Okuma's Connect Plan improves machine performance

Connecting machines, analyzing data, identifying opportunities and trends

Okuma, one of the leading manufacturers of CNC machine tools, has developed Connect Plan, a solution for easily networking, monitoring, analyzing and optimizing entire machine fleets. To achieve this, machines are simply connected to the network server via the integrated CNC controller OSP and monitoring is initiated. Machine status and data and the latest methods quickly reveal new production potential.

Connect Plan provides accurate information on the current state of production, along with details of each machine on a PC, large displays in production and in the office, or a tablet when on the road. The green light icon on the digital factory chart indicates that a machine is running smoothly, while the yellow icon indicates an interruption in operation. Red indicates an alarm that requires intervention. In addition, Connect Plan provides insight into efficiency and detailed alarm information from the past days, weeks and months, allowing long-term problems and issues to be identified and resolved. This is supported by linking the alarm history to the alarm manual.

Data-based analysis

Analysis functions are another important aspect of Connect Plan. Machine status data, operating history and alarm history are analyzed in daily reports, identifying unwanted machine stops and highlighting areas for improvement. Control data, such as the NC program used, tools or applications, log data, machine part inspection data, data on individual machining tasks, and so on, can all be easily analyzed.

Forecasting and scheduling of work

Connect Plan also uses the recorded machine and operation data to identify appropriate maintenance windows for tank cleaning, filter changes, etc. The AI Machine Diagnostic feature can diagnose machine status at the touch of a button to prevent feed shaft problems before they occur. A tool life estimate is provided directly to the OSP control system, reducing downtime.

For more information about the Connect Plan, visit https://www.okuma.eu/technology/smart-factory/connect-plan/.