#Industry 4.0 / Digitalization

2023-11-16

Earning money with data? Lenze demonstrates how.

The “SPS – smart production solutions” in Nuremberg is THE trade fair for automation in Europe. At the Lenze booth 391 in Hall 7 it is all about the digitalization of mechanical engineering this year. In four steps - from data collection and analysis to the development of data-driven, scalable products and a platform that facilitates the implementation of application in the field - the automation experts from Hamelin will showcase how they collaborate with customers to generate additional revenue for them.

The first step focuses on transparency. Machine operators and manufacturers need to identify the machine's error, why did it stopp, and whether the issue arises e.g. from the cylinder or the motor. Thanks to the cloud-based X4 remote platform, the machine builders and their customers can jointly examine the machine in real time, identify faults, and reduce warranty costs. The data for this is derived from the PLC and can be analyzed and visualized in the cloud. Here OEE & Downtime Tracking comes into play: a digital product that enhances transparency in the production process without requiring extra hardware or sensors. The OEE is computed within the control system. Live data is displayed on an HMI - even without a cloud connection - and can be customized. The availability of these dashboards can also serve as an additional source of income for machine manufacturers.

WhatsApp for servicing is not digitalization.

The second step involves the asset performance platform, where once again, the machine manufacturer collaborates with the machine operator. Anyone who believes that a WhatsApp message from the customer to the service department represents a significant digital advancement is mistaken.

Lenze's Asset Performance Platform goes well beyond this: it stores information for all machines. The machine's structure is automatically transferred to the asset management system, ensuring that all relevant data sheets, manuals, and technical drawings are consistently available in their latest versions – even if they are not Lenze components. Information required for troubleshooting and repairs is no longer a matter of searching; it is instantly accessible at all times. This digital twin also helps in preventing errors when replacing components through asset management, thereby reducing downtimes. Ticket management takes the place of the WhatsApp message. An error ticket can be generated either manually or automatically by the machine. The service department can use the dashboard to monitor the status of all tickets and prioritize them accordingly. The machine operator employs the archived tickets to build a knowledge database.

The third step is aimed at more customized solutions. The usual number of data points from the PLC is often insufficient for predictive applications. Therefore, Lenze utilizes inverters as sensors, which provide high-resolution data at a frequency of up to 16 kHz. At this juncture, Lenze engineers collaborate with the machine manufacturer to create a data-driven product for the end customer. This could include a vibration detection system, an unbalance alarm system, or a product capable of predicting the condition of a saw or a blade. In conjunction with the Asset Performance Platform, spare parts can also be made available. This way, Lenze evolves into a comprehensive partner for the machine manufacturer and also offers development capabilities.

The fourth step involves swiftly deploying the developed models as digital products in the field. Lenze has introduced the Nupano open automation platform to keep track of the installed base, ensuring knowledge of where and in which version the algorithms and trained models are running at the edge layer.

Nupano closes the gap between the IT and OT domains.?

Lenze also provides the way for innovative digital business models through Nupano. This open automation platform enables machine builders to incorporate applications into their machines throughout the entire lifecycle and manage them effortlessly.

Nupano leverages open and established IT architectures. Even machine builders without IT expertise can create Docker-based software apps, deploy them on production machines in the field, and manage them. Since customers can access both applications and a digital twin representation of the machine on the platform, they can seamlessly integrate information technology (IT) with operational technology (OT) to generate real added value.

Lenze at ITMA Asia 2025: Smart, Robust and Cost-Efficient Motor Drive System IE5/IE6 for the Textile Future

At the world's largest trade fair for textile and apparel technology, ITMA Asia (October 28-31, 2025 in Singapore), Lenze will be presenting innovative automation solutions for the textile value chain in Hall 7, Stand B201. The focus will be on energy-efficient drive packages, modular machine concepts and scalable software solutions - developed for mechanical engineers and end users who rely on sustainable technologies. Lenze has been a reliable partner to the textile industry for over 77 years.

New alliance for high-performance drive technology

The Lenze Group, international specialist for drive technology and automation solutions, and Sonepar in Germany, leading electrical wholesaler, have entered into a sales partnership with a focus on innovation and market penetration. Since 1 July 2025, Sonepar has been an official "Lenze Performance Partner Distribution" - with the aim of bringing innovative drive solutions to industry faster and more comprehensively.

From spinning to finishing - Lenze makes textile machines more efficient

"Transforming the World of Textiles" - this is the motto of the world's largest trade fair for textile and apparel technology, ITMA 2023 in Milan (June 08 - 14). It shows: The textile industry is undergoing change. High demands on the sustainability and flexibility of machines, enormous cost pressure and a shortage of skilled workers pose major challenges for machine manufacturers and operators. Digitalization can provide a remedy here. At ITMA, automation specialist Lenze will therefore be presenting not only hardware and software, but also its digital services and platform offerings.

Mango joins TextileGenesis pioneering traceability solution, a Lectra company, for a transparent value chain

Mango, one of the leading international fashion groups, has joined TextileGenesis, the pioneering traceability solution for the fashion and textile industries, to trace their natural and animal fibers, synthetics, man-made cellulosic fibers and leather. TextileGenesis, a Lectra company, offers a complete and secure cutting-edge technology with its six-dimensional (6D) offering and unique “fiber forwards” approach. Mango, has long been committed to maintaining a fully transparent supply chain, and TextileGenesis will reinforce this commitment.

Reifenhäuser wins German Design Award for new user interface

At K 2025 in Düsseldorf, the Reifenhäuser Group unveiled its new company-wide machine user interface, which offers a uniform design language for blown film, flat film, and nonwoven lines – and stands out for its particularly simple operation. The overall concept impressed not only customers, but also the jury of the German Design Awards, who honored the system with the prestigious design prize during the trade fair.

Catching heart disease early with AI-based sensor system

It slips on like a normal vest: Fraunhofer IZM has created a smart sensor system in cooperation with the Charité and the Technical University of Berlin. The vest records a vast array of cardiovascular parameters, which an AI-based system uses to support medical diagnostics and spot potentially dangerous developments.

ICAC to collaborate with Uzbekistan and Bizpando on regenerative agriculture

The Government of Uzbekistan has allocated 55,000 hectares of land to implement a regenerative agriculture program for cotton as part of a collaborative project with the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) and Bizpando, a company with a a blockchain-based internet platform designed to ensure supply chain compliance.