Platform economy as the basis for business intelligence (BI) - software platform for AI and machine learning

Companies are increasingly interested in leveraging optimization potential in production planning and control based on their production information. The COSCOM ECO system, supported by a large number of experts, guarantees a platform economy as the basis for business intelligence (BI). However, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) can only be used economically if all relevant data is accessible and its structure matches the applications.

"Hey Alexa, how can you support industrial production?" This question is difficult to answer in general, but it is very easy to answer for specific use cases. Why shouldn't work preparation receive an answer to this question from an IT platform: "Is there a valid NC program for this article? Are all tools sufficiently available? And what tool measurement data is available?" It is about knowledge from the perspective of production planning for certain work steps that could only be researched at great expense without IT support. This brings up the topic of platform economy, in which experts provide their contributions in an orchestrated manner.

Models for digital ecosystems are based on our knowledge of natural ecosystems, particularly with regard to aspects of competition and different forms of cooperation. A digital ecosystem is a distributed, adaptable, open socio-technical system with characteristics of self-organization, scalability and sustainability, inspired by natural ecosystems. The COSCOM ECO system for the machining industry with its central database platform supports this approach in the long term: all production-relevant data is brought together in a common source of truth and, thanks to end-to-end digitalization, can be accessed by all "data consumers" across the company and store floor.

Central data pool for machine learning and business intelligence (BI)

COSCOM is aware of the potential of machine learning and business intelligence: "Machine learning can be used to optimize future work processes based on experience and knowledge from past data pools. For example, a master computer could plan an order on its own and orchestrate the necessary resources," says Christian Erlinger, Managing Director of COSCOM Computer GmbH from Ebersberg near Munich, encouraging reflection.

In addition, the production information consolidated by the central COSCOM database platform can be used to tackle general, cross-order efficiency issues - e.g. evaluating the potential benefits of a new machining center, including all additional resources required. This would make it possible to analyze the benefits of new technologies, such as trochoidal milling, which involves working with a high depth of cut, including suitable machining strategies. And indeed, such Business Intelligence (BI) projects have already been successfully implemented by COSCOM experts.

Breaking new ground - without risk and on the basis of valid data

Christian Erlinger explains the background: "We evaluated the use of a new machine in a BI project to increase efficiency. It turned out that the new technology of trochoidal milling was not being used enough. The reason: the existing CAM program was only changed minimally for a follow-up order because the geometric characteristics of the components had only changed slightly - the basic machining strategy was not called into question." In other words, there was no reprogramming, instead the company relied on the reuse of existing CAM programs - the result: everything remained the same: "Our BI application showed which milling technologies were used how often and which potentials were not exploited."

A similar analysis revealed how many tools should be stocked and in what quantities. Many aspects play a role in the search for the ideal tool stock, for example the delivery time: although a tool is not used very often, several of them should be kept in stock because the delivery time is long. A BI application supported by the COSCOM database platform brings such interdependencies to light and thus helps to optimize decision-making in complex contexts.

Platform economy: master big data and use it easily

The software experts at COSCOM use MS PowerBI, among others, for demanding projects with large amounts of data (keyword "big data"). The COSCOM database platform provides the necessary data structure. However, it does not have to be this Microsoft product; any other BI system can also be used. Christian Erlinger explains: "With the help of the COSCOM ECO system, the production data becomes the user's 'treasure', where the data is available for retrieval with object dependencies."

COSCOM offers active support in the implementation of AI and BI scenarios so that the user becomes the master of their data. After all, the aim should always be not only to collect data, but also to use it through intelligent linking and evaluation mechanisms to drive the continuous improvement process (CIP) on the store floor in order to identify new efficiency potential.

COSCOM Computer GmbH
Anzinger Straße 5
85560 Ebersberg
Germany

https://www.coscom.de/

LEAD Industrie-Marketing GmbH
Herr André Geßner
+49 8022 91 53 188
+49 8022 91 53 189
agessner@lead-industrie-marketing.de

About COSCOM Computer GmbH:

COSCOM - Software, consulting and projects - for digitization in machining production

COSCOM is a leading software system house that standardizes, networks and optimizes production data in the machining industry. The connection between the ERP system and production is a top priority. Projects in tool management, tool and data management, CAD/CAM and machine simulation as well as Infopoint / DNC networking are realized around the CNC machine. Competence in consulting and target-oriented project management are the basis for joint success - one contact, one responsibility, one successful project!

The networking of COSCOM software products creates different, interface-free process solutions for the networking of all participants on the store floor. The main benefits for the user are a more efficient machining process with better product quality, greater adherence to deadlines and lower production costs. COSCOM offers everything from a single source - from software development, process consulting, sales and project management with implementation through to training/coaching, service and support.

COSCOM has been active on the market since 1978, making it one of the most experienced providers in the field of production automation and digitization in machining. Around 6,000 COSCOM solutions and around 25,000 machines and systems are currently networked with COSCOM systems throughout Europe. COSCOM as a partner means investment security, future security and innovation security for the customer.

This release was published on openPR.