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3 Reasons Why Machine Builders Should Incorporate Remote Access Tools

Admin | August 10th, 2020

In today’s modern age, the world is more interconnected than ever before. Internet-connected devices provide numerous conveniences in our personal lives, but how can we harness this technology in the industrial environment? Let’s explore the advantages of integrating remote connectivity into your machines, with a focus on three main benefits.

 

#1. Deliver more value to end users

Whether you are looking to retain customers or gain an edge in a competitive market, adding value to your machine is often beneficial for both the OEM and user. Here are some ways that adding remote connectivity can provide value to your customers:

  • Exceptional customer service is proven to help retain customers and drive greater profitability. Remote connectivity delivers greater customer service by providing the ability to quickly respond and provide solutions to problems that arise during machine operation.
  • Additional and consistent data can give users greater insight into their processes. This can provide value such as increased process efficiencies, reduced material scrap, or increased product quality.
  • Insight into the process can trigger predictive maintenance and repair procedures or alert to early signs of failure.  This can give users more predictable and manageable downtime procedures.
  • Utilizing industrial grade connectivity products such as KEB’s C6 Industrial VPN Router provide safe and secure connection to machines. KEB’s Router hardware and COMBIVIS Connect infrastructure have been 3rd party audited to meet cybersecurity standard IEC 62443.  Adding this level of connectivity to machines can avoid potentially costly security breaches from incorrect connectivity integration in the field.
  • Options such as cellular routers  give flexibility to system design and offer solutions for machines in rural or remote locations.

 

KEB’s Router works with any brand of PLC

 

 #2. Reduce Service Call Costs

Traveling can be costly and challenging. Incorporating remote connectivity can significantly reduce the expense of addressing issues that occur during machine operation. When troubleshooting can be accomplished remotely, we have observed that adding remote connectivity can pay for itself in just one service call (refer to Figure 1). Not only do you save on travel, lodging, meal, and wage expenses, but also on your technician’s valuable time, which could be utilized for purposes other than traveling. Time is money, and there is an opportunity cost associated with not utilizing remote access.

 

(Figure 1) – Cost comparison between 1 service trip and purchasing a C6 router for remote access.

 

#3. Additional revenue stream from aftermarket service

Machine builders’ incoming revenue can be affected by the economy, industry trends, and even legislation, making cash flow and budgeting challenging. MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) parts offer a continuous revenue stream that can help during slow times.

Offering remote service plans provides an additional way to create a stable and recurring revenue stream while delivering value to customers. Here are some strategies for utilizing and selling aftermarket services:

1.  Maintenance contracts can provide continuous revenue sources. Utilizing remote connectivity allows you to add to existing maintenance contract options or offer new solutions for your customers.

2.  One-time service charges can give you and your customers an easy way to execute routine maintenance or troubleshoot problems that arise. Less cost for you and maybe for the customer too. A win-win scenario.

3.  Leverage your industry experience and remote connectivity ability to offer data services. This could be data collection, monitoring or process control. KEB offers MQTT integration in the C6 Router, giving you the power to incorporate cloud-based platforms and create dashboard for your customers. See how KEB’s Router can integrate with AWS.

 

Conclusion

Providing advanced services for your customers not only provide additional revenue, it also provides a better experience for the user. These additional interactions with your customer can also build more rapport and trust in your brand.

Want to discuss how KEB’s Router can help you – Contact an engineer to discuss.

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