From AMS we have told you aboutZEISS Piweb, a scalable software for reporting and statistical analysis that converts measurement data into meaningful results, allowing processes to be accelerated and constant monitoring of them.
Due to its extensive data collection capacity and flexibility in reporting, it dynamically correlates different events that occur during the manufacturing process.
In this space we share information about how the companyVolkswagenmanaged to revolutionize its production with the use of Piweb. If you are looking to learn more about this technology, you can write to us atsales@amsarg.com.ar
With the ZEISS PiWeb software, Volkswagen has managed to generate measurement reports considerably faster. However, this is just the beginning. The software enables the Group to establish innovative business models, from fully automated reporting processes to envisioning 100% virtual verification and functional analysis of assembly parts for the launch of a new series.
Measurement data of 15-cell vehicle bodies in the Iine system
Initially, measurement reports and analysis, as well as process optimization at the Volkswagen Group, were carried out with VW's own software. However, in many respects the software no longer met current requirements. “The software could not be extended with new functions nor was it really easy to use,” says Dr. Achim Schwan, Head of Meisterbock & Cubing at Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg. “In addition, it no longer complied with our strict data security policy.” Therefore, they began to look for a new and sustainable solution, which they found in ZEISS.
Quality managers at the vehicle manufacturing plants of all Volkswagen brands meet regularly in a working group to discuss topics relevant to the future. One of the topics they discussed was the acquisition of new reporting software. “Some colleagues from Porsche, Audi and three VW plants had already worked with ZEISS PiWeb and were very enthusiastic about it, both for its ease of use and stability as well as its scope of functionality,” recalls Dr. Schwan. “The product met our expectations from the first moment; no additional development would have been necessary.” This was a valuable advantage that made the switch from the old solution to the new one considerably easier. Now the software has been introduced as a default solution for the Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Seat brands.
Central database for manufacturing
The Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg has been using this software for more than a year. Local metrology teams feed the software with measurement data that provides quality control, especially of body manufacturing and assembly, for vehicle manufacturing. The measurement technology used to obtain the data does not matter. ZEISS PiWeb can collect and analyze the results of tactile, optical, manual and Industrial Tomography measurements, regardless of the manufacturer of the measuring device used. “At PiWeb, we store both measurement data from our online metrology systems and data from the measurement rooms,” explains Dr. Schwan. “At the Wolfsburg plant, measurement data from more than 20 measuring machines is centralized.”
Trunk Lid Reports: 70 Pages of Reports in Seconds
Dominik Koch, quality engineer for plastics technology at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, has experienced an increase in productivity thanks to the implementation of the new software. Reporting, once a tedious and laborious task, has become almost intuitive. On the trunk lid, it shows how quickly reports are produced with ZEISS PiWeb: "Previously, production had to wait a long time to receive the results. Now, consolidating the results into reports from all plants allows us to get the job done in a matter of seconds. Production colleagues are very happy to receive the results much faster than before and can therefore react to deviations much faster."
Visual reports: simple, interactive and in 3D
Dominik Koch demonstrates further advantages of ZEISS PiWeb using a control panel for which an inspection feature plan is already established. Inspections are performed for RPS alignment, aperture contour including flush and gap, optics cover spacing, and left and right side hole pattern. “My task was to create a meaningful report for all ZEISS PiWeb inspection features. Now I am doing the job very quickly, and much easier than before. I can interactively ‘create’ with just a few clicks whatever manufacturing colleagues need. And what happens if the inspection plan changes? “If the manufacturing team needs additional functional dimensions, e.g. e.g. If a tool needs to be aligned, I can quickly adjust the existing report without any problems,” says Dominik Koch.
International implementation
Since ZEISS is a global player, like Volkswagen, the advantages of ZEISS' global presence also become visible during implementation. Within 12 months, ZEISS PiWeb has been implemented in 15 plants, with only two to go. “The local employees are very happy, which is also due to the excellent software training,” confirms Dr. Schwan.
Future vision: use of data for disruptive business models
With the implementation of ZEISS PiWeb, Volkswagen is entering a completely new world in the evaluation of measurement data. “There is still a lot of potential to be discovered,” says Schwan. “We plan to integrate other areas and take advantage of thetolerance alarm functionavailable, but also new statistical evaluations andcorrelation analysis, all fully automated and synchronized in all plants." Finally, a virtual master template and virtual cubing in the cloud are even imagined, that is, a completely virtual control and functional analysis of assembly parts and accessories, both for the start of production and for analyzes during series production. "Currently, parts must be manufactured first and then transported from one plant to another. Imagine how many resources could be saved with virtualization: material, CO2, labor.” The automotive engineering of the future is within reach, and the Volkswagen Group is well positioned thanks to PiWeb.
Fountain:https://metrology.news/volkswagen-revolutionizes-quality-assurance-with-zeiss-piweb/
