Soltech, a company specializing in integrating solar panels within buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure, initially focused on research and development, aspired to develop into a fully industrialized manufacturing company. That’s where PDM stepped in to guide Soltech through a significant transformation, playing a vital role in industrializing and digitizing their processes.
With the help of PDM, Soltech achieved remarkable success. We reduced the implementation timeframe of Soltech’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES) by 50%, significantly decreasing their time-to-market. The project improved efficiency, and together, we established a digitized, paperless factory, laying the groundwork for future innovations.
Soltech adopts a custom make-to-order principle for solar panels, where each product varies in size, shape, and features, making scaling up extremely complex. Additionally, the reliance on manual, paper-based processes created delays, quality inconsistencies, and a lack of efficiency.
PDM took on the challenge by supporting Soltech through industrialization and digitalization. First, PDM helped Soltech select suitable suppliers for the string and lay-up machines used to produce solar panels, ensuring that these machines could handle the unique customization demands of Soltech’s make-to-order principle. The offers from various providers were carefully evaluated, and SOLTECH was able to make a well-informed choice of supplier.
Then, PDM moved to address the critical need for a digital solution. Implementing a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) was central to this shift. A manufacturing execution system (MES) is software designed to optimize manufacturing processes by monitoring, tracking, documenting, and controlling the entire production lifecycle. An MES improves quality control and increases uptime while also reducing inventory and costs. The system needed to be highly flexible, crucial in digitizing Soltech’s production process.
PDM collaborated closely with Soltech through multiple workshops, documenting every aspect of their production process and mapping the data flows. They identified the key data points necessary to ensure quality and efficiency.
Ultimately, 24Flow was chosen as the MES supplier, and PDM played a critical role as project coordinator, bridging the gap between Soltech and 24Flow.
With the new MES system in place, Soltech saw an improvement in operational efficiency, leading to a digitized, paperless factory. This digital overhaul enhanced productivity, reduced errors, and sped up the production process, allowing Soltech to decrease its time to market during its transformation to full-scale production.
One standout achievement was the expedited MES implementation, which took half the time typically required. It made it easier for new employees to navigate the production process, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
Key results include:
In summary, PDM expedited the implementation of the MES system, reducing the typical timeframe by fifty percent. Despite challenges such as Soltech’s relocation from Tienen to Genk and necessary modifications, PDM successfully executed an accelerated implementation, which contributed to a significant decrease in the time to market during Soltech’s shift to full-scale production.
Ultimately, the partnership between PDM and Soltech highlights the importance of strategic collaboration in the journey towards Industrial Excellence.
