Faster thanks to structure and agility

The requirements of individual markets and regions, and of individual customers in a region, vary considerably in terms of product volumes and quality requirements. The costs of a machining solution also play a role. We based our Basic Performance Expert classification on this requirements matrix, which we use to envisage application- and customer-specific machining solutions to a certain degree. With this approach, we meet our customers where they are in terms of production volume and quality requirements.

Incidentally, this classification has been in place for years for catalogue products. Carrying it over to components reflects our expertise in terms of customer-specific solutions. A basic solution is, put simply, designed for small series, for prototype production. However, this certainly doesn’t mean that the machining solution is “simple”. Of course, many standard tools are used here with the associated cost benefits. A highly complex custom tool used in the expert solution for mass production with high quality standards would never pay off in such a case. The classification provides a basic framework that our technical advisors can use to address specific needs.
 

We are of course working hard on digital solutions for our customers. In addition, we’re pushing ahead with increasing efficiency in our own production through digitalisation and automation. Providing a digital platform to discover a brand and its products is a requirement of today’s markets. This is also the case in our sector and has a big impact. There are many digital solutions nowadays. But in my opinion, there are hardly any “easy-to-use” solutions on the market. Of course, online shops and selection guides exist. MAPAL itself provides software solutions for tool management via c-Com, where we monitor the logistics and circulation phase as well as draw conclusions to optimise tools. When it comes to comprehensive solutions though, there’s actually still plenty of room for improvement. These assume that customers are willing to open up their production facilities to us or, more generally, to suppliers, and that they are prepared to enter into in-depth partnerships.

The basic prerequisite for everything digital is, of course, the database. It has to be right. All of our products have to be ready for digitalisation. Various formats and platforms play a role. Due to the importance of this issue, we’ve recently created the new Product Automation department, which takes care of all matters relating to the digitalisation of our products and structures and creates and maintains the digital twin across the individual processes. Incidentally, we have been able to fill many of the advertised positions in-house. I’m particularly pleased about that. We have these specialists at various sites in our organisation, who also know MAPAL and can work productively straight away. As a result of pooling resources and skills, I hope to see lots of synergy and an acceleration in this area.