Cloud Solutions in industrial plants

In the sheet metal industry, preparing the quotation for an order is complex, not only because the customer wants the quotation as soon as possible, but also because it involves several variables that, like a puzzle, must fit together perfectly to maximize the use of the material and adjust the offer to the customer profile with an adequate margin.

Two years ago, Hollandsteel started producing metal parts for the Dutch market in a brand-new factory. Its machines are running 24 hours for an ever-increasing number of clients and its concept could be trendsetting for the industry. An interview with Ruud Appel of Holland Steel and Christoph Lenhard, sales director of Lantek Germany.

Most managers of manufacturing companies will have heard of Industry 4.0, but what does it really mean and why is it important? Rob Powell the Commercial Director for Lantek in Malvern, UK is in an ideal position to explain as Lantek specialises in CADCAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacture) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software for sheet metal manufacturers, helping them to program their sheet metal machinery, optimise material usage and run their businesses more efficiently.