Sacmi HERE: A modular, scalable approach to digitalization

A modular, scalable approach, with immediate tangible benefits. From 'overview' functions to integrated control of production flows, Sacmi HERE makes manufacturing better and faster by optimising every stage of production and creating a new ecosystem that interlinks technology, people and processes.

HERE is a Sacmi-developed digital manufacturing software package that allows fully digital control of factory flows. HERE has been configured as the link between the production environment and the ERP, letting manufacturers control all production-side data flows and optimise all-round factory control by producing better and faster, reducing inefficiencies and automating the entire production flow.

HERE implements advanced MES (manufacturing execution system) functions and acts as the infrastructural link between the Information Technology and Operational Technology levels of the plant. Installable on either a physical or virtual server, the system gives customers excellent access control and has been designed according to strict cyber-security criteria.

The key advantage of the system is its modularity, which lets customers take a gradual approach to digitalization and enjoy immediate, evident benefits. The first step involves the implementation of overview functions: these let users monitor, via a simple interface that can be consulted on fixed or mobile devices (smartphone, tablet), all essential plant data via the calculation of KPIs and real-time identification of the causes of any problems.

The second step consists of upgrading the system to encompass actual MES functions – process control traceability, quality, energy analysis and maintenance management. In its most advanced configuration, Sacmi HERE interfaces with the client's ERP and calculates product requirements, optimising the different stages of production via recipe management and advanced operational scheduling functions.

Sacmi aims to operate on the market not just as a provider of software and plant engineering solutions but also as an all-round plant digitalization partner. Provision of the HERE solution always begins with a detailed analysis of the company’s needs, from case-specific configuration of production flows to the benefits the client wants from the system. That's why Sacmi, in addition to offering a modular approach to digital ceramic manufacturing, can also develop made-to-measure configurations that are indispensable when progressing from an overview approach to implementation of true MES functions.

First launched a few years ago, HERE has since been installed by leading ceramic manufacturers worldwide and optimised on the basis of in-the-field-feedback. Key customer-confirmed advantages include, on the one hand, higher productivity and versatility, and optimised control of economic and environmental costs on the other. In short, a new cutting-edge ecosystem that allows seamless interaction of technology, people and processes.