iTAC supports the networking, automation and analysis of production processes. With the release version 9.20.00 of the iTAC.MES.Suite, which is expected to be launched in August 2019, the company is presenting its Workflow Management System. This graphical tool supports MES-based process management in manufacturing. It visualizes workflows and defines the sequence of activities to be performed. For this purpose, each workflow is broken down into the individual work steps and displayed in the diagram. Step by step, the worker is guided through the processes. He can always see the current status and subsequent tasks.
The benefits of the Workflow Management System are a lower susceptibility to errors, as the worker is shown exactly when which tasks are to be carried out. Concrete instructions, an overview of the respective work processes as well as the current status ensure transparency and process reliability. Tasks can also be outsourced more easily and delegated to inexperienced workers, for example. All in all, the more efficient and clearer processes result in faster throughput times and cost savings.
The tool is integrated into the HMI client, which is part of the iTAC Workbench. The frontend is designed in HTML5 format. The Workflow Management System follows the iTAC standard. This means that the solution works with a backend in JavaEE and the Glassfish web server as well as already existing iTAC code libraries. This provides an industrial standard according to the latest technical criteria - and at the same time the basis for the automation of processes in smart factories.
Apprentices involved in development
The apprentices Simon Seibert and Fabio Bertels as well as Tim Leufgen, who participates in a dual university program Tim Leufgen were also involved in the development of the Workflow Management System at iTAC. iTAC is committed to promoting young talent in all areas of the company in order to train specialists within its own ranks.
"First of all, we defined the requirements and goals for the Workflow Management System together with the product management. Based on this, we were able to develop the code independently. In cooperation with our development department, the solution was finally implemented and integrated into the frontend," explains Tim Leufgen, who participates in a dual studies program at iTAC Software AG. He continues: "At iTAC, trainees are already allowed to take on responsibility and participate directly in the development of products that are considered future technologies in smart manufacturing.”
