As the Engineering Employers Federation convenes
for their annual conference, German productivity pioneers Forcam will be
joining for the first time. Technology leaders in shop floor networking, the
company has over 60,000 machine tools and processes connected by its Factory
Framework software. The message for UK manufacturers is that this can increase
productivity by up to 30 per cent. In many cases the end user can achieve pay
back in less than one year.
Forcam software enables the real-time performance measurement and benchmarking
of industrial shop floors that ensures optimal production decision making.
Their systems are used throughout industry, in automotive, aerospace, medical
devices, and oil/gas industries. Clients include Mercedes-Benz, AUDI, BMW,
BorgWarner, GKN Aerospace and Weir Minerals. These businesses rely on Forcam to
drive productivity and give shop-floor intelligence.
The company was founded by Franz Gruber a former executive at SAP, the ERP
company, who identified a need for computer networks to reach down to the shop
floor to gather data and integrate operations. Factory Framework works at the
individual machine level, enabling manufacturing instructions to be streamed to
the shop floor, production to be monitored and live data gathered on real-time
performance. On a corporate level this data can also be streamed into the ERP
system so senior management decisions can be based on real time data for
greater accuracy and reliability.
“The concept of networking manufacturing operations is variously referred to as
Industry 4, or the Internet of things (IoT) applied to the factory floor –
whatever you call it it’s about revolutionising manufacturing and represents a
huge opportunity for UK manufacturers,” says Forcam’s Andrew Steele. Adding, “Don’t
just take my word, look at those of Terry Scuoler, chief executive of
EEF.”
“The fourth industrial revolution will change the global face of
manufacturing beyond recognition. The UK must take a leading role if we are to
realise our ambitions for a healthy, balanced and growing economy. The next
decade will bring great and rapid change and the early-adopting nations will
maximise the opportunities presented by new technologies and thrive as a
result. There will inevitably be winners and losers, which is why we should
take note when manufacturers say there is a real danger of the UK being left
behind.” Terry Scuoler, February 23, 2015.
Forcam UK executives will be on hand throughout the conference to discuss shop
floor networking, a process that many describe as the fourth industrial
revolution. The company has its global headquarters in Ravensburg, Germany with
offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
More Information
United Kingdom
Andrew Steele, UK Managing Director Tel. 01606 833 837
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.forcam.co.uk
FORCAM UK, 6.1 Verity Court, Pochin Way, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW12 0GW
Germany
Vincent Post, Manger International Marketing & PR, Tel. +49 (0)751 / 36669
– 826
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.forcam.com
FORCAM GmbH, An der Bleicherei 15, D-88214 Ravensburg, Germany
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