Rittal was one of the first German industry companies to be allocated the 5G frequency. It plans to build a private 5G mobile communications network at the new plant in Haiger this year. Pilot projects for production monitoring and analysis have already been drawn up.
The company is keen to install and commission the 5G mobile communications network in a real production environment in Haiger as soon as possible. The new radio technology should significantly accelerate and simplify data traffic – for example, by using video systems to check quantities against the order data and rolling out analytics for preventive maintenance.
“The powerful 5G mobile communications technology will enable us to maximise the potential and benefits of further digitalising our production processes. This will be the next step towards boosting the flexibility and efficiency of our production,” says Carsten Röttchen, Managing Director Production at Rittal.
The new 5G standard is capable of processing data at speeds of 10 gigabits per second, 100 times faster than with the current LTE standard. As a future technology, 5G promises even better interconnection and control of industrial production processes, while maximising the potential of Industry 4.0. “We anticipate that high bandwidths, low latencies, real-time capabilities, improved availability and outstanding reliability will lead to a further optimisation of production procedures in our plant, because once the initial test runs are complete, we will be able to integrate 5G technology into production-critical and control-relevant tasks,” explains Röttchen.
Edge cloud data centre now operational
In future, the data generated and required by sensors, components, machines or robots will be collated faster in an edge or cloud data centre and then analysed and evaluated using artificial intelligence (AI). The new plant in Haiger already has the required IT infrastructure in place. ONCITE, a high-MTBF, AI-based edge cloud data centre is now operational, providing fast, real-time processing and analysis of industrial data. This unique solution, recent winner of the Innovation Champions Award, is now commercially available. “We will offer 5G technology as a component of ONCITE to other customers as soon as the tests in Haiger have been successfully completed,” said Dr. Ritz, Managing Director of German Edge Cloud, a member of the Friedhelm Loh Group.
“We are in the starting blocks. As soon as the manufacturers of 5G technology make suitable equipment available, we will be able to take the next steps. We expect the technology for the first test runs to be in place by the end of 2020,” explains Andreas Huck, President Controlling, Accounting, HR and IT at Rittal.
Highly automated production in Haiger
With more than 100 high-tech machines and plant components on its 24,000 m2 site, the new Rittal plant in Haiger produces around 9,000 AX compact enclosures and KX small enclosures per day in a highly automated process. This entails processing some 35,000 tonnes of steel each year.
Superordinate control systems already link the machines and handling systems into a communications network based on Industry 4.0 standards. The factory operates 20 driverless transport systems. Packaging, labelling and transportation to the distribution centre are likewise all automated. By installing knowledge-based systems that learn continuously, in future downtime will be reduced, servicing and maintenance predictively planned, and malfunctions in the ingenious production process minimised.
Digitalised order handling ensures availability of the standard portfolio and accessories in the Global Distribution Center. From customer to customer – seamless data, configuration and engineering at the customer’s premises, plus delivery and servicing.
The most recent the FLG Seniors’ Club meeting demonstrated that good relationships with colleagues and interest in the company’s progress are maintained even after retirement. Over 170 former employees of the family-owned enterprise accepted an invitation by Chairman Jürgen Graf to visit the state-of-the-art Rittal plant in Rittershausen followed by an informal evening in the local village hall.
Innovation after innovation: from the first standard enclosure to the AI edge data centre.
In the village hall, the guests were welcomed by Prof. Loh, who shared some exciting prospects for the future: “Family-owned enterprises build long-term relationships spanning generations,” explained Prof. Loh. “This is why we must stay on the ball and drive innovations forward, so that we can build on the successful achievements of those here this evening, carry it forward, and expand on it for future generations.” The company, he said, must weather the challenging economic situation and overcome the numerous obstacles to global trade – no easy task. Rapid digital progress is opening up brand new opportunities in this regard. But it’s also worth remembering that, “We cannot afford to stand still, or else we will be overtaken even more quickly.”
Progress at the Friedhelm Loh Group extends far beyond the products themselves. “By collaborating closely, Rittal and Eplan have scrutinised every aspect of panel building and switchgear manufacturing processes. We now support our customers across their entire value chain.”
Prof Loh also outlined the company’s latest activities in a brand new segment to his audience: Companies from the Friedhelm Loh Group in collaboration with Bosch Connected Industry have unveiled the first real-time, data-sovereign, AI-based edge data centre for the industrial production data processing: ONCITE. “This meets a key requirement for future value creation with data – for our group, and for German industry as a whole.”
This family entrepreneur values the opportunity to catch up with former employees very highly. He has supported the Seniors’ Club since its foundation in 2001.
Industry 4.0 has arrived in Dietzhölztal
Plant Director Norbert Peter updates the audience on production progress at Rittershausen and Ewersbach. For the production of its new VX25 large enclosure system, Rittal converted its Rittershausen plant to an ultra-modern future-proof enclosure factory while remaining operational. High-tech production lines equipped with artificial intelligence which are able to learn, plan, and optimise maintenance – a vision of the future which has already become a reality at Rittershausen. In neighbouring Ewersbach, too, everything is in place for the future of the company and that of the region. Among other things, the new factory will manufacture IT containers for modular data centres and enclosure systems made from stainless steel. Around 140 new jobs were created in Ewersbach as a result. Norbert Peter’s comments reflected his enormous personal respect. “I don’t usually get excited about presentations, but this is a very special occasion. Among the audience, I can see many people I first met decades ago as a young recruit.”
Staying active in retirement
The FLG Seniors’ Club has more than 600 members. In spring and autumn each year, former employees get together to discuss the latest news and reminisce. This keeps them in touch with the group long after their active employment has ended. As well as joint excursions and factory visits, the seniors appreciate visits from former colleagues on their birthdays. The ex-employees are also actively involved in a range of social projects, explains Heidi Bastian, who heads up the work of the Seniors’ Club at the Loh Academy, the Group’s in-house training facility.