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TwinCAT Chat integrates LLMs into the automation environment

How to calculate digital transformation ROI

πŸ“… Date:

✍️ Author: Paxton Shantz

πŸ”– Topics: digital transformation, supervisory control and data acquisition, manufacturing execution system, enterprise resource planning

🏒 Organizations: Beckhoff Automation


To simplify and prioritize the digital vision, first consider how digital transformation for manufacturing integrates three key business components:

  • Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), programmable logic controller (PLC) and control (machine automation)
  • Manufacturing execution system (MES), which includes: (part traceability, machine monitoring and machine management, i.e., recipes and so on)
  • Enterprise resource planning (ERP), which includes: (AP/AR, raw materials, purchase orders, inventory, scheduling and tracking).

Achieving large profitability and competitive gains requires seamless integration of three business components. However, it is important to begin at the machine automation level, then incorporate the MES and finally the ERP. The reason for following this path is based on data requirements but also because it is the easiest path for development.

Read more at Plant Engineering

Machine learning optimizes real-time inspection of instant noodle packaging

πŸ“… Date:

πŸ”– Topics: AI, machine vision, quality assurance

🏭 Vertical: Food

🏒 Organizations: Beckhoff Automation


During the production process there are various factors that can potentially lead to the seasoning sachets slipping between two noodle blocks and being cut open by the cutting machine or being packed separately in two packets side by side. Such defective products would result in consumer complaints and damage to the company’s reputation, for which reason delivery of such products to dealers should be reduced as far as possible. Since the machine type upgraded by Tianjin FengYu already produced with a very low error rate before, another aspect of quality control is critical: It must be ensured that only the defective and not the defect-free products are reliably sorted out.

Read more at Beckhoff Blog