Bossard and RWTH Aachen building the future
May 24, 2016Renowned Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH Aachen) has selected the Bossard Group as a partner for its demonstration factory (DFA). In the 1,600 m2 DFA, researchers explore and address forward-looking questions on the continuing convergence of production, information and communication technologies in a real-world environment. Bossard’s Smart Factory Logistics methodology delivers systems and solutions for smart inventory management.
The tough competitive environment in Europe and the cost pressure it exerts is boosting demand for innovative solution approaches in industry. Many companies now face the unavoidable challenge of radical restructuring in order to withstand this pressure. Justifiably, there is talk of a new industrial revolution that will usher in the age of Industry 4.0. The demonstration factory at RWTH Aachen offers practical insights on how to meet this challenge. It illustrates not only how physical production processes can be structured in a modern factory, but also integrates all the required information structures in DFA operations. Thanks to the combination of modern production, information and communications technologies, receiving, production and shipping processes can be completed more efficiently and hence at a lower cost. This type of integrative approach lays the foundation for productivity gains.
With its SmartBin and SmartLabel technology, the Bossard Group is playing a pioneering role in the restructuring of production and control processes in industrial companies. “Our Smart Factory Logistics methodology facilitates leaner processes, faster throughput times, reduced inventory, greater ability to respond to changing requirements and, ultimately, substantially lower costs,” explains David Dean, CEO of the Bossard Group. “The Bossard approach enables fully automatic and transparent inventory management. Orders are triggered automatically and delivered to the point of use when needed. A simple press of a button provides an overview of current stock and generates online inventories at any time. Our methodology has proven itself in the field for a number of years. Renowned industrial companies in all regions of the world rely on our technology.”
The cooperation with RWTH Aachen is further a confirmation of the suitability of the Bossard methodology as industry is moving toward leaner structures. Along with other partners, including SAP, Bossard is responsible for operating an intelligent warehouse in the Aachen demonstration factory. Specifically, Bossard’s contribution could be summarized as continual inventory monitoring of C-parts. C-parts are components of lesser value that are usually associated with high ordering and processing costs. Lean processes for handling C-parts are therefore essential in improving a company’s competitiveness. Bossard was chosen for the Aachen project specifically for its tried-and-true solutions and software (Bossard SmartBin, SmartLabel and ARIMS).
“We not only want to pursue the latest trends in digitalization, but also solidify our position as a key player in this environment. The partnership with RWTH Aachen is a long-term relationship. Together with other partners, we intend to bring solutions to market early on,” explains David Dean, CEO of the Bossard Group. Bossard expects this initiative to raise awareness for its Smart Factory Logistics methodology. The DFA in Aachen sees itself as a hot spot for users of modern production and IT systems. It enjoys brisk visitor traffic from industry managers, engineers, professors, students and others. Now, all them will also get to experience Bossard’s contribution to the evolution of the smart factory.