Cimberio: Innovation and Sustainability for Industrial Production

How Cimberio Transformed Manufacturing with XVision DataHub, a No-Code Automation Platform

In a constantly evolving industrial landscape, digitalization is essential to remain competitive. Cimberio, a world-leading Italian company in the production of brass valves and components, operates two facilities with over 150 machines. The company is guided by core values such as total product quality through the use of cutting-edge technologies, a commitment to social responsibility, and respect for people and the planet.

As part of its continuous growth and improvement strategy, Cimberio chose to invest in unlocking the full potential of its data assets by embarking on a digital transformation journey. A key step in this journey was the implementation of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) based on XVision DataHub by Crickets Automation. This solution played a vital role in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and promoting sustainability by seamlessly integrating both new technologies and pre-Industry 4.0 machinery.

The goals of this transformation included:
  • Reducing logistical times and personnel movement
  • Improving the quality and timeliness of data collection
  • Standardizing the management of production processes
Pre-Industry 4.0 Machinery

One of the major challenges in industrial digitalization is integrating equipment that predates Industry 4.0 standards. XVision DataHub overcomes this hurdle through PLC-based retrofitting, allowing older machines to connect with the new MES without the need for replacement. The result is reduced downtime, advanced monitoring, and improved operational efficiency.

Android Tablet Terminals

One of the key innovations is the use of Android tablet terminals installed directly on machines in kiosk mode. Operators can now:

  • Select production orders
  • Configure equipment based on specific requirements
  • View real-time drawings and bills of materials
  • Request bins from the warehouse
  • Adjust inventory discrepancies directly at the machine
  • Verify barcodes
  • Submit requests and communicate with other departments (quality, maintenance, IT)
  • Manage configuration elements or critical data corrections via password access

This intuitive interface reduces setup times and errors, enhances WIP (Work in Progress) management, and optimizes the entire production process.

Integration with ERP and PLM

Another key strength is the integration of XVision DataHub with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems. Thanks to database connectivity and RESTful APIs, all production-related data is continuously updated and accessible. This enables precise planning, accurate process execution, and reduced error margins. The synergy between systems amplifies the solution’s effectiveness by unifying information from multiple departments and enabling frequent production changes.

Supervision and Sustainability

XVision DataHub offers advanced tools for collecting and storing production data, enabling continuous analysis to identify weaknesses, improve processes, enhance quality, and cut costs. The platform also gathers energy consumption data from each machine and sends it to the energy management system, enabling real-time electricity usage monitoring and optimization. This reduces waste and boosts efficiency while supporting the company’s ESG goals. By linking energy consumption to specific products, stakeholders gain a detailed view of the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.

The platform enables continuous, real-time production monitoring, allowing immediate responses to anomalies or inefficiencies. Crickets Automation’s sustainable approach is reflected in XVision’s features, which promote greener production by reducing waste and optimizing resources.


Benefits for the Company
  • Process Optimization: Real-time data collection and analysis drive continuous improvement and production efficiency.
  • Increased Flexibility: Retrofitting pre-Industry 4.0 machines with Android tablets enables agile production and quick response to market demands.
  • Cost Reduction: Optimized resource use and reduced downtime minimize operational expenses.
  • Enhanced Quality Control: Real-time data supports high-quality standards and swift issue identification.
  • Energy Optimization: Energy data tracking helps cut costs and environmental impact.
  • Faster Training: A user-friendly interface shortens learning curves and reduces training costs.
  • Centralized Event Supervision: Operator screens can be remotely monitored, providing supervisors with oversight for timely interventions.

Benefits for Operators
  • Ease of Use: Intuitive tablet interfaces enable quick and simple operation with immediate data access.
  • Higher Productivity: Operators focus on core tasks, increasing efficiency.
  • Fewer Errors: Instant access to accurate information and tools enhances effectiveness.
  • Consistent Operation: A unified interface across all machines simplifies interaction, even with native Industry 4.0 panels.

Additional Benefits
  • Transparency and Traceability: Detailed tracking of every production stage ensures compliance and quality assurance.
  • Scalability and Modularity: The platform grows with the business, allowing easy addition of machines or process expansion.
  • Event and Alarm Management: For modern machines, detailed event tracking allows root cause analysis of downtime and helps prevent future issues.

XVision DataHub: A No-Code Platform

XVision DataHub by Crickets Automation stands out as a no-code/low-code platform based on Web and SQL technologies, designed to let integrators build database-driven applications without complex programming—limiting coding to custom functions for system integration.

Thanks to its visual interface, users can configure workflows, manage data, and generate reports intuitively, significantly reducing development time and increasing agility.

The platform enables users to:

  • Build web-based database applications with minimal or no coding
  • Manage complex data through SQL Server, ensuring robust, scalable enterprise data management
  • Easily connect to other systems (like ERP or PLM) using RESTful APIs or custom integrations, boosting operational flexibility

Conclusion

Implementing XVision DataHub from Crickets Automation enabled the company to take a major leap forward in its digital transformation and innovation journey. Seamless integration with legacy machinery, simplified management via tablets, and advanced analytics for both production and energy data have optimized processes, cut operational costs, and enhanced competitiveness—demonstrating that the Industry 4.0 Revolution is essential for future success.

As technology evolves and sustainability gains greater importance, companies adopting platforms like XVision DataHub are positioning themselves at the forefront of the industrial sector—ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

This article was automatically translated using Artificial Intelligence. Some translations may contain inaccuracies.

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