MPDV > Case Studies > ARGO-HYTOS Enhances Production Efficiency with HYDRA Manufacturing Execution System

ARGO-HYTOS Enhances Production Efficiency with HYDRA Manufacturing Execution System

Customer Company Size

Mid-size Company

Region

Europe
America
Asia

Country

Germany
China
Czech Republic
India
Poland
United States

Product

HYDRA by MPDV

Tech Stack

Windows Server
SQL Database
SAP ERP System

Implementation Scale

Enterprise-wide Deployment

Impact Metrics

Productivity Improvements
Digital Expertise
Employee Satisfaction

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Functional Applications - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP)

Applicable Industries

Equipment & Machinery
Automotive

Applicable Functions

Discrete Manufacturing
Business Operation

Use Cases

Manufacturing System Automation
Factory Operations Visibility & Intelligence
Process Control & Optimization

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services
System Integration

About The Customer

ARGO-HYTOS is a medium-sized family business with over 1,300 employees, specializing in Fluid & Motion Control and Filtration technology for mobile and industrial hydraulics. With more than 65 years of experience, the company is a key component and system supplier in the supply chain of world market leaders in mobile working machinery and mechanical engineering. ARGO-HYTOS operates production companies in Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, India, USA, and China, along with various sales offices and assembly sites worldwide. The company is committed to innovation and efficiency in its operations, seeking to enhance transparency and productivity across its global production sites.

The Challenge

ARGO-HYTOS faced challenges in increasing transparency and efficiency at their production site in Kraichtal-Menzingen. The company needed a solution to collect and analyze data on machine standstills to gain insights into machine efficiencies. The existing systems were not providing the level of detail and integration required to optimize machine assignments and improve overall production efficiency. Additionally, there was a need to consolidate the IT landscape and replace the existing Time & Attendance system to streamline operations and reduce manual data recording.

The Solution

To address the challenges, ARGO-HYTOS implemented the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) HYDRA by MPDV at their Kraichtal-Menzingen site. The initial implementation included the HYDRA modules for Shop Floor Data, Machine Data, and Shop Floor Scheduling, which enabled detailed planning of orders and automatic assignment of orders to individual machines based on specifications from the ERP system. This integration allowed for real-time data collection on machine status, production quantities, and order processing times, which were displayed on large monitors for employee visibility. In the next phase, ARGO-HYTOS expanded the functionality of HYDRA by adding modules for Time & Attendance, Personnel Time Management, Premium & Incentive Wages, and Access Control. This expansion replaced the existing Time & Attendance system, consolidated the IT landscape, and enabled paperless workflows for processes like leave application and approval. The Access Control module ensured that only authorized personnel could enter the premises, with all entries and attempts logged and evaluated. The successful implementation at Kraichtal-Menzingen and the Czech site in Vrchlabi led to a rollout of HYDRA to other sites in India, USA, China, and Poland.

Operational Impact

The implementation of HYDRA MES provided ARGO-HYTOS with enhanced transparency and efficiency in their production processes. By collecting and analyzing data on machine standstills, the company gained valuable insights into machine efficiencies, allowing for improved machine assignments and optimized production schedules.
The integration of HYDRA modules enabled real-time data collection on machine status, production quantities, and order processing times, which were displayed on large monitors for employee visibility. This transparency facilitated better decision-making and increased employee engagement.
The expansion of HYDRA's functionality to include Time & Attendance, Personnel Time Management, and Access Control streamlined operations by replacing the existing Time & Attendance system and consolidating the IT landscape. This led to reduced manual data recording and more efficient management of personnel and production processes.
The successful implementation of HYDRA at the Kraichtal-Menzingen site and the Czech site in Vrchlabi demonstrated the system's effectiveness, leading to its rollout to other global sites in India, USA, China, and Poland. This enterprise-wide deployment ensured consistent operational improvements across ARGO-HYTOS's production facilities.

Quantitative Benefit