IK4-IKERLAN works with Fagor Arrasate in development of its innovative digitalization system

IK4-IKERLAN technological facility has worked with Guipuzcoan cooperative Fagor Arrasate in the development of its new digital platform for analysis and storage of data that will enable remote monitoring of the status of machines worldwide.

This system will enable Fagor Arrasate to get a leading position of Industry 4.0, with the improvement of maintenance service of equipment, anticipating to problems such as operation issues and unplanned outages and increasing its useful life.

With the aid of sensors installed in machines, the new system monitors its condition and activity and sends the information through Internet to a cloud platform where data is collected, unified and processed. This platform located in the cloud is connected to an interface with an advanced system of alarms and reports informing the condition of machines in real time and alerts possible operation issues.

The project started in 2015 and is currently under development. During this period, the technological centre has applied the latest IoT,  technologies in big data, cybersecurity, condition monitoring and web applications in the industrial environment to reach a solution enabling management and analysis of large amount of data. In this case, IK4-IKERLAN is putting special emphasis on communication safety, which must be protected to prevent malfunctioning and provide protection against potential cyberattacks.

“The platform, fully designed and developed by Fagor Arrasate in collaboration with IK4-IKERLAN must ensure collection, processing and visualization of a very large amount of data in a reliable and safe manner”, Aron Pujana said, responsible for the Control and Monitoring team of the technological center.

Until recently, the market did not offer a comprehensive technological solution customizable to Fagor Arrasate needs. “We must face a significant challenge that requires all of our knowledge in the information technology and communication environment, as well as maintenance intelligent systems based on monitorization of mechanical asset condition,” adds Pujana.

New business lines for Fagor Arrasate

Collaboration between both entities is expected to enlarge the current offer of company services and open a new business line. “Apart from the sale of a machine, the technological platform will enable Fagor Arrasate to increase its useful life with post-sale advanced services such as remote maintenance or correction of issues”, Pujana said.

In this context, the company specialized in the manufacturing of machines and tools expects to improve its competitive edge.

“With the development of this new platform, we managed to perform remote monitoring of the press condition, which represents advancement in terms of service quality for our customers. Collaboration with IKERLAN-IK4 represents an advancement in the digitalization of our activity, increasing our know-how in order to evolve within Industry 4.0 paradigm”, David Chico, Director of Innovations and Technology in Fagor Arrasate. “This will also provide for a more proactive attitude towards the customer and added value”, he concluded.

The solution has already been successfully tested by several Fagor Arrasate customers and different demos in international fairs have been shown.