International Metalworking News for Asia April issue is now LIVE!

The pandemic continues to grow. More than 175 countries and territories have reported cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Governments have launched unprecedented public-health and economic responses. The situation evolves by the day.

In this note, International Metalworking News for Asia April issue features some of our latest technical articles, starting with three technologies that will play critical roles in helping to safeguard people and companies as they shift to remote working.

While it's difficult to predict what this current situation will mean long term, it will undoubtedly force most manufacturers to seriously rethink their operations. Steve Bell, general manager for ASEAN at Renishaw Singapore, explained the company’s Industry 4.0 concept and its role within the automotive industry in Thailand. Find out more in the Metrology section of this month’s issue.

As virus-related recession fears escalate in South East Asia, it is important to stress that while automation is likely to surge in general, not everyone is equally vulnerable. James Taylor, APAC General Manager of OnRobot disclosed how its latest 3-Finger Electric Gripper product, can keep businesses in South East Asia operate smoothly during this time of crisis.

Even before this pandemic hit our shores, Dassault Systemes is already preparing the use of technology to improve the lives of others. Learn the numerous new approaches the company created to accelerate innovations in R&D, manufacturing engineering and logistics, by fully exploiting virtual twin experiences online. Dassault Systemes empowers its large base of 3D users to collaborate from home plays a significant role in their morale as they can continue their projects and learn together with a positive horizon.

Beyond coronavirus, we are also highlighting company interview profiles: one from is from Indonesia’s PT. Sanken Indonesia (SKI), which is a subsidiary of Japan’s Sanken Electric Co. Ltd. Manager Imanuddin shares what drives the company to deliver technological innovation and unprecedented level of quality and reliability, including its career and dealing with pressure. Second is a Germany-based recycling system expert, Erdwich Zerkleinerungs-Systeme GmbH, who is looking to South East Asia including India as key areas of growth for its business in the coming years.

Given the magnitude of this evolving situation, we have compiled responses from businesses surrounding the metalworking industry to see how these companies are countering to the coronavirus crisis. They are also managing the crisis on behalf of their employees, customers, and stakeholders.

In the meantime, stay safe and strong, as we all navigate this situation together!

PT. Sanken Indonesia: Leader in design and production

 Imanuddin, Manufacturing Manager

High quality, reasonable price, high reability and accurate delivery are probably the many reasons why PT. Sanken ensures its success within the rich market of Indonesia. 

Established on July 25, 1997 in West Java, PT. Sanken Indonesia (SKI) is a subsidiary of Japan’s Sanken Electric Co. Ltd. Backed by a strong history in design and production, Manufacturing Manager Imanuddin shared with Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio of International Metalworking News for Asia what drives the company to deliver technological innovation and unprecedented level of quality and reliability, including its career and dealing with pressure.

IMNA: Tell us about the products that you manufacture

Imanuddin: We produce items, for instance switching power supply, ac adaptor, switching transformer, which is ISO 140001 approved in 2000 and ISO 9001 approved in 2002; as well as switching mode power supply, SMPS, ADP and UPS for application by category.

Around three years ago, we started to reduce making: office automation products, such as copy machine, printer and note PC; and consumer products: LED/LCD TV and audio mini-component/home theatre.

            

We are also into: 1) Industrial and amusement, such as factory automation, telecom, gaming and LED lamp.  2) Automotive such as sensor PCB for vehicle -window motor control- and sensor PCB for motorcycle speed sensor. 3) General Standard Power Supply, such as test equipment, medical (semi- customs C series, low noise high efficiency) and uninterruptable power supply (UPS).

IMNA: Do you have any particular requirement when purchasing materials and processing equipment? 

Imanuddin: As a practice, the purchase and sorting of materials and equipment needs are controlled by our head office in Japan. Our headquarters will direct and provide information related to price fluctuations and industrial conditions, so that material manufacturing plants can also look for possible resources to support customers, analyse the price of research and development, special requirements that refer to standards, such as RoHs and also equipment that supports the development of industry 4.0, for example global conditions in general.

