Digitization in the manufacturing sector continues to advance, driving efficiency and flexibility in production lines. However, there is a risk that this increasing digitization brings added complexity to managing both information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). abat, a German software and consulting services provider, offers a comprehensive solution to this challenge through its modular and flexible production control system, PLUS. This system streamlines operations, ensures end-to-end visibility across production lines, and integrates globally, supporting some of the most advanced automotive manufacturers in the world.
The automotive industry is facing considerable challenges. Companies must constantly adapt to new requirements in a highly competitive environment: Cost reduction, quality improvement, and the integration of innovations in ever shorter cycles. Ensuring production quality and stability while maintaining flexibility is becoming increasingly complex. With global trends such as the shift toward electric vehicles, the need for more sustainable practices, and the push for higher efficiency in factories, the automotive industry is undergoing a major evolution. These pressures demand not only technical innovation but also a complete rethinking of how production lines operate.
This is where the MES (Manufacturing Execution System) PLUS from abat comes in, an intelligent solution for smart manufacturing that has been specially developed for the needs of the automotive industry. Built on the reliable and highly available HPE NonStop platform, PLUS ensures that manufacturers benefit from seamless integration and uninterrupted operations. HPE NonStop is renowned for its fault-tolerant architecture, which provides continuous availability, making it an ideal foundation for critical manufacturing processes. The combination of abat’s manufacturing expertise and HPE NonStop’s technological foundation enables companies to implement digital solutions without the risk of costly downtime or production interruptions.
To highlight the solution and display abat’s vision for the future of manufacturing, the company has been a recurring participant at HPE Discover for the past years. The event, which attracts global tech leaders and industry experts, provides a platform for innovations in cloud solutions, edge computing, and IT management. In 2024, abat’s participation in both the Las Vegas and Barcelona editions of HPE Discover marked a significant step forward in demonstrating its innovative approach to smart manufacturing. Their presence showcased not only their cutting-edge solutions but also the strength of their collaboration with HPE, which has continued to evolve and deepen over the years.
At the heart of this collaboration are the panel sessions that featured abat CEO Peter Grendel alongside prominent figures from HPE. In Las Vegas, Peter was joined by Casey Taylor, Vice President & General Manager of HPE NonStop Solutions, and Rocco Lavista, Vice President of Worldwide HPE GreenLake Solution Sales, for a deep dive into the future of smart manufacturing and AI. Similarly, in Barcelona, Peter Grendel and Casey Taylor shared the stage again, this time joined by Valeria Da Fonseca, Global Sales Director of HPE GreenLake Cloud Services. Both discussions explored how their combined expertise is shaping the future of factory automation through robust digital infrastructures as well as the influence of AI in the industry. The sessions in both cities drew large, engaged audiences who were eager to learn how technology is transforming manufacturing into a smart, interconnected, and highly efficient process.
Strategic Collaborations for Industry 4.0
One of the major takeaways from the 2024 HPE Discover events was the growing synergy between abat and HPE. Their joint solution, “HPE GreenLake Flex Solutions built for Smart Manufacturing Execution Systems with PLUS by abat,” was a focal point of the discussion. This offering merges abat’s expertise in manufacturing control with HPE’s flexible NonStop infrastructure, providing a comprehensive platform designed specifically for Industry 4.0. With this solution, manufacturers can reduce the complexity of their IT systems, streamline operations, and scale production processes efficiently.
One prominent result of the successful collaboration is the production of the Grenadier 4 x 4 SUV by first-time auto manufacturer INEOS Automotive. The newly developed INEOS Grenadier is an off-road vehicle that is uncompromising and robust. The off-roader combines a stable construction, and the technical simplicity required for off-road use with modern technologies – in an unmistakable, unique “sheet metal dress”. From the very beginning, INEOS Automotive has aspired to a highly modern, digital, and Industry 4.0-compliant production environment. INEOS Automotive relied on abat and HPE to realize this future-oriented production. abat and HPE worked together to provide a joint solution using abat’s central software product PLUS and HPE NonStop delivered by HPE GreenLake cloud to provide the end-to-end digitalization of production.
The end-to-end digital production management with the corresponding integrated networking (Internet of Things) of all relevant production steps not only enables highly modern and top-quality production, but also sets standards in terms of sustainability. Production is paperless – with widget-based dialogues and workstation-based visualizations, the production of the new INEOS Grenadier is smart and future-oriented.
“We use abat as our production control system for our INEOS plant in Hambach and turn to abat and HPE as our partners for the realization and support. Our target was a modern, digital and Industry 4.0 production. As a result, we reached our target: we have increased flexibility, created stability and increased efficiency in production.” – Pierre Lempereur, responsible for IT Manufacturing systems in INEOS Grenadier vehicle production plant
Driving the Future of Smart Manufacturing
Beyond the panels, abat’s presence at HPE Discover generated significant interest on the exhibition floor. Demonstrations of PLUS running on HPE NonStop systems highlighted how the solution integrates seamlessly into existing manufacturing environments, ensuring uptime and reliability. With over 15 years of proven success, including zero unplanned downtime, PLUS continues to be a trusted solution for manufacturers worldwide. In a live demonstration at both events, visitors were able to experience how abat’s MES PLUS can manage complex manufacturing processes in real-time while minimizing the operational overhead traditionally associated with such systems.
In both Las Vegas and Barcelona, abat demonstrated how its software is enabling the shift toward more sustainable production. By embracing cloud-based solutions, manufacturers are reducing their reliance on paper-based systems and improving their ability to track and analyze data in real time. This is crucial as sustainability becomes a more significant factor in manufacturing, particularly in light of increasing regulatory requirements and consumer demand for environmentally responsible practices.
One example that drew attention at the Discover events was abat’s involvement in creating paperless factories. Traditional automotive factories rely heavily on paper for everything from tracking production steps to logging quality assurance data. abat’s digital solution eliminates the need for paper, replacing it with tablets and digital workflows. This not only increases efficiency but also aligns with broader environmental goals. For instance, abat’s solution has saved one German automotive manufacturer approximately 52 tons of paper annually – a tangible contribution to sustainability efforts.
A Glimpse into the Future: IoT, AI, and Predictive Manufacturing
The future of manufacturing, as outlined by abat and HPE during the Discover panels, will rely heavily on the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive manufacturing. These technologies are set to revolutionize the way factories operate, allowing manufacturers to anticipate potential disruptions before they occur, optimize machine performance, and ensure higher quality outcomes.
abat is driving forward with its MES PLUS, which is designed to integrate with IoT devices and harness AI-driven analytics. By connecting machines, sensors, and production lines to a single cloud-based platform, manufacturers can monitor operations in real time, from any location. The ability to make data-driven decisions based on real-time analytics will give manufacturers a competitive edge, enabling them to react swiftly to changes in demand or unforeseen issues in production.
Transforming Manufacturing Through Innovation
As the manufacturing sector continues to evolve, abat remains at the forefront of digital transformation. Its partnership with HPE is not only driving innovation in factory automation but also providing manufacturers with the tools they need to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. From HPE Discover in Las Vegas to Barcelona, the message is clear: through collaboration, abat and HPE are delivering the future of smart manufacturing today.
Their joint solution, which combines abat’s robust MES platform with HPE’s cutting-edge cloud infrastructure, is helping manufacturers simplify their IT landscapes, reduce costs, and increase flexibility – all while maintaining the high levels of performance that today’s production environments demand. With these powerful tools, manufacturers can achieve new levels of efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring they are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Be the first to comment