MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
Flex | September 27, 2021
In recognition of its adoption and deployment of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, Flex today announced, following a rigorous application process, its factory site in Althofen, Austria has been admitted into the World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network (GLN). The GLN's focus is to accelerate inclusive technology adoption in manufacturing by building a cross-industry network that includes some of the most advanced factories and connected value chains worldwide.
The Flex site in Althofen demonstrated how it has deployed I4.0 technologies to improve operational efficiency and agility. By meeting higher regulatory and quality standards, Flex has attracted higher-margin and longer lifecycle medical business, increasing revenue by 50% within the same physical footprint. Its investment in the Althofen site is a perfect example of Flex's commitment of continuous technology investment and improvement across its factories.
The Flex Althofen site used I4.0 technology to develop a more substantial competitive and differentiated advantage, creating unique solutions and value for Flex customers. The nomination of the Althofen site showcased the following innovation areas:
LISA (Line Stop Assistant), a virtual operator assistance system that supports line operators by detecting quality issues and halting the production line.
Flex Pulse – giving end-to-end visibility into Flex's entire supply-chain in real time to help overcome supply chain complexity.
Integrated material management and automation - providing just-in-time materials and reducing line-side-stock to free up production space and enable 600 product changeovers per month.
Energy usage management – integrating IT infrastructure with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to develop a real-time energy flow data monitoring and alerting platform.
Advanced analytics platform – integrating data from machines, optical analytics systems and other sources to create real-time dashboards designed to boost performance across the production lines. Examples include simulation modeling to predict required maintenance and unsupervised machine learning for anomaly detection.
The Flex site in Althofen is an exemplary case of our commitment to leveraging the convergence of innovation and sustainability for good.Joining this network of like-minded organizations will pave the way for positive change in the world of manufacturing. We look forward to sharing our experience with advanced technologies such as automation and digitization to create a better, and more efficient place for employees and to build products that improve the world.
Francois Barbier, President Global Operations and Components, Flex.
"The Flex factory site in Althofen, Austria demonstrates how a manufacturing company and its workforce can leverage actionable innovation and purpose-driven sustainability to lead change," said Francisco Betti, Head of Shaping the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Platform, World Economic Forum. "Via its advanced manufacturing capabilities enabled by I4.0, Flex facilities around the world are providing greater efficiency, quality and sustainability for customers. As a Lighthouse member, Flex holds the power to lead by example and encourage its industry peers to re-envision how they too can leverage technology to shape the future."
About Flex
Flex is the manufacturing partner of choice that helps a diverse customer base design and build products that improve the world. Through the collective strength of a global workforce across 30 countries and responsible, sustainable operations, Flex delivers technology innovation, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions to diverse industries and end markets.
Read More
BISTel | July 07, 2020
BISTel, the world leader in engineering equipment systems and AI applications for semiconductor smart manufacturing announced today that registration for BISTelligence 2020 is now open. BISTelligence 2020 is a virtual, year-round tradeshow room dedicated to providing manufacturers access to the latest AI, cloud and edge solutions for smarter manufacturing. With all of the world’s tradeshows cancelled in 2020 and uncertainty over their status for 2021, BISTel is providing this new platform as a forum to share the latest advances in AI for smart manufacturing with a steady stream of technical and business content that informs and engages engineering communities in the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, oil and gas manufacturing sectors throughout the year. BISTelligence 2020 opens on July 20, 2020.
Read More
SKF | November 03, 2020
SKF today announces a consolidation and restructuring of various manufacturing, business and administrative functions in France. Consequently, manufacturing of slewing bearings would be moved from Avallon to St-Cyr-sur-Loire, resulting in the proposed closure of the Avallon factory. The transfer of production from Avallon to St-Cyr enables a more competitive and flexible offer to customers, as well as the realisation of synergies from the existing service centre and logistics capabilities in Saint-Cyr. Kent Viitanen, President, Bearing Operations, says: "We have announced a number of factory consolidations during the year and whilst these are difficult decisions to take, they are necessary to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our customers in terms of competitiveness, flexibility and quality. We are committed to working with our employees to ensure a smooth transition into training programmes and new employment opportunities." The Avallon site currently has 140 employees and activities are expected to stop by the end of 2022. The restructuring of manufacturing, business and administrative functions in France is expected to impact approximately 110 employees.
Read More