IMNA: How have you set the points in the past to ensure that the company has developed in such a positive manner?

Imanuddin:  The consumer product business was getting smaller, and we realised that it is time to venture to other businesses. That is when we decided to enter the automotive business, we saw that this industry is growing. As a preparation, we built a clean room in 2013, and started PCB production for automotive in the clean room from 2014 until now.

IMNA: What can you say about the profit situation in Indonesia?

Imanuddin: The population pyramid in Indonesia shows a predominantly young age, so consumption of items, such as cars will not decrease. This point is interesting from the Indonesian market situation.

IMNA: Do you have any plans producing products for other industries not just automotive?

Imanuddin: Yes, we are planning to produce UPS (Uninterruptible Power Suplies) and PCS (Power Conditioning System) as product for renewable energy.

IMNA: Regarding demands in Indonesia, which are the most sought after products?

Imanuddin: We think the most sought after product is something related to connecting with internet (IoT product). Communication infra structure, which will be possible to control IoT product.

IMNA: In your opinion, what is your edge among your competitors?

Imanuddin: President and Director of PT. Sanken Indonesia Mr. Y. Sone believes that our company’s edge among our competitors is our way of providing: high quality, reasonable price, high reability and accurate delivery, coupled with our long history of 30-40 years in design and production.

IMNA: Can you tell us about your career, and how do you deal with pressure?

Imanuddin: I started my career at PT. Sanken Indonesia In March 2000 as a staff in the production department. In 2005, I became a supervisor with the responsibility of executing/releasing order based on production and material management system. Issuing suggestions on how to ensure 100% material availability to support operation of manufacturing, control inventory level as per defined budget, and so on.  And in 2013, I became a manager for coordinating activities related to the area of production planning, material planning, logistics, warehouse and distribution, and goal setting etc.

As a manager, I am always under pressure to consistently deliver impressive results. I’m charged with maximising return on marketing investment with minimal budgets. Pressure is everywhere, the most important thing is we know and always evaluate our weaknesses and always do self-innovation.

No matter how difficult are the problems we face at work, always be enthusiastic and strong-minded in overcoming them. I am not afraid of conflicts at work, because it is precisely with conflicts that personnel relations get better.

IMNA: Can you tell us what is behind your success?

Imanuddin: I am always grateful for what I have achieved and obtained so far. I communicate with my parents often; because the prayers and blessings I receive from them serve as my pillar.

My first step in action is planning. I am used to thinking what to do. Because the essence of that is where new efforts, creativity and improvement are born. At work, I always envisage how to get my work done quickly with good results, and according to the company's goals and expectation.

I always think about my priorities. With so much work on hand, I need to make a conscious effort to prioritise what needs to be done and what needs immediate actions.

I also create short-term and long-term work plans. Because in my opinion not all people have objectives in life, sad to say work is not one of them. I’m also not fond of reasons because it always ends up to making things undeveloped.

IMNA: Finally, how do you see the future, with special reference to PT Sanken?

Imanuddin: I believe PT. Sanken Indonesia is a reliable company in the field of power systems and general purpose UPS devices. We continue to develop and adjust according to the needs of the current situation and conditions. Our company is your partner in progress for electronisation of car.

Related Links:

IMNA April 2020 E-zine: PT. Sanken Indonesia: Leader in design and production

wwww:industrysourcing.com/metalworking: PT. Sanken Indonesia: Leader in design and production

Oerlikon Balzers: Digital services and smart coating solutions

Michel Maeusli, Sales and Operation Director Thailand & CLMV Countries

Investment in digital technologies is currently thriving across all industries and manufacturing firms have benefited from systems and applications that deliver greater efficiency and improved productivity. This trend is set to accelerate as the manufacturing industry begins to transform through increased use of digital technologies and services.

