What are the hot new features for users of arburgXworld?
SR: We now offer tutorials for the individual apps, which explain the functions and application options. The Shop app can now be connected directly to the ERP systems of our customers via an OCI interface (Open Catalog Interface). This allows purchasers to order spare parts as usual via their own ERP system. The order is then automatically transferred to the Shop, saving time and extra effort.
BF: And we also create financial incentives. The Shop offers country-specific sales promotions, which are only available online through the app. Anyone who registers for arburgXworld and uses the Arburg Remote Service receives a warranty extension for new machines of three or six months, depending on the country. In addition, customers purchasing a new machine will receive a voucher for retrofitting the " 4.Service" assistance package on two of their older injection moulding machines manufactured from 2014 onwards at a special price. So using our customer portal is clearly worthwhile.
Why do you have to register for arburgXworld and who should definitely join?
BF: arburgXworld is interesting at all hierarchical levels of injection moulding companies: Managing directors can obtain an overview of current orders and utilization of their machines, production managers can plan and optimise production. While service and maintenance technicians are interested in the service history, spare parts orders, documents stored in the MachineCenter and upcoming maintenance events, purchasers can use the MachineFinder and Configurator apps, for example. The Allrounder 270 S compact is the first of our injection moulding machines that can be configured and ordered online through an app. The Thermolift 100-3 pellet dryer and conveyor was added in late October. We will continue to expand this portfolio.
SR: The customer portal therefore reflects the entire world of our customers' companies and this is reflected in its scope. Because it contains much customer-specific information, it is important to define a master user within a company and to clarify during user registration who can access information on the machine park and for the configuration of new machines, or who can order spare parts. Our sales consultants are happy to give customers a live demonstration of how all this works. We have also set up a physical Info point on digitalisation at our headquarters in Lossburg, where our customers can get advice and try out the customer portal for themselves.
The Shop app for ordering spare parts is currently the most popular app on the customer portal. It can now be connected directly to the customer's ERP systems.
How secure is customer data when the machines are networked?
SR: The machines can be connected to the customer portal via the ALS host computer system or via the MachineDashboard app. All other apps in the basic and premium versions of arburgXworld do not transmit any data. Data transfer is always carried out according to the most current state of the art – absolutely secure and only accessible to customers. This is comparable to a "digital room" to which only the customer has a key.
BF: A brand new feature is the possibility to integrate the additive manufacturing systems into the whole production landscape of a company via the customer portal when using Freeformers. Successful and seamless monitoring and documentation of process and build order data plays an important role in this context.
This all sounds very exciting. What are Arburg's goals, or in other words: Where is this journey taking us - will the plastics industry be operating in a fully digital world in the future?
SR: We have been and still are a pioneer in many areas of our industry. That is why we are addressing the question of how digitalisation can be used to increase production efficiency in plastics processing, today and in the future. We have also come a long way in terms of our own internal processes, such as our own digital logistics and manufacturing processes. Based on this know-how, we continuously develop new solutions and products, including for our customers. arburgXworld as a central platform is a really major milestone in this regard.
BF: And digitalisation is fast becoming an increasingly significant factor for our customers while contacts are also becoming increasingly digital. Traditional communication by telephone and personal meetings are and will remain important, however. We will merge these two worlds in a meaningful way. I think we can offer a good mix in this regard and that we are on the right track. Together with our customers and partners, we are embarking on a journey towards digital transformation. It is our goal to support our customers with advice and assistance and to create "connectivity", as it were, between them, our machines and Arburg.
The Allrounder 270 S compact is the first injection moulding machine from Arburg that customers can configure and order online using an app on the arburgXworld customer portal.
