Model takes QM to the next level

Our partner

The Model Group develops, produces and supplies intelligent, innovative and high-quality display and packaging solutions in solid and corrugated cardboard.

The Model Group exists in a wide variety of locations throughout Europe and employs more than 4,200 people in its major markets: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia.

The initial situation

Although Model was already working with a MES solution, however, this had neither a QM nor a material flow integration.

The goal was to create a common platform for all existing and possible new MES solutions within the Model Group. With such a harmonized process environment, a certain degree of comparability as well as uniform KPIs and reporting should be created.

Setting up the QM system and its implementation

In the first step, the SAP QM module, which is included in the SAP standard solution, was integrated into the existing LP.MES solution.

For easy operation, a touchscreen-enabled web application based on SAP MII (Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence) and SAP PCo (Plant Connectivity) was then designed, which is available in several languages (DE/FR/EN).

With a functioning software and hardware basis, concrete QM processes now had to be introduced and implemented. In addition to in-process inspections, these also include goods receipt inspections and initial sample inspections, where products are approved by means of a four-eye principle. 

The implementation of these individual inspection measures was also redesigned from scratch. As such, the release of the individual orders within production takes place via a checklist, which, like the signature of the inspection itself, is processed completely digitally. This way, inspection points can be filed automatically and trend analyses can be displayed graphically.

One QM system lots of benefits

Simply the purely digital handling of QM processes brings many advantages. In addition to the simple archiving of production documents and quality checks, it is possible to work completely paper-less paperless. This means that data on individual production orders can always be evaluated and passed on to other departments. In addition, this can be displayed clearly and easily by using graphs or diagrams. And the best part: the analysis of this data takes place in real time, which makes it possible to intervene directly to optimize the process.

A strong partner for future projects

By introducing the LP.MES solution based on SAP, Model has taken its QM to the next level. Additional improvements may follow in the future, though.

For example, automatic or optical inspections can be implemented in the production process by using additional hardware such as measuring or camera systems and third-party systems.

Furthermore, LP. and delaware are working on the next steps towards Industry 4.0 and Future Innovations for the Model Group on the basis of the LP.MES platform.