VACOM Vakuum Komponenten & Messtechnik GmbH
VACOM Vakuum Komponenten & Messtechnik GmbH is one of the leading European providers of vacuum technology and operates worldwide. The family business was founded in 1992 and employs today over 200 people. As a business partner of companies from the high-tech sector such as analytics, optics, semiconductor and accelerator technology, VACOM is specialized in the production of vacuum components up to complex chambers and has innovative cleaning processes with defined purity classes and reproducible cleanliness measurements. The company also works with well-known research institutes worldwide.
Matthias Ring, Head of Production Department at VACOMThanks to HYDRA, our production and organization has become more transparent. The planned production targets can be viewed by every worker and the throughput times have been significantly reduced. In sum, we can now better exploit potentials based on exact evaluations.
Task and Solution
For a long time, VACOM used at their production site in Großlöbichau, Germany a self-developed system for recording shop floor data and personnel times. This system was to be replaced by a flexible standard software in order to be ready for the future. In addition, the framework of SAP and the production-oriented IT should be supplemented by detailed order planning. For this reason, VACOM carried out a supplier evaluation in 2014. Due to the wide range of standard functions and the versatile configuration and customizing options, MPDV’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) HYDRA was chosen.
Since 2015, the applications were implemented step by step. VACOM started with the replacement of the personnel time system. This was followed by the introduction of the HYDRA Shop Floor Data, which in turn improved transparency in production and at the same time enhanced the data reliability. On the other hand, many formerly paper-based processes could be replaced by the electronic provision of information and the digital data collection. The leading ERP system from SAP delivers important data for further processing in HYDRA and receives compressed results.
To supplement the order-related functions, the machine status is automatically recorded in the HYDRA Machine Data module and displayed directly on the shop floor terminal. Furthermore, selfdeveloped measuring devices are connected to HYDRA via OPC, based on a Siemens control. At the same time, flexible and comprehensive evaluations (e. g. machine time profile or performance report) enable the behavioral analysis of specific machines as well as machine groups. Current KPIs such as the utilization efficiency are available at the push of a button.
In a second implementation phase, VACOM introduced the HYDRA Shop Floor Scheduling for the detailed planning of production orders and the HYDRA Personnel Scheduling. Since then, VACOM has dispatched all the operations transferred from the ERP to the available machines in accordance with defined parameters. The planner uses a combination of automatic assignment and manual optimization. In addition, various planning scenarios can be simulated. The horizontal integration ensured by HYDRA, enables the display of planned staff on the respective machines in the detailed planning. Also, checking availability of required staff is possible at certain workplaces. All in all, VACOM can now utilize machines much better and thus, can deploy personnel more efficiently.
VACOM is already planning the next steps to extend their HYDRA installation. For example, HYDRA Tool & Resource Management, in conjunction with HYDRA Shop Floor Scheduling, could map and plan the maintenance of machines and equipment in future. For VACOM, MES HYDRA is a central pillar on their way to Industry 4.0.
HYDRA in Use
- Interface to SAP ERP
- Ca. 25 HYDRA office clients
- Ca. 24 HYDRA shop floor clients (BDE/PZE Terminals)
- Ca. 14 connected machines