Oerlikon Balzers, a world leading provider of surface solutions, has lately introduced its digital services in Thailand.

In a one-on-one interview conducted by Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio of International Metalworking News for Asia, Michel Maeusli, Sales and Operation Director Thailand & CLMV Countries explained Oerlikon Balzers’ entire coating services, from the moment the order is placed through to delivery, these high-quality and future-oriented services offer a wide range of benefits for customers.

The company’s services are more than just coatings. Its products, processes and services are clearly focused on benefits and added value for the customer. Any pre- or post-processing steps that are critical to the coating’s performance are coordinated and carried out by Oerlikon Balzers including complementary services, such as hob regrinding, polishing and stripping fit seamlessly into the customer’s process chain.

Oerlikon Balzers in Thailand

Oerlikon Balzers Thailand is located in Amata City Industrial Estate in Chonburi province in the heart of the industrial region of Thailand, south east of Bangkok. The company serves over 300 local customers in several fields of applications and from various metalworking industries to the automotive industry.

“This year, we are working on new solutions with our partners towards Industry 4.0. As a first step, we will start our digital platform “myBalzers” that will significantly improve our customer service,” he said.

myBalzers was presented in Thailand during the Metalex Thailand exhibition. The new digital platform has been designed to greatly simplify and accelerate order processing for customers, including logistics sequences, such as door-to-door tracking and document management.

Digital services to simplify the order and delivery process

“Time to market is always the challenge,” explained Michel and continues: “myBalzers offers our customers in Thailand real-time logistics information for all orders. It is easy to track orders, check their status and know when they can be expected back. And, it proactively informs customers in case of an order delay once the delivery date was confirmed by our customer service. We also offer a Pick-up App so that employees without a computer can check the status on the mobile phone.

He commented, “With this digital service, we help customers to simplify and better plan their processes, and to avoid paperwork and above all, to save time.”

Michel also remarked, “Our customers will profit from myBalzers allowing them to order online, to easily repeat orders and to check documents like invoices or certificates attached to their orders.

“Digital” reconditioning of cutting tools and solving equipment issues in real-time

Moreover, the company introduces a digital solution for its coating workflows: a "digital twin" of a cutting tool that allows relevant data such as the coating used, the number of reconditioning cycles, quality and measurement protocols to be stored. “This full tool history transparency will in future enable connected and automated reconditioning workflows, giving customers a number of key advantages,” says Michel.

Finally, the company presented a specially developed app that helps Oerlikon Balzers experts respond in real-time to questions about a coating system or coating services. The app helps queries to be resolved quickly and reliably, so that customers benefit from even faster response times and optimised coating system availability.

A strong role in the automotive supply chain

When asked about Thailand’s automotive industry, Michel commented, “Thailand, having a strong supply chain for automotive, is also helping other industries or markets to grow. As an international player, Oerlikon Balzers always strives to provide the best service with continuous improvements. Thailand now plays an essential role in Oerlikon Balzers’ global presence and growth strategy. With our worldwide recognised reputation, we also aim here in Thailand to position ourselves as a market and technology leader.”

Oerlikon Balzers is one of the world’s leading suppliers of surface technologies that significantly improve the performance and durability of precision components as well as tools for the metal and plastics processing industries. Meanwhile, Oerlikon engineers materials, equipment and surfaces and provides expert services to enable customers to have high-performance products and systems with extended lifespans.

For further information please contact:

Thailand

Pannarai Wayuboot

Marketing Manager

T +6694 559 1276

pannarai.wayuboot@oerlikon.com

www.oerlikon.com/balzers/th

 

Worldwide

Alessandra Doëll

Head of Communications Oerlikon Balzers

T +423 388 7500

alessandra.doell@oerlikon.com

www.oerlikon.com/balzers

Smart technology makes manufacturing anybody’s game in Asia

Alex Teo, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Siemens Digital Industries Software

The manufacturing supply chain is believed to be disrupted by new players offering a simplified user experience for buyers and access to unlimited, and competitive manufacturing capacity. Siemens Digital Industries Software is winning more than hearts and minds of engineers and buyers, they are exciting the investment community by integrating the virtual and physical, hardware and software, design and manufacturing worlds.

