Hongni Company Develops Flexible Production Software

Flexible production is a manufacturing model adopted by many production lines today, allowing for the processing of various workpieces without stopping the machines, and it also includes certain management functions. Flexible production is comprehensive, encompassing not only the flexibility of equipment but also the integrated flexibility of management, personnel, and software.

  In the cigarette industry, flexible production requires production lines to quickly produce different brands of cigarettes, necessitating rapid switching between brands. Recently, the German company Hongni designed a new type of software that helps tobacco manufacturers better achieve quick changes between different cigarette brands during the production process, characterized by speed, low waste, strong continuity, and repeatability. This product is called "Areo Brand Change" (visual brand switching control interface).   "Areo Brand Change" can work in conjunction with other systems or operate independently. With the support of the software, production machines can provide a good operational environment for data collection of online products. Data such as the quantity of finished cigarettes and the amount of materials required can be updated in real-time through this software, thereby optimizing the required time and ensuring the continuity and repeatability of brand switching tasks, helping to achieve production goals. The quantifiable advantages provided by "Areo Brand Change" are beneficial to customers. Additionally, once the machines complete production orders, the system will automatically shut down, reducing material waste. Without considering the operator's experience and skill level, "Areo Brand Change" can reduce waste in manufacturing and packaging.   Moreover, "Areo Brand Change" also provides operators with a task management system. The system includes a structured and clear task list where the steps required for production changes between different cigarette brands can be found. The streamlined production mode of the system ensures that product trademark conversions can be completed within 30 minutes. This means that while Brand A is still undergoing final packaging, Brand B can already enter the production phase. Based on each user's needs, the operating interface can be quickly and effectively adjusted, and users can also perform remote maintenance.   In summary, "Areo Brand Change" helps users optimize machine utilization, especially for products that frequently change brands. It also helps reduce material consumption, logistics costs, and production costs, all of which contribute to enhancing the long-term competitiveness of cigarette manufacturers.