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Z.magazine 2016
Where is ZOLLER positioning itself in the general
environment of Industry 4.0?
We have always looked at the complete production
environment as a whole and have sought to ensure
that our products—software as well as machines—
are capable of exchanging data in a seamless man-
ner. ZOLLER can adapt to meet all requirements. These
range from different formats to a variety of trans-
mission routes and technologies, and our versatility
and adaptability makes us unique on a worldwide ba-
sis. Regardless of whichever new system may come
along at some future date, ZOLLER will be able to incor-
porate it. In that respect, from day one, we have made a
tradition of thinking in a future-oriented way. Which of
course also embraces the aims of Industry 4.0.
The topic of automation is of great significance for the
Smart Factory of the future. What does ZOLLER have in its
arsenal for this sector?
Well, we have our automation solution, known as
»roboSet«, for tool inspection and measurement. And
we supply this system together with a comprehensive
set of documentation. In particular for companies with
a high level of tool throughput, this system is ideal
for the Smart Factory concept—tools are inspected
24 hours a day and machines can run non-stop. That
delivers enormous benefits to production.
ZOLLER is also actively engaged in research. What do you
perceive the real benefits of projects like SmartTool to be?
Cyber-physical systems enable us to optimize the
tooling systems associated with increasingly com-
plex production operations. The aim here is to have
the required data available throughout the entire tool
circuit—without duplication. A system like SmartTool
simplifies this. As does the recording of performance-
evaluating KPIs such as the throughput time of tools.
What specific contribution is ZOLLER making to Industry 4.0?
The latest version of TMS Tool Management Solutions,
version 1.15, incorporates a full set of inventory records
for individual tool components. This unique designation
of components is an essential requirement for Industry 4.0,
coupled with z.One, the central database from ZOLLER.
The digital twin of the tool is available in a complete
form, right across the board.
Generally speaking, why should companies choose
ZOLLER as their partner for Tool Management 4.0?
I would cite three reasons for this: Firstly, ZOLLER solu-
tions are easy to integrate in existing systems, and are
easy to incorporate in the extended versions of the fu-
ture. Secondly, because ZOLLER products can be com-
bined with one another, and are based upon a modular
structure. And lastly because ZOLLER offers expandable
systems that are future-capable. All in all, we
are able to offer our customers peace of mind
with their capital investments. They will still be able to
depend upon ZOLLER products in the future.
Interview with Alexander Zoller,
CEO, E. Zoller GmbH & Co. KG
“Regardless of which new
system may appear in the
future, ZOLLER will also be
able to incorporate it“
Alexander Zoller, CEO of E. Zoller GmbH & Co. KG
READY FOR 4 .0
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