Remote diagnostics via SMS

The ferruTell project currently in development at the Swiss machinery manufacturer informs the customer right away when machine overhauls are necessary. ferruTell takes on the role of an electronic employee working around the clock.

When is the next service due? How many hours has the machine actually been in operation sealing cans? The ferruTell system by Ferrum provides the answers to these questions. In the current test phase, more than 20 can seamers have been successfully equipped with this system, which transmits the essential machine data. 

Supplying data around the clock
"You can think of ferruTell as an electronic employee, working all three shifts," says Martin Schürmann, the ferruTell project manager. At regular intervals, a device installed on the can seamer sends selected data to the Swiss headquarters – regardless of whether from Mexico, the USA, Brazil or Finland. 

Proactively informing the customer
Once the data has been evaluated, significant advantages result for the customer: "For example, we can inform the customer in advance when an overhaul will be necessary", explains Schürmann.
ferruTell also provides information on the seasonal load on the can seamer, making it possible for the customer to consciously schedule necessary overhauls for a slower time of year, as numerous producers in the beverage and food industries fill their products seasonally.

Routine maintenance during the "low season"
"It is not the device itself that translates into profit," says Schürmann. "The real difference lies in the fact that we can use the device to analyse relevant data and perform remote diagnostics regarding the state of the machine at any time." Both the customer and Ferrum Customer Support benefit, as with this system, Customer Support can schedule service technicians for routine maintenance according to season. With a push of the button, the service technician also starts his query for remote diagnostics per SMS. Before the technician has even arrived, he receives an e-mail informing him of the condition of the machine.

Statistical evaluations
Currently, ferruTell supplies around 60 machine parameters, including operating hours and seaming times. For instance, with this combined data, it is possible to establish which portion of the operating hours was actually spent seaming cans. 

Empirically evaluating important data
The same data can also be valuable for Ferrum in the Research and Development Department. With the ferruTell, messages can flow directly and continuously from the production hall into design optimisation.