Estonian firm Evocon develops software for monitoring and improving the efficiency of industrial production processes. EU funding enabled it to finalise its data logger, which is used in conjunction with cloud-based software. The solution lets users visualise production data in real time and store data, making it possible to analyse efficiency and identify shortcomings.
- 09 January 2020
Thanks to the success of the data logger development project, Evocon today helps manufacturers around the world remove waste from the production process. Manufacturers can now make informed decisions based on what their data say, removing bias from the process. Finally, by enabling companies to track their production process in real time, they can focus on taking care of the company, instead of spending time collecting and validating data.
The data logger works on a plug-and play-basis. Clients can set it up with online and phone support from Evocon. Options have been created for remote software updating and testing and troubleshooting of the hardware.
To accompany the software, work began on a sensor of environmental conditions. This is still in the pilot phase as awareness of the need to consider environmental factors in optimising production processes is not yet widespread.
Benefits of digitised data collection
Digitised collection of data from machines benefits companies in various ways. It allows them to monitor the progress of orders in real time and avoid overproduction, to reduce the amount of time necessary for identifying and eliminating production bottlenecks, and to analyse slowdowns in production to speed up processes.
In addition, monitoring numbers of and reasons for defective products helps improve quality. Giving maintenance teams access to real-time data related to the functioning of machinery boosts reliability. Finally, management gains a clear picture of the areas that require attention, leading to better-informed investment decisions.
At the same time, digitised methods have drawbacks. Installation is typically costly due to the need to send a team to the site to set the system up and train staff in its use. Moreover, it often takes months to get on-premises monitoring up and running, and many manufacturers have to buy such products based solely on information from salespeople, with no way of checking if what they are buying meets their needs.
Evocon looked to do away with unnecessary costs, get monitoring systems fully functional in days rather than months, and enable companies to test the system in their factories before making financial commitments.
Fast, low-cost installation
Since it launched the data logger alongside the cloud-based platform, many of Evocon’s clients have commented on the system’s ease-of-use, with some able to set it up themselves without contacting the Evocon support team. Implementation costs are thus eliminated, and customers derive the benefits much more quickly.
The speed and quality of the service are enhanced by the fact that the support team can train users and test, troubleshoot and update any Evocon device, anywhere in the world, remotely.
Thanks to the data logger and the software-as-a-service-based business model, Evocon can offer a free trial of the system to any manufacturing company with an internet connection. It currently runs three trials a month on average. This has been cited as the main advantage of the project for manufacturers, as it gives them a clear understanding of what the product does, its benefits, and Evocon’s services. Most importantly of all, it assuages companies’ concerns regarding digitisation of data collection from machines.
Evocon is also reaping the rewards. The cloud-based software and the plug-and-play feature of the data logger have enabled it to reach clients in 44 countries. Its exports increased by 323 % between 2016 and 2018.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Development of the Evocon signal converter and sensor of environmental conditions” is EUR 27 600, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 19 320 through the “Cohesion Policy Funding” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “research, technological development and innovation”.