Already in fall 2002 a presentation was realized at WIBOND in Parkstein to prepare a solution designed for this application. After repeated re-definition of instrument features and functions in accordance with the employees of BMW Motoren GmbH, in January 2003 WIBOND obtained the order for supply of the first “Target Vision” for conrod production including the option for another 12 instruments.

BMW could define the exact number of large displays necessary for the sections cylinder head, crankcase and crankshaft production not before June 2004. The complete contract finally amounted to 20 “Target-Visions” including software.

WIBOND convinced BMW both with their instrument specification and the software package including the solution prepared for it.

Customized visualization concept

The software package of the visualization concept consists of three components:

WIBOND TargetVisionManager

WIBOND TargetVisionManager communicates with an Oracle database via SQL and prepares data for being visualized on TargetVision. This software is installed on the line-PC of each production area and edits the data for a maximum of 10 large displays. The current state of each machine is read out of the database and visualized. Furthermore “TargetVisionManager” determines the current number of pieces per shift and per day and calculates the trend for the current shift and the entire production day, taking into account target figure, net working time and idle time. All information is provided as HTML file.

WIBOND TargetVisionServer

WIBOND “TargetVisionServer” is installed on a PC inside the large display. This program gets the HTML pages provided by “TargetVisionManager” via Ethernet and visualizes them at the display of TargetVision. Additionally the server monitors certain instrument functionalities and the network connection avoiding the display of “outdated data”.

WIBOND TargetVisionClient

Via WIBOND “TargetVision-Client” authorized personnel (works management, production management, supervisors, maintenance staff, …) can check the current state of production and system. Via the password protected area motivation texts or general information can be entered and subsequently be visualized at the large displays for employees and visitors. The easy handling of “TargetVision-Client” is guaranteed by use of Internet explorer, a well-known “tool”.

Sophisticated hardware

The four production areas consist of two to four lines. Due to our hardware concept every production worker is able to get information concerning all lines of the production area. As different production steps of one area are interactive, the ma-chine states of other lines are important for one’s own production process. Additionally the worker gets detailed information concerning the own line and machines. The codes determined by BMW are displayed at the “TargetVisions” in red, green or orange. That’s how every worker can recognize and clear faults very quickly; he can schedule upcoming tool changes in due time and so he optimizes the productivity of the system.

High customer satisfaction

Presently the ramp up of the project is almost completed. The employees of BMW involved have voiced their contentment already several times regarding the realization and execution of the project. When the maximum performance of the production installation will be reached end of 2005, WIBOND will have completed all work necessary.

Comprehensive customer service