Cloud solution for digital services and value-added services

Data generated by the plant control system is transmitted to the cloud via a secure connection. Here, they are stored, analyzed, and intelligently linked according to the latest technologies and infrastructures. Visualization is provided in the form of a dashboard on desktop or tablet. (Image source: Ecoclean GmbH)

The innovative cloud solution CareConnect for the digitalization of cleaning systems enables the optimization of process safety, system availability, production planning, and overall equipment effectiveness. (Image source: Ecoclean GmbH)

The advancing digitalization and networking of manufacturing processes are transforming production. This also includes component cleaning. The innovative cloud solution CareConnect by Ecoclean for the digitalization of cleaning systems enables process safety, system availability, production planning, and overall equipment effectiveness to be optimized, thereby contributing to improved productivity and competitiveness.

The fourth industrial revolution is in full swing. It is characterized by increasing digitalization and networking of machine and system components, as well as products, value chains, and business models. The goal is to optimize operational efficiency, create better competitive conditions, generate further growth, and thus secure the future viability of companies. This also presents new challenges for industrial part cleaning. Among these is the intelligent use of data from the continuous recording, control, and documentation of various system parameters such as pressure, temperatures, power consumption, and operating hours, which are already state of the art today. Ecoclean has developed the cloud solution CareConnect for this purpose, into which multiple cleaning systems can be integrated for comprehensive fleet management.

Comprehensive information about systems and processes

Defined data generated by the system control are transmitted via a secure connection to the cloud. Here, they are stored, evaluated, and intelligently linked according to the latest technologies and infrastructures. Visualization is provided in the form of a dashboard on desktop or tablet.

For system operators, this innovative cloud solution offers various added values. For example, data related to the cleaning process as well as the operational data of the system, including the entire data history, can be accessed at any time, ensuring continuous documentation. From this information, quick and easy diagnostics can be derived in case of malfunctions without lengthy troubleshooting. Furthermore, the cloud solution enables the calculation of key performance indicators (KPIs) or performance metrics. For example, the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) or overall system efficiency indicates the system's availability and the efficiency with which it is operated. Based on this metric, it can be assessed whether the system can handle an expected increase in cleaning volume. This helps optimize the use of production resources and processes. The cloud also provides information on distillation performance, which in turn allows conclusions to be drawn about the quality of media preparation. Consumption data can reveal whether, for example, electricity consumption is within the usual range. Deviations may indicate, for example, that a component has failed. Additionally, in the event of a malfunction, the cloud allows for direct transmission of error messages from the system, reducing communication barriers. Unplanned system downtimes can be avoided through maintenance forecasts, as information is always available on how many batches remain to be cleaned or how many hours the system can still operate before the next maintenance is due. Furthermore, CareConnect enables seamless batch- or component-specific documentation of system and process conditions, as required in industries such as aerospace, medical technology, and automotive manufacturing.

High security and transparency

The data transfer from the PLC to the cloud occurs via an interface that meets the latest standards in data and communication security and can be easily integrated into existing IT systems. Users have full transparency regarding which data are collected and for what purpose. An additional security level has been implemented by providing read-only access to the system control. External interventions are practically excluded.

This, combined with the added value generated by the cloud solution, helps increase process safety and productivity of cleaning systems. The digitalization solution was initially implemented for the EcoCcore solvent system and is continuously being expanded to include other system types.