Agricultural machinery and automated manufacturing
Pöttinger modernizes manufacturing in twelve weeks with CHECKitB4
Pöttinger replaced a flexible manufacturing system during ongoing operations. With a digital twin and CHECKitB4, a major part of commissioning was moved before the real machine run.
Pöttinger Landtechnik
Task
An existing flexible manufacturing system had to be replaced during ongoing production in only twelve weeks.
Solution
Four Heckert H75 machines, Promot automation and CHECKitB4 from Pimpel were combined with a realistic digital twin for virtual commissioning.
Customer value
Significantly shorter run-in phase, high process reliability from production start and around 20 percent more productivity.
Technical context
„For us, this investment is a clear commitment to the location. It shows that modern manufacturing, high quality and economic success can be combined in Austria when you are prepared to take new paths.“
User report
Pöttinger modernizes manufacturing in twelve weeks
Pöttinger Landtechnik replaced a highly automated manufacturing system during ongoing operations. The time frame was tight, the interventions in production were significant and the production start could not be left to classic run-in at the machine. CHECKitB4 and the digital twin moved a major part of commissioning into the virtual space.
Initial situation
Pöttinger is one of the internationally leading companies in agricultural machinery. At its Grieskirchen site, the family-owned company combines development, production and a high level of manufacturing depth. The existing system had reached its technological limits. At the same time, a time window opened to implement the replacement directly at the existing site.
Strategic decision
Instead of a retrofit, Pöttinger decided on a complete restart. The new manufacturing system with four Heckert H75 machines and a pallet and high-bay storage system from Promot was intended to increase productivity, flexibility and process reliability. The system change had to succeed during ongoing operations and was a clear commitment to Austria as a manufacturing location.
Virtual commissioning with CHECKitB4
Pimpel played a central role with CHECKitB4. The digital twin made it possible to check machine behavior, NC programs and critical sequences before the real production start. Commissioning was not secured only at the machine, but prepared, tested and digitally validated in a targeted way.
Project collaboration
Machine supplier Starrag Heckert, automation partner Promot and Pimpel worked towards one common goal: the new system should go into production not only mechanically installed, but digitally prepared. CHECKitB4 connected the real machine run with a virtual verification environment that secured the start.
Result
The highly automated manufacturing system was realized within twelve weeks. Virtual commissioning shortened the run-in phase, increased process reliability from production start and contributed to a productivity increase of around 20 percent.
User
Pöttinger Landtechnik is an Austrian family-owned company based in Grieskirchen. With around 2,200 employees and a high export share, the company stands for modern agricultural machinery, high manufacturing depth and a close link between development and production.
