Digitalised, automated and networked production processes to increase efficiency are becoming an increasingly important competitive factor in the textile and clothing industry and in textile machinery manufacturing.

Find out more about Industry 4.0 approaches in textile production and the associated benefits. We provide you with knowledge about practical solutions and share your needs and experiences in the discussion.
 

New production systems have a large number of sensors. These permanently supply data on process and quality parameters. This data can be used to monitor more than just production processes. It is also possible to analyse the production process in order to optimise production quality and production resources (energy, materials, etc.).

Analysing and processing the data enables conclusions to be drawn about machine conditions and can therefore be used for necessary machine maintenance.

Main topics:

• Machine and process data acquisition in the textile industry
• Machine data analysis for predictive maintenance
• Analysis and modelling of production processes
• Utilisation of artificial intelligence

Intelligent, networked devices in textile production with diverse machinery harbour many opportunities and potentials. In order to recognise these, it is necessary to understand how web technologies and interfaces work and the associated requirements.

Machine statuses, order and product data or even localisation data for operating equipment – how can these physical situations be made available on the intranet? And how can data sources and web-based services be combined and visualised to create added value for the user? Graphical programming systems on an open-source basis can usefully supplement existing ERP and PPS systems.

Main topics:

• Terminology at a glance: Networking, retrofitting, information technology assistance systems, low code programming (programming without IT knowledge)
• Introduction to the graphical development tool Node-RED with live programming
• Demonstration of various Node-RED applications and explanation of the programme code
• Programming a sample application: Load machine data table, save in database and visualise

In the context of increasing automation, mobile and stationary robot systems are increasingly moving into the focus of textile manufacturing companies, also due to falling investment costs. They are intended to help make handling, logistics and production processes more efficient.

In particular, the handling of bendable textiles by robot systems poses a special challenge. We also want to discuss with you the occupational safety in the cooperation between humans and robots, the programming of robots and the simulation during planning and commissioning.

Main topics:

• Automated handling of textiles with robots
• Implementation of robotics applications with the help of programming and simulation environments
• Smart logistics systems in textile production (AGV)
• 3D simulation of production and intralogistics

We already encounter many possibilities for wireless communication and thus identification in everyday life. Why shouldn't Bluetooth, NFC or RFID also optimise production in practice?

These and other technologies will be shown to you – not only in theory, but also using practical demonstrators. In addition to the necessary requirements for their use, we will also highlight the advantages and disadvantages as well as the technical limitations of the systems.

Main topics:

• Terminology at a glance
• Types and possible applications of identification systems in everyday life and in industrial practice
• Experimenting with different technologies and example programming of an Auto-ID system
• Identification/localisation systems for implementing batch tracking in textile production (RFID)

Only a solid database makes it possible to make business decisions that go beyond gut feeling. Real and up-to-date process and machine data is therefore the basic prerequisite for improving production processes. Data from heterogeneous sources must be brought together and processed in one system.

Following, data will be analysed by using useful key figures. The results include improved data quality and error analysis, less documentation work and improved forecasting options.

Main topics:

• Terminology at a glance
• Types of data sources and options for storing, processing and analysing data

A smart factory is hardly conceivable without software systems that help to digitalise the production process and even the entire value chain. There are various planning and monitoring systems. The terms ERP, MES and CRM are used here.

Main topics:

• Terminology at a glance
• Tasks and purpose of the individual systems
• Cooperation and dependencies of the systems