When we look at the changes in the industry at the present moment, many industrialists and entrepreneurs are paying attention to the Industry 4.0 trend which is the talk of the digital world. However, we must consider each period of change as well.
Many people talk about Industry 4.0 as though it were the big revolution to completely change the business model without explaining what to achieve, how to plan, how to implement and how to measure. Nevertheless, Mr. , Managing Director, CNC Design Co., Ltd. has given a very interesting perspective: It depends on the time line. There are people who consider Industry 4.0 as one big revolution which will completely change how we do business without explaining what happens on the ground. There are people who completely get confused with word “revolution” and think nothing will happen. I think that Industry 4.0 is a continuation of upgrade of your business with new technologies and features. In this era, it is not just machines and their process because a larger picture will emerge for your design/manufacturing process. My suggestion is not to be overwhelmed by the current trend. You should plan and implement the digitalization so that your business can benefit. After 2-3 years of initial discussion, people are now ready and willing to embrace these new technologies related to their work.
Q1: With regards to the rapid changes in the industry, what kind of service did the company develop for the customers? What are the new technologies to be presented to the customers so that they could get benefit from such technologies?
We work in two layers. The first is the normal way, by offering new trends and technologies on machines we work on. These are related to how we operate the machine, store data, improve productivity and part accuracy, finish etc. Customer can feel direct benefits of these. For example, our new generation control systems can give better finish for a mould.
The second is related to our core technical competence and it is related to our internal working. Our technologies are loaded into the second-hand machines which were imported from Europe or Japan. We can utilize parts from other regions and we use our technical expertise to make these machines better. This is the real strength of our company. Most of these are not directly visible to the customer but this is why our machines work as though they were new after revamping.
Q2: When the industrial trend 4.0 finally arrives in every industry, can the modification of machinery according to the “Retrofit” model improve the machinery to keep up to date with the trend?
Actually “retrofit” is the best and cheapest way to upgrade your machine to make ready for Industry 4.0. As you know, there have been many changes in data acquisition/collection and all these changes happen through the control system. As the mechanical structure of the machine remains the same, the best way forward is to retrofit the machine with a new controls system or with new sensor or both. It will provide a gateway to Industry 4.0 as well as removes the problem of obsolescence. As we use controllers by Siemens which has pioneered Industry 4.0, it is easy for our customers to move forward with us.
Q3: What kind of changes are there when you relocated your new office and what kind of benefits have your customers got out of these changes?
The main purpose of our new premises is to offer a complete solution to our customers. We started as a retrofit and service Company but now we have moved on and we can offer total solutions from retrofit, mechanical revamping, re-engineering, special machine development, mechatronics, robotic machining and Industry 4.0 Digitalization. This whole solution suite requires a dedicated premises for such operations as well as for our customers to visit and see. As you know, our strength lies in doing what we have to offer and customers would like to see that before believing it.
Q4: In METALEX 2018, what kind of plan has the company done regarding the presentation of solutions in this event?
In METALEX 2018 we are showing our machine upgrade and our showcase includes assemblies as part of actual upgrade. We are for the first time showing machining with robot for light cutting applications. In addition we display new machines with Sinumerik.
