Schwaig, July 1, 2019 – Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery will release its myConnect web-based software solution at K-2019, providing customers with a central platform to access a wide range of fully-connected support services. 

For several years now Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has been developing its digital capabilities that enable moulders to collect data to assist with internal production logistics, quality and efficiency. All of these R&D efforts have culminated in myConnect. The modular system opens up access to a full range of online services designed to assist production managers to better manage inefficiencies, reduce costs, improve Total Cost of Ownership, troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues and minimise machine downtime.

Visitors to the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag booth at K-2019 will be able to use connected terminals to see first-hand how myConnect will enhance customer service and be a launchpad for future data-driven efficiency improvements.

Andreas Holzer, Director Customer Service at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag comments: “Not only have our moulding technologies advanced to a level that delivers fast cycle times, unparalleled process stability and market-leading energy efficiency, now we can offer customers end-to-end processing traceability and the ability to monitor and reconcile data from numerous machine sources.

“Machine uptime, productivity, traceability and decision making can all be enhanced by deploying real time visibility. In addition to enhancing customer service response times, this seamless connectivity will be integral to future productivity in moulding facilities worldwide,” adds Andreas.

The innovative and secure myConnect service package comprises five modules.

For quick resolution of an issue, operators can use mySupport to request expert assistance. The Sumitmo (SHI) Demag central service team can connect directly and securely to individual machines, analyse the issues and suggest immediate solutions.  As well as increasing first time fix rates, it prevents extended periods of machine downtime waiting for an engineer call-out when the issue could have been resolved in a matter of minutes.

At the touch of a button, machine operators can call up documention associated with each machine. Because myDocumentation connects directly to the central service department, the system automatically  checks and issues the most recently updated documentation. From an operational perspective, this provides assurance that customers are acting upon the very latest guidance. It also puts an end to cross checking multiple versions of the same print out manual.

Spare parts can now be ordered online via myPartsShop. To maximise efficiency and prevent the wrong parts being selected, catalogues are personalised to each Sumitomo (SHI) Demag machine. Ordered parts are typically dispatched to customers on the same day.

Additonally, the service package includes a myConnectApp, allowing customers to track production from any location. For increased traceability, a record of all key events is recorded in myLifeCycleLog.

Additional modules currently in development and coming soon include myProduction – enabling production managers to monitor the status of machines company and network-wide; myMaintenance, providing oversight for all maintenance and service activities; and mySelfService for online support using smart glasses. As a result of myConnect’s modular design, other productivity-driven features can easily be introduced in 2020 to further enhance Sumitmo (SHI) Demag’s service support experience.

To learn more about the myConnect service modules, visit Hall 15, Booth D22, 16 to 23 October 2019.

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has shaped the development of the plastics industry from its very beginning. As a specialist for injection moulding machines for plastics processing, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and its Japanese parent company are leading the industry.

The global development and production network of Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is comprised of four facilities in Japan, Germany and China with more than 3,000 employees. The product portfolio includes all-electric, hydraulic and hybrid injection moulding machines with clamping forces of between 180 and 15.000 kN. With more than 125,000 installed machines, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is present in important global markets and ranks among the largest manufacturers of injection moulding machines in the world.

At Sumitomo’s headquarters in Chiba, Japan, the company manufactures machines with clamping forces in the small to medium range. Nearly 95 % of all delivered machines are equipped with an all-electric drive concept. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s German facilities in Schwaig and Wiehe produce the Systec Servo range with hybrid drive as well as the El-Exis SP and Systec SP range of high-speed, high-performance machines. The all-electric IntElect range for international customers is also being produced in Germany.

As early as 1998, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag set up its first production site in Ningbo/China. In 2015, the Chinese subsidiary Demag Plastics Machinery (Ningbo) Co., Ltd. installed a new facility with a 13,000 m² floor space. It is earmarked for the production of the Systec C range with clamping forces of between 500 and 10,000 kN for the Asian market.

In addition to injection moulding machines, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag offers customised and standardised systems for the part handling automation, technical and process solutions for special applications, tailored services and service concepts as well as a range of financial options to support investment in injection moulding machines.

With its comprehensive sales and service network of subsidiaries and agencies, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is present in all major markets.

Press release issued for Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH by: Lucy Benbow , Sarah Willington