A leading medical device customer wanted to minimize operator errors in tracking part progress and the number of reject parts these errors were producing. They had previously used manual methods for handling and tracking processes, recording data by hand that included the part history, part location, and number of times the part had cycled through each production process. To solve the tracking issues, the JR team automated a part handling method and developed a data tracking system.

Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) needed assistance in optimizing the strapping and palletizing of 10-foot-long sticks of plastic pipe, which are extruded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Due to labor shortages, the company was unable to keep up with packaging and palletizing, causing piece loss and quality issues. Even during uptime, the pipe’s flexibility and length presented several safety and ergonomic challenges for employees.

Oftentimes, enabling IIoT is not considered at the time of an automation or machine tool deign in the industry. SmartAttach^TM is a leading edge-technology in terms of automation to install nut plates. The machine is Industry 4.0 ready off the shelf.