Data-driven partnerships transforming the rail industry
Matt Jenner, business line manager - general industry, at Atlas Copco, discusses supporting customers on their journey to more sustainable operations with the transition to data-driven electric tools
"We are market leading in terms of the solutions we offer," said Matt Jenner, Business Line Manager - General Industry, at Atlas Copco. "The rail industry is striving to reach zero-defect production and overhaul and maintaining a record of everything they are doing within that.
"We have the products that can achieve those goals for customers and added to that we have an incredibly strong local service network within the UK in order to support our products out in the field."
The rail industry us in a journey to more sustainable operations, part if which involves a migration to electric tools. Legacy pneumatic-powered tools are being replaced by DC-powered tools, which cost significantly less to run, as well as being more reliable. Atlas Copco has innovated a range of battery ow reaction tools, electric and cordless screwdrivers, nutrunners and wrenches, which cover the whole requirement for the sector. The company is making a big push to achieve zero-defect manufacturing and maintenance with the benefits to customers of reduced rework, material wastage and energy costs, thanks to data insights and tool operator guidance at the point of use. Added to that, it's suite of smart electric tools available deliver superior power, reliability and operator protection.
"We provide a holistic approach to client partnerships that's much more than the provision of hardware and this makes us stand out against competitors," added Matt, who joined Atlas Copco four years ago.
A key to success is developing strategic partnerships that provide our full value proposition of industry leading tooling, backed by a rapid response network of technical support and account management with full training of staff in the use of software.
Superior level of traceability and data driven insight
Among the recent additions to its portfolio of smart tooling solutions, in pursuit of zero-defect assembly and maintenance, was the launch of the SRB HA battery powered nutrunner. Featuring a dual trigger that prevents the risk of finger pinch injury, a first for the manufacturing industry, users are able to control and measure torque in real time with precise accuracy which not only improves safety but reduces the time spent on tasks.
"SRB HA is the worlds most advanced and productive battery nutrunner." said Matt. "Powered by Lithium-Ion 36V technology with charging and health indicators, the SRB HA has a torque rating of up to 4000Nm and an internal torque transducer for maximum control and reliability.
"Clear user feedback comes from multi-functional LEDs, displaying OK/NOK status messages based on torque and angle readings. Its powerful tensor motor technology also ensures that operators are not exposed to the risks of HAVS (hand arm vibration syndrome)."
With three models available, the entry level SRB HA 'digital' version has a set and go function, so it's ready for use straight out of the box. The 'smart' and 'connected' models feature an internal Wi-Fi server, allowing the tools to be linked to any mobile device. This enables torque, angle and batch data collection without the need for additional software.
Matt continued: "Being able to control and measure torque in real time with precise accuracy provides a fully traceable, 'no click' approach to rolling stock assembly and maintenance, which avoids the issue of over tightening from the use of manual click wrenches, that can also lead to bolt stretching, which can cause serious failures.
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Error Proofing
The error-proofing functionality adds significant value to customers, It not only improves safety but also saves time and money by ensuring 'right first time' tightening.
Harnessing Value
On the subject of harnessing the value of data, for manufacturers, data is the new gold and Atlas Copco are best placed to help companies understand and exploit it to best advantage.
Sustainability
Atlas Copco's philosophy on sustainability does not exist in isolation. It has its own goal to reduce emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, but also a commitment to help its customers on its ambitions through collaborative partnerships.
"We know that the impact from our own operations is relatively low in comparison with the value chain as a whole, so we will continue to develop energy-efficient solutions and support our customers in boosting the implementation of renewable energy."
At the heart of the success is a life-cycle approach to innovation. In, Atlas Copco adopted a life-cycle design method for calculating a product's carbon footprint during the design phase. The product carbon foot printing tool includes the carbon impact of all aspects of the product's life cycle, from choice of materials to product use, recycling and disposal
"Everyone we've been speaking to in the rail sector has been really keen on the products, particularly when it comes to traceability, critical fastenings and utilising that data, and what i am most excited about in th efuture is building those partnerships," said Matt, who joined Atlas Copco from Jaguar Land Rover.
"We want to lead the way in helping customers harness their data and being able to use it in a good way that is an important theme we are seeing with the digitalisation of rail.
"We will be continuing to work with the large organisations we are established with, but I also want us to expand our reach across rail, even outside rolling stock and into trackside, where we are already working with customers who are building bridges for UK rail operators for instance, so it really does span a breadth of customers within the sector."