For A+W, this year's glasstec was a great success: our software experts had their hands full from the first day to the last trying to manage the stampede of visitors.
The industry is obviously seeking concepts for modernization and automation in order to confront the increasing challenges of the market – and this around the world, as the visitor mix clearly demonstrated.
The question is no longer "Should I automate?" but rather "How should I automate?".
We answered this question together with our most important machine partners, where the latest generation of A+W production software was demonstrated in the machine environment.
Increasing demand in automation solutions and mobile application
After a few weeks of looking back and analysis, we are pleased to report that the customers not only informed themselves, but also concluded important business deals.
Desired by A+W customers were especially modern cut optimization tools that generally result in immediate material savings for the user.
Also in increasing demand in addition to automation solutions for production are mobile application, for example for online configuration and ordering and production monitoring.
A+W Managing Director Peter Dixen: "The good first impression has been confirmed. In addition to our regular customers, we welcomed many new visitors. Presently, we are doing a lively post-trade show business with interesting international cooperations."
What is Smart Factory? Industry 4.0 in the flat glass industry:
Visitor magnet and a special type of experience: virtual reality at the A+W booth with the opportunity to win an iPad
Equipped with the latest VR technology, the intrepid explorers of the virtual world moved through a western saloon designed with great attention to detail; they were searching for an object that they needed for the hunt for the iPad.
After a few hesitant attempts, lines quickly formed of people waiting in front of the 'saloon' – VR is fun!
The happy winner of the iPad was Adam Balawejder, Insulated Glass Operations Manager at FAKRO – congratulations!
The 'serious' application possibilities for VR, for example in the planning and modeling of production environments, are just starting to be exploited now.
Martin Bayer, Managing Director of medialis.net, which implemented the VR point for A+W at glasstec:
"In the future, for new projects and also for larger renovation and reorganization activities, all participants such as architects, general contractors, machine and software partners will be able to 'wander through' various scenarios with a degree of detail not yet seen – down to the last screw, so to speak. This will help to prevent errors in advance and in the end, to achieve the best possible result."