Frequently asked questions:
1. Is the Vipra system also compatible with very old production machines?
Yes, the Vipra system can be realized with any installation. Basically, the connection of the machines is always the first item on the agenda and this activity is always done as part of an individual service. Most of the more or less modern systems are nowadays already capable of communication, then a protocol converter is used, which “interprets” the individual machine language of the system to the system language of Vipra. If the system to be connected is not communication-capable, SHS can retrofit the system so that the existing machine is equipped with a modern machine control system.
2. Is the Vipra system installed locally or in the cloud?
By default, we install Vipra locally on a company server or on a dedicated server. However, it is generally also possible to operate the system in the cloud, for example if it is to be accessed from several locations or if the increased security of online data centers is desired.
3. Does Vipra communicate data to third parties without being asked?
No, the data Vipra collects and stores from your processes is your property and will not be shared with anyone without your active permission. However, if you wish to allow third parties to access your data, you are free to do so at any time.
4. What does a typical digitization project with Vipra look like?
Connecting your production equipment to the Vipra system and storing your production data in the Vipra database is always the first step. For this purpose, every digitization project with Vipra starts with the connection of your individual machines. After completion of this first phase, your production data is available to you live in a secure database at any time. Now the phase begins where, with comparatively little effort, great leaps in the digital world can be achieved. Now choose from the available Vipra capabilities or suggest new features / partnerships.
5. What are the costs of digitizing with the Vipra system?
The costs for the connection of your machines cannot be given as a lump sum and are determined by the individual effort and scope of your desired expansion stage. Typically, these digitization costs range from a small four-digit to a medium five-digit amount, depending on the number and scope of the service to be provided. The advantage here is that structures that have been set up once can often be used for later hardware expansion (e.g. new machines, additional sensors), so that further connections can be realized quickly and cost-effectively. As soon as the connection of the machines is completed, an individual configuration for Vipra can be created and installed on your system. Depending on the desired scaling, the license costs for the monthly use of a skill are between 5€ and 100€. The salary of the virtual assistant is thus many times lower than that of a real assistant, even when using many different skills.
6. We are sensor manufacturers and can imagine sending data to Vipra.
We are happy to integrate an interface into the Vipra system, so that a “plug and play” solution can be built between Vipra and the sensor system. After coordination of the interfaces we develop an integration solution and create the database model for your application. This way your customer benefits from the fact that his data is transferred quickly and easily into higher-level structures. You benefit from the fact that you can also access other system data and do not have to deal with the ever individual and complex task of data communication and Vipra benefits from a growing depth of information. The more information the virtual assistant sees and the more eyes and ears it has, the more information is available for processing.
7. I don’t want to be bound to a system, i want to remain flexible.
Flexibility is an important skill. The Vipra system offers this flexibility and openness in all directions. We integrate data from different sources, we communicate this data to everyone. We close our doors to no one. Our motto is: Cooperation through synergy and performance and not through chains, patents and contracts. We approach our partners openly and we experience their openness. Should you decide to stop using Vipra and terminate your cooperation with SHS, we will support you in finding the best possible solution for your data handling without Vipra. If you wish, we can export your database contents or convert them to your desired formats and say goodbye with a friendly “…then maybe until sometime…”.
8. Does it make sense to digitize an older system or should I rather buy a new one?
Both the investment in a new system and the digitization of an older system have advantages and disadvantages. The installation effort and the investment amount are of course many times higher with a new system, but then every single component is new. However, if you are operating a plant that is so far advanced in terms of its hardware (e.g. steel, screw, drives, heating, etc.) that you can easily expect it to continue operating for several years, it makes sense to consider digitizing the plant or even a complete retrofit.
9. What do I have to think about a retrofit of a plastics processing machine?
In a retrofit, the entire existing machine control system including all operating elements (switches, potentiometers, displays, etc.) is removed and the entire switch cabinet is replaced. Functional components of the power electronics (e.g. frequency converters, contactors, etc.) are tested and in many cases can be reused. All components of the control and regulation technology are removed and replaced by modern, brand-new components. The sensors installed within the plant (e.g. melt pressure, temperature, speed, etc.) are also checked and, if possible, reused. Depending on the condition/desire, either the existing control cabinet is used as the basis for the retrofit and rewired and rebuilt, or a completely new control cabinet is built. Finally, the system is commissioned together with you and handed over after a performance test. After a completed retrofit, you will operate your system via a modern and intuitive touch-screen control system that is state of the art and has extensive communication and expansion options. Of course, all Vipra Skills in combination with dn Retrofit control systems are fully functional.
10. Does SHS have references in the field of retrofit? Can I look at an SHS controller somewhere?
Of course we can provide a large number of references for a wide range of digitization and retrofit projects. In addition, SHS OEM is original equipment supplier for various machine manufacturers. If you are interested in a virtual demonstration, we would be happy to visit you at your location for a non-binding information meeting or invite you to visit us in Dinslaken for a real demonstration. At our location in Dinslaken we have the possibility to demonstrate the SHS technologies live on an extruder (90mm) and an injection moulding machine (100t clamping force) in our pilot plant. If desired, we can also arrange a visit to one of our reference customers from the industry, so that you can get to know our systems live in production under industrial conditions. You can also find an extract from our references on the SHS plus website.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
