Digital platforms connect shops, OEMs for max machine utilization

Central communications platforms provide fast, comprehensive Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity. According to Eric Ostini, head of business development at GF Machining Solutions North America, these systems have gained special appeal in industries such as medical part production because they’re under constant pressure to record information and validate machining processes.

“Direct Internet connectivity represents the future of end user-machine builder relationships,” Ostini says. “The goal is to ensure a shop’s machine is running, cutting parts, and generating profit for the maximum amount of time available.”

GF Machining Solutions (GFMS) recently launched its My rConnect platform engineered for its EDM, milling, and laser texturing machines. The platform is completely cloud-based, so if a computer is connected to the same network as a shop’s current GFMS machine, that machine is connected to My rConnect. GFMS machines without network access that are connected to the Internet can also use the platform.

Shops can contact GFMS for service calls for machines not previously connected by the older PC version of rConnect software. Users can update a machine’s profile with any service information, record repair issues, and obtain updated machine documentation. Additionally, My rConnect is password protected and includes extended protection with the system verifying user identity via text message or email code.

My rConnect provides a virtual link between a machine and the company’s service and support team, often eliminating the need for a technician to travel to a customer’s shop. When problems occur with networkable machines, shops create an event for that issue, and a service engineer will log in and ask for permission to access and view the machine via a live remote-assist function to diagnose the machine’s problems.

For non-networkable GFMS machines, the process is basically the same. However, once a GFMS service engineer connects using a remote-assist function, the operator and GFMS service engineer can use an audio, video, chat, and digital whiteboard to communicate and resolve the problem.

From these service calls, GFMS can record data for how a service problem was resolved. If the same problem occurs but with a different customer, the database allows the service engineer to quickly diagnose and fix the problem.

My rConnect also allows users to create groups, such as for machines in various production locations. Then, customers can request any related documentation for a specific machine and then download it.

With a machine network connected to My rConnect, GFMS can push new apps and updates directly to a customer’s machines.

The Job Recorder app for wire EDMs and a version for its milling machines lets shops generate efficiency reports based on how much time during a day a machine worked on certain jobs.

The Machine Dashboard app shows real time machine status – running, paused, or off. For machines running, it shows the job being done, how long the machine has been working on it, and all the previous jobs on that machine and how long each has taken.

Digital platforms offer manufacturers a complete overview of assets, whether that’s one machine or several located in multiple facilities. From there, Manufacturers can manage machine service cases, conference, and communicate remotely with service technicians, access machine documentation, and track data – ensuring maximum machine tool utilization.

GF Machining Solutions
https://www.gfms.com
Learn more about My rConnect