With its new digital customer portal myDEPRAG, DEPRAG SCHULZ GMBH u. CO is now able to provide an optimal customer experience for the B2B sector, normally reserved for B2C customers.
Registered customers are able to clearly organise their purchased products in the so-called ‘Installed Base’, where the current version of their machines can be viewed and any replacement parts or services can be ordered directly. This also shows in ‘real time’ whether spare parts are in stock and available to deliver. Registered customers can also access the whole range at any time of day, from any location, which allows for round the clock access to detailed product information and customer-specific pricing details, CAD data, instruction manuals and other technical data.
Furthermore, the customer portal can be used to order and activate a wide range of software solutions such as DEPRAG Cockpit, DEPRAG Graph Viewer, DEPRAG Data eXchange, DEPRAG Operator Guidance, Software for process visualisation, security and change tracking, as well as TIA Link, TwinCAT Link and much, much more. The user can also apply for licences for screwdriving procedures, such as DEPRAG Clamp Force Control or the friction dependent procedure, directly and simply through the myDEPRAG customer portal. After purchasing what is required, this can be activated and used straight away in full.
The range of services also includes the software update service. In the portal, the most up to date software version is available. The user can therefore be sure that their device is always optimally prepared for the Industry 4.0 environment and security is up to the minute.
On the machine detail page, registered users are able to log, amongst other things, maintenance and calibration appointments for their machines. A traffic light system is used as a reminder so that no appointment is ever missed. A lamp clearly highlights the upcoming dates next to the machine in the Installed Base. If this is green, there is time until the next due date for maintenance. If the display turns amber, the user is sent an email reminder that a due date is close. If it changes to red, the user receives another email advising that the appointment date has passed.
The DEPRAG iSERVE App can also be used through the customer portal. It is an application for independent adjustment of screwdriving programmes for an unlimited number of screwdriving sequence controllers. With this App, screwdriving programs can be created, adjusted, converted and managed – the controller does not need to be physically there. In other words, the user is not tied to the location of the devices and only needs internet access to be able to program them. Using data exchange, the alterations are swiftly transferred to the DEPRAG sequence controllers.
The networking of the screwdriving system is also supported by the new DEPRAG Cockpit. The software enables supervision and analysis of assembly tasks and provides analysis tools for continuous process optimisation and the detection of trends. The data from devices connected in production lines over several company sites are collected centrally in the DEPRAG Cockpit. This even includes production systems dispersed throughout the world. The DEPRAG Cockpit can be decentrally configured through the “Internet of Things” and up to date production data can be accessed.
This allows the user to detect any potentials early on and therefore react quickly to changes. Due to the fast optimisation of screwdriving processes, less reworking is required, production times are improved and product quality can be guaranteed or even heightened. Whether connecting screwdriving systems or smart tools, all processes can be monitored, analysed and optimised centrally.
The DEPRAG Cockpit Basic is an integrated component of the new screwdriving system DEPRAG Plus, which comprises a screwdriving sequence controller AST12 and a corresponding handheld or spindle screwdriver.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
