The IoT platform is equipped for the digitization of the production environment.
The digital INDEX world includes iX4.0 "go" that provides one year of connectivity to the Cloud and access to all of the apps on the iX4.0 IoT platform. After the initial year, users can upgrade to the iX4.0 basic package that can be expanded as required.
"With iXworld, users have access to all the information they need about machinery and technologies," said a company spokesperson. They can also make use of the iX4.0 IoT platform and the iXshop and iXservices portals.
INDEX is creating the necessary connectivity to make the benefits of digitally-assisted production accessible to customers. All new machines are now iX4.0 ready and customers can easily retrofit their existing machines. INDEX provides secure data transmission and storage through its cooperation with SAP, including a cloud server located in Europe and corresponding encryption. This is confirmed by TÜV certification according to IEC 562443 for the data connection between machine and cloud.
Turning Data into Applications
INDEX defines apps as individual software tools that evaluate collected data and provide users with directly usable results. The iX4.0 apps can run on any device with a standard web browser. They cover a range of tasks related to machine management, performance management, service management and job management.
The iX4.0 basic package includes the MachineManager app, for example, which allows users to individually structure their machine fleets by area of responsibility. This means that users only the see the data that is relevant to them. Other apps provide improved diagnostic options in the event of a fault and remote support through the teleservice and video sessions. A service and maintenance tool, pre-programmed with factory recommendations, simplifies maintenance. According to the company, anyone who needs spare parts can easily identify and procure them via the SparepartFinder app. Apps that allow the user to keep an eye on productivity at all times or that allow access to online documentation from anywhere are also included in the basic scope of delivery.
Additional Apps for Additional Needs
If a user requires more in-depth information, iX4.0 options provide further apps. One of them, for instance, enables the user to control all service activities centrally and plan maintenance work if the machine condition requires it. It is also possible to cover the entire machine fleet with a single service and maintenance tool.
As far as performance of the machine fleet is concerned, there are apps that can perform an optimized analysis of machine utilization, thereby increasing productivity, reducing downtimes or preventing thermally-induced quality problems. Integration in ERP/MES systems also provides greater efficiency. Furthermore, INDEX offers an app that provides machine monitoring as a service. By detecting problems early on, the user can counteract machine downtimes.
Job management is another field for useful apps, which, for example, can perform a target/actual time comparison, document the quality of individual parts or batches, and monitor the resulting energy costs.
INDEX is constantly adding further apps, such as the ToolAssistant, which is responsible for the virtual assembly of complete tools. Among other things, it provides a database containing over one million tools from various suppliers. The user selects the appropriate tool from this database and the required tool holder, including collet, from the iXshop. The software then carries out assembly and outputs the 3D data as a STEP file. The complete tools can then be transferred quickly and easily to any CAM system and to the virtual machine.
Another recent addition is a cycle time calculator, which calculates the cycle times on INDEX and TRAUB machines for new parts after the required machining steps are entered. By entering the relevant machine hour rate, the user can then also calculate the unit costs.
Everything from a Single Source
Alongside the iX4.0 IoT platform, the iXshop procurement portal is an essential part of iXworld. Intelligent search functions make it easy to purchase toolholders, accessories, clamping devices, spare parts, raw materials and, more recently, high-quality measuring equipment-all from a single source and, if desired, integrated into in-house ERP systems. "With an available stock level of currently over 97%, rapid delivery of the 130,000 listed items is guaranteed," said the spokesperson.
The iXservices INDEX service portal is also part of iXworld and is used for the management of all machines, including those from third-party suppliers, for fault, repair, maintenance, and service management. An interactive 3D machine model helps users identify and order the necessary spare parts. Remote access and the teleservice are also available via a prepaid system and smartphones in order to avoid costly licensing.
For more information contact:
INDEX Corporation
14700 North Pointe Blvd.
Noblesville, IN 46060
317-770-6300
sales@index-usa.com
us.index-traub.com