MIC by SMARTPM: Smart automation aimed at generating value

ALL THE CONTROL AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGED FROM A SINGLE POINT MIC Core is the decision and management driver of the process/cell to be automated. From the information collected by the platform you can manage as many assets from said cell as its workflows from this module.
Thus, this module will include the following functionalities:

• Cell preparation and study of resource availability.
• Flexible management of plans and capacity.
• Automation of workflows and autonomous execution, sharing NC files, acting on handling equipment/robots.
• Quickly incorporating process changes (volume, processing route, part typology, etc.) and/or scalability thereof.
• Adaptability to different configurations both those of the machine and control of the work in progress (e.g. Wip management).
• Quality improvement, MIC Inspect, facilitating control in processes, reducing ‘good part at the first try’ ratios.

This module is the cornerstone for any configuration the customer wishes to implement.

SINGLE POINT FOR EASY INTERACTION WITH PROCESSES AND ASSETS MIC Front End es el módulo MIC Front End is the cell management interface with the environment. The application of this user-friendly solution with configurable profile to be adapted to different user profiles, will enable:

• Viewing key cell operation indicators, including equipment status, workflow status, parts being processed, finished parts, etc.).
• Both local and remote accessibility.
• Generation of customisable dashboards with dynamic contents, charts, etc.
• The option of launching events through MIC Core.
• Importing / Exporting data (work orders, planning, etc.), external systems such as ERP, MES, CAM, SCADA, PLM, etc., with the option of manual input.
• Alarm management.
• Traceability management; Characterisation of each critical component (feedstock, finished product, semi-finished product, tooling); and the option of identifying and locating, if applicable (option of working with different solutions: Barcode, QR, RFID, UWB).

Along with MIC Core, this is a critical module to provide clarity and transparency to cell management.

FACILITATING EQUIPMENT AND CELL INTEGRATION AND BIDIRECTIONAL INTERACTION This module manages cell interaction with the machining equipment integrated in that cell. It will enable viewing different configurations according to equipment type (MILL & TURN, GRIND, EDM, WIRE-CUT) and the number of pieces of equipment integrated in the cell.
This module will allow:

• Easy integration of assets with different configurations.
• Managing NC files with equipment, with the option of autonomous generation of CAM files.
• Modifying the machine parameters introducing corrections in an autonomous way.
• Autonomous generation of not only basic but also secondary operations with a robot.
• Defining equipment data flows to be captured to address MIC Data and MIC Front End module needs.
• PLC.

In sum, it contains different submodules configured as the MIC Core interface with all pieces of equipment integrated in the cell.

PROCESS-INTEGRATED MULTITECHNOLOGY QUALITY TO MINIMISE BOTTLENECKS MIC Inspect represents our knowledge and experience in metrology applied to machining processes where precision requirements are crucial.
In response to the growing importance of quality management within the process, this MIC Inspect module provides autonomy and manages inspection, control and metrology assets associated in an integrated way as well as at the end of the line.

• Different technologies can be used to work in a consistent way, providing 360º vision.
• It introduces management of pre-setting sub-processes identified in work flows.
• Automation (e.g., reducing loading/unloading times, improving planning to avoid long periods of downtime), facilitates improving usage while extending hours of operation to minimise the risk of bottlenecks.

This module is the cornerstone for any configuration the customer wishes to implement.

MAXIMISING THE POTENTIAL OF DATA FOR DYNAMIC OPTIMISATION OF PROCESSES MIC Data comprising multiple submodules associated with data management, enables viewing and processing what happens in the cell (description) in real time, thus facilitating we understand what and why happens (analysis). The aims of this are: first to be able to diagnose inefficiencies and facilitate continuous improvement; and in the future, provide autonomy to the cell based on capabilities offered by AI.

• Active management of data quality and data normalisation.
• Integrable with different communication protocols.
• Mixed architecture – on-premises, edge & cloud.
• Ease data access and data export option.
• Accessible for external data processing modules (e.g. simulation tools).
• Flexible and scalable.
• Safe: incorporating security protocols according to industry standards.

FACILITATING AUTOMATION VALUE GENERATION IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME This module aims to facilitate tool management enabling implementation and configuration as well as maintenance and updating.
The MIC platform is a live solution which incorporates new modules and functionalities on a regular basis. This module allows easy management at the client’s premises to maintain their plant and equipment in perfect working order.
Thus, this module enables:

• Easy installation: software architecture is oriented to facilitate implementation so that projects are not endless, and the system can be operative when needed, reducing start-up costs.
• This user-friendly straightforward tool configuration enables the generation of automation routines without changing the code, and supported by a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and in wizards for change adjustment/introduction.
• Easy to maintain/update: it enables conducting software maintenance activities (installation, updating, configuration) both locally and remotely, in addition to minimising associated costs.