Digital Intelligence meets Production

Since 2019, ifm has transformed itself from a traditional sensor manufacturer into a holistic provider of intelligent automation solutions. A key milestone was the development and market launch of the IIoT platform 'moneo', which transforms sensor data into usable information and makes data-based processes more efficient, transparent and sustainable. The cloud plays a key role here as the basis for scalable, networked applications.

Practice instead of theory

Before products are delivered to customers, they undergo intensive internal testing at ifm. This applies to both hardware and software. moneo is already actively used at several production sites for quality assurance and to optimize the company's own performance. A specialized team at the Lake Constance site manages the applications and supports the integration of other solutions worldwide.

Examples from our own production

Constant monitoring is a decisive factor in ensuring that machines and systems function reliably. To this end, sensors continuously record data directly on the machines and transmit it to the moneo IIoT platform via specially developed connectors. The possible applications are diverse. For example, the cooling water can be monitored by sensors that continuously measure the temperature and flow rate. In server rooms, monitoring the temperature and humidity not only protects the technology, but also prevents hazards such as fires. Air filters play an important role in production: they ensure that dust is removed, product quality remains high and the health of employees is protected at the same time. Piece counters provide valuable information, for example by documenting the number of strokes or reliably separating good and bad parts. In this way, wearing parts can be replaced in good time and not too late.

Screenshot from 'moneo' © ifm electronic

In addition, moneo helps to manage materials and resources intelligently and avoid unnecessary inspection rounds. Buffer racks automatically report when replenishment is required for the stored products. Liquids such as casting resin are continuously monitored and the necessary acclimatization time is also included in the planning. The required quantity of casting resin is ordered automatically and delivered at the right time. This is ensured by the 'moneo LifetimeEstimator', a solution based on artificial intelligence, which is available as an add-on to the 'moneo IIoT Core'. It is also possible to locate components in the process and even monitor reusable load carriers. This monitoring is particularly useful for compressed air, as even the smallest, often unnoticed leaks can cause enormous costs; with moneo, they can be detected or avoided at an early stage.

Intelligent control of infrastructure and energy

In addition to production itself, moneo also optimizes building management at the Siegen site - the 'Summit'. Heating and cooling are reliably monitored around the clock and energy resources are used optimally thanks to intelligent recovery processes. The result is smooth, safe and efficient operation from production to infrastructure.

Service redefined

The author: Margarita Krüger works in product management marketing/projects at ifm. © ifm electronic

Another step towards the digital future is 'moneo remoteConnect'. The software solution is part of the 'moneo IIoT Core' and enables secure and location-independent remote access to machines. Ifm is already testing the application on a system at the Kressbronn site. External partners are given access to a machine when required and can respond immediately without having to be on site. Over 1600 machines are to be connected in the coming months.