International Metalworking News for Asia wanted to find out more how Siemens foresee the future of manufacturing in Asia, which countries will be the biggest winners in 2020, is ASEAN a real alternative to China, and what is the company providing to help companies as they face the ever-changing manufacturing landscape.

Alex Teo, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Siemens Digital Industries Software outlined his answers on the four reference questions.

According to Alex, the maturity of manufacturing supply chains in Asia has undoubtedly exerted pressure on the metalworking industry to be more competitive than ever. Across the region, the manufacturing sector has been impacted by ongoing uncertainty in the global market, with manufacturers in major economies slowing output. Manufacturing activity in China contracted for five straight months to October 2019, while Germany and the U.S. dropped to their lowest levels since June 2009.

He explained, “Most markets in Southeast Asia – including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and others – have experienced slow or no growth in PMI, compared to generally favourable outlook across the region for 2018. However, the sector is expected to stabilise and see gradual recovery going in the second half of 2020. New and emerging technology has been credited for fuelling a part of this turnaround. For example, 5G technology could bring a boost to the use of remote robotics or assistive robots, or facilitate greater utility of digital twin technology across a wider spread of operations on the shop floor.”

Alex mentioned that amidst growing uncertainty, enterprises are expected to continue to invest in innovative technology to gain a foothold in the digital economy. IDC’s Asia Pacific DX spending guide forecasts discrete manufacturing (US$83.9 billion) and process manufacturing (US$46.8 billion) to be among the largest spenders on digital transformation initiatives. For both verticals, the top DX spending priority is Smart Manufacturing followed by Digital Supply Chain Optimisation. Smart Manufacturing is supported by significant investments in autonomic operations, manufacturing operations, and quality.

“Besides technology adoption, businesses in the region should also focus on upskilling their workforce to fully realise the benefits of a digital factory. While new technologies possess great autonomy, humans must provide direction and control — apart from overseeing technology, they are needed to gather, compare, analyse and apply data. Integrating AI technology into the current workflow without knowing how to interpret, manage, and act on the insights leaves businesses with just a buzzword that has no real applicable value. There is a need for organisations to develop talent strategies, as well as build up staffing and training plans to meet the changing needs in terms of skills, job description and organisational models of the companies, he said.

Adaptability is key amidst quickly changing global conditions

With the changing conditions, such as rising labour costs and the diversification of consumer demands, some manufacturers have relocated operations to markets such as Vietnam or Thailand. A recent report by property consultancy JLL found that the cost of employing a mid-tech workforce in Thailand and Malaysia is now about 60 percent lower than in China, compared with just 33 percent in 2010.

However, manufacturers should not evaluate their options based on such trends alone. Increasing cost of labour naturally occurs in any developing market, while growing volatility across global markets means that conditions such as taxes and tariffs can change quickly. In the long run, manufacturers need to build competitive operations based on their ability to adapt to rapidly shifting consumer preferences, and customise their products at scale. This can be done by leveraging the right software-driven solutions

Siemens Digital Industries Software continues to work closely with our customers in the different markets to build the right capabilities and support Industry 4.0 development efforts. For example, we launched a Technical Competency Hub in in Penang in 2019, the only such facility in Southeast Asia. The hub will also serve as a platform for Siemens to help companies, especially SMEs, begin their digitalisation journey in order to meet the needs of the new economy.

Alex shared, “We also launched Siemens Intelligent Manufacturing (Chengdu) Innovation Centre this year, a project almost two years in the making. This centre of innovation marries Siemens’ expertise in Industry 4.0 developments with China’s ‘Smart+’ strategy, and marks an important milestone in Siemens’ continued efforts to develop the smart manufacturing ecosystem in China.”

