Bauma: Digitalization in the precast concrete plant with UniCAM.23

Unitechnik is setting new standards in the precast concrete industry at BAUMA 2022: With UniCAM.23, the Wiehl-based supplier for industrial automation is presenting the latest version of its production control computer. With a modernized appearance and many new functions, the solution clearly stands out from its predecessor UniCAM.10. In addition to improvements in paperless manufacturing and cycle time homogenization, the main focus is on a new software structure with various dashboards. With their help, the performance and availability of the system are to be increased.

In accordance with the motto “added value from data”, Unitechnik supports companies from the precast concrete industry in optimizing their processes with UniCAM.23. Intelligent, partly AI-based algorithms evaluate existing information. Via the visualization on the dashboard, various questions can be answered and thus the availability and performance of the plant can be increased. For example, maintenance staff can use the systematic evaluation of fault messages to identify and eliminate weak points in the plant. Trends indicate whether the situation is deteriorating even before a breakdown occurs – keyword predictive maintenance. The display of plant performance over time and its comparison with other parameters helps the plant manager to identify organizational weaknesses or draw conclusions about an optimal job mix.

Eliminating errors before concreting

In addition to a functioning process, control and documentation are important elements of quality management. Using the “Element Check Pro” function, the worker is shown an exact and true-to-scale photo of the pallet and can overlay it with the CAD data. The individual levels of the element data, such as “reinforcement” and “fixtures”, can be shown or hidden. Deviations in the position and completeness of the parts can thus be easily identified and corrected. Any deviations are documented via comments and archived together with the image. For this purpose, employees insert comments at any position of the photo. UniCAM.23 offers a similar procedure after the elements have been lifted off. After the final physical inspection, comments can be stapled to the graphic image of the element. If a complaint then comes from the construction site, a few clicks in UniCAM.23 are enough to view the entire history of the element.

Stock management made easy

Another new feature is the “Easy Storage” function. Under this name, storage management, which has already been implemented in many projects on a customer-specific basis, becomes an integral part of UniCAM.23. The function enables the individual creation of an outdoor storage topology. Elements are placed in a free space and booked to the storage location by means of a forklift terminal. They can then be found again via the order number. Another advantage is offered to customers who want to load their outdoor storage area via a gantry crane: The connection of automatic storage and conveyor technology is prepared with “Easy Storage” and is implemented on a customer-specific basis.

Unitechnik enables manufacturer-independent retrofit

With UniCAM.23 embedded, it will also be possible in the future to provide UniCAM functionalities under a third-party host computer – for example, on the Beckhoff PC of the shuttering robot controller and as a mini-PC in the control cabinet. This innovation enables a variety of retrofit scenarios and gives plant operators the option of combining systems from different manufacturers.

With UniCAM.23, Unitechnik Systems is launching software that can be operated more intuitively and used more flexibly. The software structure meets the highest IT security requirements and offers the latest platform technology. The continuous further development of the solution is based on the needs from operational practice and aims to increase productivity and quality in the precast concrete plant. The latest functions can be retrofitted more easily in the future. Unitechnik will present UniCAM.23 from October 24 to 30 at BAUMA 2022 in hall B1 at booth 151 – near the West entrance.

For more information, please visit: https://www.en.unitechnik.com/info-center/news.html