Manufacturing transformation
The Challenge
Sheppee Industrial Automation, a manufacturer of glass bottles and jars, faced significant operational constraints due to lengthy template change times on their Nidec machinery. Every production switch required hours or even days to complete, creating bottlenecks that limited flexibility and responsiveness to customer demands. Without in-house expertise to integrate the necessary drivers, they needed a trusted technology partner who could modernise their systems efficiently.
Why speed mattered
In manufacturing, downtime directly impacts profitability and customer satisfaction. The lengthy template-swapping process prevented Sheppee from quickly adapting to different production runs, limiting their ability to respond to market demands. They needed a solution that could maintain compatibility with existing Nidec machinery whilst dramatically reducing changeover times and providing better visibility into equipment performance.
Our Approach
Custom GUI Development
Wolf Logic designed a user-friendly graphical interface that simplified the entire template-swapping process. The intuitive design eliminated complexity, allowing operators to execute changes that previously required extensive technical knowledge. By focusing on usability and efficiency, we transformed a time-intensive manual process into a streamlined operation that any trained operator could complete in minutes.
Nidec API Integration
Working with the latest Nidec APIs, we developed seamless integration with Sheppee's existing machinery. This approach ensured full compatibility whilst unlocking advanced functionality that wasn't previously accessible. The integration maintained the reliability of proven equipment whilst introducing modern capabilities that positioned Sheppee for continued technological advancement.
Real-Time Monitoring System
Our solution introduced comprehensive monitoring capabilities that provided unprecedented visibility into machine performance. The system tracks driver speeds continuously, identifying patterns that indicate potential wear and tear before failures occur. This proactive approach enables preventive maintenance, minimising unplanned downtime and extending equipment lifespan through data-driven decision-making.
Results And Impact
Revolutionary Time Savings
Template exchange times dropped by 90%, transforming operations that once took hours or days into processes completed in minutes. This dramatic improvement freed up production capacity, allowing Sheppee to respond quickly to customer requirements whilst maintaining quality standards across all production runs.
Enhanced Equipment Intelligence
Real-time monitoring capabilities provided Sheppee with continuous insights into driver performance and equipment condition. The wear and tear identification system enables proactive maintenance scheduling, preventing unexpected failures and optimising equipment longevity through informed intervention.
Operational Excellence
Minimised downtime and improved efficiency strengthened Sheppee's competitive position in the manufacturing sector. The modernised system not only solved immediate production challenges but established a foundation for future technology upgrades, ensuring Sheppee remains at the forefront of manufacturing innovation.