“In the end, staying ahead of the game in manufacturing in Asia-Pacific will not simply be about avoiding market factors such as rising labour costs, or just implementing the latest technology. Businesses seeking to lead the pack in 2020 – and beyond – will need to be able to fully understand their customer, and tap on software-driven solutions to create the right products, for the right markets, at scale,” he finally said.

Studer Sales Director for Far East on the future of Asia manufacturing

Rolf Grossenbacher, Sales Director Far East of Fritz Studer AG

Rolf Grossenbacher, Sales Director Far East of Fritz Studer AG shares with International Metalworking News for Asia about the future of manufacturing in Asia, and what they are providing to help manufacturers, as they face the ever-changing production landscape.

“Asia is already the biggest manufacturing hub of the world. Especially for mass products and consumer goods, Asia is having the biggest market capacity to produce quality goods,” he said.

Rolf explained that during the past decade many international leading companies or group of companies have invested into Asia to benefit from the attractive labour market with moderate wages, high motivation, tireless working behaviour and of course to be closer to the vast of consumers with their products.

“But not only for consumer goods, Asia has become a manufacturing hub also for investment goods like machine tools or other machinery, more and more world market leaders have over the last 15 years set up their manufacturing enterprises close to their users,” he added.

Cycle time, batches, flexibility, operation, IOT

The Fritz Studer sales director sees increasing demands for higher precision, single set-up capabilities, shorter cycle time and smaller batches means higher flexibility, easy operation and IOT.

He mentioned, “For all those increasing demands, Fritz Studer AG can offer substantial help to our clients and potential customers. The universal cylindrical grinding machines of Studer are world famous for their quality and high precision capability in the submicron range.”

Rolf added, “Many of our machines have the capability of high precision B-axis which enables customer to use multiple wheels in a single set-up thus reducing cycle times, increasing precision and reducing lead times. With our unique and patented Studer WireDress, Studer customer can dress metal bonded CBN or Diamond grinding wheels directly on the machine. By using such dressed and perfectly conditioned grinding wheels grinding performance is increased manifolds resulting in much higher productivity and efficiency to the benefit of clients.”

He also added, “The StuderTechnology software tool helps the users of our machines to create efficient and well working CNC program by using more than 107 years of grinding experience which is implemented in all CNC controls and can be activated by a single button.”

“Last but not least we are member of the United Grinding Group who is a core member of the umati uniform language for machine tool which has been introduced to the world during EMO2019 in Hannover. With this common language machines can share information easily which is the base for tomorrow’s world of IOT (Internet of Things),” Rolf further said.

Starrag China opens Shanghai technical centre

The business sector is currently feeling the impact of the coronavirus, with companies closing offices, stores, and factories in China as well as restricting employees from nonessential travels to the country. But for Starrag China, it is business as usual, as it opens a technical centre in Shanghai to serve the Swiss-based machine tool solutions provider’s ever growing customer base throughout China.

Find out more: Starrag China opens Shanghai technical centre

The new Starrag TechCenter in Shanghai already has impressive figures for the official opening. Five machine tools are already permanently installed on an area of 2,200 m² in order to present application and mechanical engineering know-how to customers

The twin-station Bumotec s181 mill-turn centre can work on two parts simultaneously

The innovations were demonstrated to the visitors with live demonstrations directly on the machines.

Bosch ensures sales remain high adverse impact earnings

Business year 2019

•Sales: 77.9 billion euros

•Result: approx. 3 billion euros

•Substantial upfront investments: one billion euros annually for the mobility of the future

•Bosch CEO Denner: “As an innovation leader, we are helping to shape the move to alternative mobility and seizing our opportunities.”

•Bosch CFO Asenkerschbaumer: “We are working on our profitability and adjusting our manufacturing capacity.”

•Artificial intelligence: training program for 20,000 associates 

Read More: http://www.industrysourcing.com/article/bosch-ensures-sales-remain-high-adverse-impact-earnings