How Electrolux Turns Connected Data into Transformational Insights

Sponsored by PTC

To deliver over 60 million products annually, Electrolux manages a complex global manufacturing network. The appliance leader needed a foundation of standardized connectivity to better monitor and optimize factory operations. But this required replacing manual data collection processes with a secure, unified platform capable of supporting their operations at enterprise scale.

Navigating the Complexities of a Global Production Network

Electrolux’s operations are nothing short of massive. The company manufactures 60 million household products annually, distributing them to over 120 markets worldwide. This vast global footprint comes with a highly intricate value chain, one that requires constant refinement and improvement. For Electrolux, digital transformation isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity to maintain efficiency, sustainability, and reliability across its operations.

However, the scale and complexity of Electrolux’s production ecosystem make digital transformation a daunting task. With factories around the world housing hundreds of machines—each varying in age, purpose, and manufacturer—the challenge of connecting and harmonizing this equipment is substantial. Yet, Electrolux has never shied away from big challenges.

The Connectivity Challenge

At the heart of Electrolux’s digital transformation journey lies the challenge of connectivity. Each factory is a microcosm of industrial diversity, with machines that generate data in numerous different protocols. This variety, combined with the presence of legacy equipment lacking native connectivity, has historically made data collection a manual, labor-intensive process prone to errors.

To truly leverage the power of data-driven decision-making, Electrolux recognized the need to standardize connectivity across all its global sites. This meant implementing a scalable solution that could bridge the gap between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT), ensuring seamless data flow from the factory floor to management dashboards.

Choosing the Right Solution: ThingWorx Kepware Server

After an extensive evaluation of available solutions, Electrolux selected PTC’s ThingWorx Kepware Server as its industrial automation and connectivity platform. The decision was driven by the platform’s robust connectivity options, real-time data access, and its ability to scale across Electrolux’s global operations.

Kwabena Hobbs, IT Automation Lead at Electrolux, led the charge in implementing this solution in North America. Hobbs and his team were tasked with piloting the platform and quickly scaling it across multiple sites. Despite the initial challenges of connecting diverse OT systems, the team found success with the support and training provided by PTC, enabling rapid deployment and immediate benefits.

The Impact of Connectivity

The benefits of improved connectivity were almost immediate. Electrolux quickly saw reductions in scrap, enhanced overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and faster response times to equipment issues. These improvements translated into lower production costs, fewer defects, and a more resilient supply chain.

Moreover, the success of this initiative has paved the way for further advancements. Electrolux is now exploring deeper integration with its product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and leveraging machine learning to enhance performance analysis. These steps are expected to lead to even more sophisticated predictive maintenance, keeping equipment in optimal condition and reducing the likelihood of unexpected downtime.

A Vision for the Future

Electrolux’s commitment to digital transformation is a testament to its forward-looking vision. By embracing new technologies and redefining its approach to manufacturing, Electrolux is not just maintaining its market leadership but extending it. The company’s strategy of continuous improvement through digital innovation ensures that its products will continue to be trusted and embraced by consumers worldwide.

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