OCME achieves better solutions while reducing time and efforts spent

Challenges

OCME wanted a 3D graphical tool that could create a realistic and reliable digital twin of an OCME sample plant to test the plant logic, before it’s physically built. The digital twin should be easily configurable and able to connect real automation PLCs.

Specifically, OCME wanted to test their BloX solution – a fully customizable integrated packaging system that works with the efficiency of a single machine producing a completely synchronized line with a significant cost and space reduction.

But simulating a complete plant – or even a single machine – is a complex task that involves converting the automation logic and dealing with complex systems and several different suppliers and devices.

Solution

Emulation with Experior allowed OCME to overcome such constraints, by leveraging specific simulators provided by suppliers.

In the engineering phase, OCME used digital twins modelled in Experior to define the best line configuration. In this phase, the digital twin was not connected to PLCs, but the automation software was embedded in the digital twin.

During the development phase, OCME connected the digital twin to real PLCs to perform emulations with goal of testing the real logic and debug the software.

Benefits

The use of digital twin simulations and emulations in Experior allowed OCME to test algorithms and solutions from other work packages within the IMPROVE project in an environment that does not affect a real production plant.

By using Experior, OCME has reduced the effort and time spent in both the engineering and development phase, while the debugging and correction efforts are reduced during the real commissioning stage.

Experior also allowed OCME to internally test new solutions before proposing them to customers.

For OCME’s customers, OCME’s use of Experior helps getting an optimal line layout and configuration, a faster line installation, and start-up phase.