Asset Management in the symmedia Hub: Boost Efficiency, Simplify Processes
In the era of Industry 5.0, companies face the challenge of efficiently managing machines from various sources, whether as manufacturers or operators. Machine management is no longer just a technical task—it’s a key factor in operational efficiency and cost savings.
The symmedia Hub provides a central platform to manage both connected and unconnected machines while efficiently handling machine data, documents, and service contracts. In this post, we explore the benefits of asset management in the symmedia Hub from the perspectives of manufacturers and operators.
Core Architecture of Asset Management in the symmedia Hub
The symmedia Hub’s asset management architecture supports two machine management modes: Collaboration(unconnected machines) and Secure Connect (connected machines). These modes build upon each other, allowing users to start with basic digital representations and expand to advanced functionalities.
1. Collaboration (Unconnected Machines)
Unconnected machines can be represented as digital twins and managed entirely via the web, without integration into IT infrastructure. This allows operators to include older machines, submit service requests, and improve collaboration with manufacturers.
- Unified Platform: Manage all machines on a single platform.
- Enable Collaboration: Seamless interaction between operators and service providers through service cases, conferencing, and whiteboards.
- Flexibility: Start digitizing your machines anytime, anywhere.
2. Secure Connect (Connected Machines)
Machines equipped with physical or virtual symmedia Edge Devices unlock advanced features such as real-time data collection, remote access, and the application of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
- Secure Connection: Highly secure data transmission ensures data protection.
- Data Sovereignty: Operators retain full control over machine data.
- App Distribution: Deploy applications from your own or third-party providers securely to the machine, offering limitless possibilities.
This structure ensures complete transparency across all shopfloor machines, regardless of type, brand, or connectivity.
Benefits for Manufacturers and Operators
The symmedia Hub provides robust asset management features tailored to meet the needs of both machine manufacturers and operators. By centralizing machine data, documentation, access rights, and service cases, the Hub supports both groups in working more efficiently and enhancing collaboration.
Centralized Management of Connected and Unconnected Machines
Manufacturers and operators can manage all machines centrally within the symmedia Hub, regardless of their connectivity. Integrating machines and models from systems like SAP is standard practice. All machines—connected or unconnected—are captured as assets, reducing administrative effort by consolidating all machine information in one user-friendly interface.
Machine Models and Bulk Upload
Manufacturers can maintain detailed information about machine models, including technical specifications, documents, and configurations. The Bulk Upload feature allows for rapid and efficient data entry for large machine fleets, especially beneficial for manufacturers managing extensive machine portfolios.
Document and Media Management
The symmedia Hub provides a centralized platform for managing documents. Manufacturers can share technical specifications and maintenance guides, while operators can upload and organize their documents, such as maintenance schedules. This ensures all relevant information is readily accessible and facilitates quick responses during service events.
Service Contracts and Maintenance History
Manufacturers can link service contracts to machines and customers, enabling seamless service processing and fostering stronger relationships. Operators benefit from comprehensive documentation of service and maintenance histories, enhancing transparency and aiding in planning future actions.
Remote Access Management
Secure remote access management is a critical feature for both groups. Operators maintain control over access rights while enabling effective collaboration with manufacturers. Manufacturers, in turn, can diagnose and resolve machine issues quickly via remote access. All access points are managed centrally at the asset level, increasing security by avoiding scattered data on service PCs.
Detailed Machine Insights
Manufacturers and operators have access to a detailed view of each asset, including machine data, current status, service contracts, and service case histories. This facilitates both proactive planning and swift responses in service scenarios. A centralized overview of machine parks sorted by model, location, line, technology, or customer further enhances efficiency.
Enhanced Collaboration
Connecting machines with operators through the symmedia Hub fosters closer cooperation. Both manufacturers and operators can share data, manage documentation, and coordinate service cases, resulting in improved efficiency and machine availability. (Read more about Multi-Tenancy)
Conclusion
The symmedia Hub is a comprehensive platform for asset management, integrating machines regardless of brand, age, or connectivity. With detailed views and robust features, the Hub empowers both operators and manufacturers to achieve maximum efficiency, cost savings, and optimized collaboration.
Key Advantages at a Glance:
For Operators:
- Simplified collaboration with manufacturers and service providers.
- Improved production transparency enables informed decision-making.
- One system for all machines eliminates isolated solutions.
For Manufacturers:
- Enhanced customer relationships through direct access to shared machines and efficient service processes.
- Proactive maintenance supported by detailed machine insights.
- New revenue streams from expanded service offerings tied to maintenance contracts.
Whether it’s machine monitoring, service integration, or digital twins, the symmedia Hub is the central solution for tomorrow’s connected industry.
Stay tuned! In the next installment of the symmedia Hub series, we’ll explore how the symmedia Hub can optimize your service management and boost your Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Curious of what symmedia Hub can do for you?
Contact our sales team for more information.
sales@symmedia.de
+49 (0)521 9665 50
Author
Kay Andorf
Kay Andorf is symmedia’s Chief Product Officer with extensive experience in product development and digital transformation. With his passion for innovative solutions, he drives the development of the symmedia Hub together with symmedia’s Product Owners. At the symZone, he’ll give you valuable insight on how to fully leverage the opportunities of digitization.