The proALPHA software company is an active member of SmartFactoryKL. We talked with Dr. Markus Berg, Manager R&D Production, about the software company’s commitment and technical contributions to the PL 4.0 demonstrator.
Why did proALPHA become a Silver Partner in the development of the new demonstrator?
The demonstrator shows how to properly implement Industrie 4.0 and achieve the digital transformation. Together with SSmartFactoryKL, we make digitalization tangible for visitors to the facility. And that’s exactly what we’re all about: We don’t want to just talk about autonomous production. We want to give it a physical presence. The demonstrator is the perfect vehicle to do that.
Why is the SmartFactory Technology Initiative important to proALPHA as a (strategic) partner?
The SmartFactoryKL enables the exchange of ideas with companies and experts from other subject areas. It combines practical experience and knowledge with the latest research results and the focus is always on the digitalized, smart production plant. This combination is what interests us and it explains exactly why the SmartFactoryKL is an important partner for us.
What is proALPHA’s technical involvement in the new demonstrator?
proALPHA provides an interface between business process management and manufacturing levels: An integrated product configurator – browser-based and with interactive 3-D previewer – lets the operator custom design a USB memory stick. A communication interface from and to the ERP system is based on REST and MQTT and ensures reliable synchronization of all order and feedback data.
How does proALPHA view its future cooperation with SmartFactoryKL?
The demonstrator shows how to properly implement Industrie 4.0 and achieve the digital transformation. Together with SmartFactoryKL, we make digitalization tangible for visitors to the facility. And that’s exactly what we’re all about. We don’t just want to talk about automation. We want to give it a physical presence. The demonstrator is the perfect vehicle to do that.
About proALPHA
For more than 25 years, proALPHA has been satisfying clients with software that truly moves them forward. Besides SMEs from production and retail, the proALPHA Group today supports users from various other sectors. Every day, around 1,200 employees help 4,500 clients around the world make progress in their digital transformation. The powerful integrated ERP solution forms the digital backbone by networking and controlling systems and processes along the entire value chain. Other solutions from certified partners, such as access control, factory and machine data capture, and data analysis can be directly connected and implemented. www.proalpha.de