The increasing interconnectedness of machine tools and other production equipment promises to raise manufacturing efficiencies to new heights in the digital factories of Industry 4.0. It all sounds very exciting, but the journey to the fourth industrial revolution is a marathon, not a sprint.
Tomorrow’s digital factories will emerge gradually, resulting from partnerships between makers of manufacturing hardware and makers of manufacturing software. The latest example of this is the recently announced partnership between Bystronic and Lantek.
Bystronic is a supplier of machines for processing sheet metal and tubes, while Lantek provides software for fabrication companies. This means the two companies share a considerable overlap in their customer base. Perhaps that’s why they’ve entered into a long term technology partnership and strategic global alliance, under which Lantek will provide Bystronic with manufacturing management software systems.
Ultimately, the two companies are aiming to develop a manufacturing executing system (MES) that can be integrated into Bystronic’s existing machine systems and software. According to both companies, this collaboration will help realize digital factories for both Bystronic and Lantek customers.
Combining the resources and experience of these two types of companies will be a critical step in driving innovation and making the digital factory a reality.
“I am thrilled that Lantek is now a technology partner for Bystronic, a symbol of innovation for machine tool builders worldwide,” said Alberto Martinez, CEO Lantek. “With innovation being a part of the DNA of both companies, this partnership will help Bystronic’s customers transform how they manage Bystronic machines and transcend the established boundaries in the sheet metal industry.”
“With Lantek, we have gained a strong partner who will help us expand our existing software portfolio with new solutions,” added Alex Waser, Bystronic CEO. “This partnership will provide our customers with twofold know-how. Together, Bystronic and Lantek will develop innovations that will guide users into a world of digitally networked manufacturing.”
For more information, visit the company websites for Lantek and Bystronic.