement and manufacturing processes. Intelligent tool management is obviously desirable, and that wish was also unmistakable at the GREIPL Group. Stefan Reischl, Production Manager, describes the initial situation as follows:
Transparent manufacturing, measurable efficiency
The GREIPL Group of Germany is a prime example of a company’s transformation into a smart factory. What began as a conventional sheet metal fabricator is now a state-of-the-art system supplier for sophisticated applications in the medical and measurement technology sectors. This transformation’s success hinges on partners who think for themselves – especially when it comes to the digitalization of manufacturing. GREIPL found the ideal software solution in Connected Manufacturing by Hoffmann Group, a member of SFS. The smart software connects machines, tools and employees to form a seamless, end-to-end system.
“We wanted to significantly increase our overall system efficiency while simultaneously minimizing setup times – because every minute that the machine isn’t standing still counts, especially in measurement technology. Error prevention also played a key role: ensuring that each and every employee is working with the right tools, the right data and the right program at all times was important to us. Uncertainties simply cannot exist in manufacturing. The shortage of skilled workers also became noticeable: We had to onboard new employees more quickly – while still keeping quality at the same high level.”
The solution: Connected Manufacturing
After comparing different systems in detail, the GREIPL Group opted in favor of the Connected Manufacturing software solution from Hoffmann, a company of the SFS Group. “We looked at different providers, considered the pros and cons and ultimately decided to go with the Hoffmann Group. Not only was the solution cost-effective, but our working relationship with them also proved straightforward and collaborative – that was important to us,” says Stefan Reischl.
Connected Manufacturing links machines, tools, and employees into a seamless system. The milling tools are serialized so they can be clearly identified. “Each chip has its own ID. That means we always know which tool is located where and have its underlying data. The software automatically pairs the tool to the machine – the data is entered directly into the control system, making the setup process more reliable,” explains Mario Sonndorfer, who is in charge of CAD/CAM at GREIPL.
Fabian Köglmeier, Digital Products Process Consultant at Hoffmann, underscores that the long-standing partnership stood the test, particularly during process implementation. Both parties collaborated openly and found solutions together, enabling them to overcome challenges quickly and constructively. Although ERP integration was not initially feasible, a CAD/CAM interface provided an effective workaround.
Digitalization with tangible added value
The switch to Connected Manufacturing swiftly produced visible results at GREIPL:
- Less setup time and greater productivity: Automatic data collection, through the use of live storage locations for example, saves valuable time every day that had previously been spent on searches.
- Error-free manufacturing: A structured filing system ensures that the correct software is always loaded – keeping operating errors to a minimum.
- Faster new employee onboarding: Illustrated instructions and intuitive user interfaces help new employees make a productive contribution more quickly.
- Greater audit and process reliability: In medical technology, where traceability and documentation are essential, the new solution lets the GREIPL Group offer impressive customer and certification audits.
Long-standing partnership that pays off
The close partnership between GREIPL and our company was a key success factor: “Even in phases when unexpected hurdles popped up – like the unfeasible ERP connection – our interactions were always candid and solution-oriented. By procuring and expanding the tool holders, we were able to exploit the full potential of connected manufacturing at GREIPL. That means we not only implemented the project with clear added value, but also strengthened the partnership at the same time,” adds Fabian Köglmeier.
