A major company in the hardware and software industry.
Creating an IoT platform used for automating and optimizing traditional manufacturing processes with a microservice-based architecture.
The project’s technology partner.
The client’s smart manufacturing platform was outdated and needed complete replacement. Our team joined a major engineering effort to build a new, flexible solution, featuring modular components and independently customizable applications.
Over time, the client assigned us to deploy the updated solution at their first customer plant, customizing the applications within the platform for specific factory needs.
The module allows checking business logic against live attribute data and triggering actions when conditions are met. Live data refers to changing attribute values.
Two main data categories:
Onboarding is when an external client sends metadata to the BR application to start using it, available via sync or async methods.
Document Management enables tracking and managing electronic documents across industries. It automates storage, organization, capture, retrieval, and the security of documents.
It tracks file changes and includes version control for error recovery. It integrates with Smart Manufacturing Platform using Micro UI, REST API, and Kafka. Documents are stored in its database, supporting multitenancy and securing files from unauthorized access.
Work Instructions are step-by-step guides for tasks or activities, also known as checklists (e.g., recipes or assembly guides). They improve training, quality, and efficiency.
The Work Instructions Manager, part of the Smart Manufacturing Platform, stores instructions and metadata. It integrates with Core Apps and reduces errors, speeds up production, and ensures safe task execution. It also provides quick access to training and expert knowledge.
Version Approval streamlines the approval of new entity versions, allowing verification and feedback.
New entity versions are routed for manager approval, where they can be accepted or rejected. Once approved, they are released to production. The app integrates with the Smart Manufacturing Platform and stores approval requests, supporting audits and compliance. It offers centralized management for the approval process, with permissions restricted by user roles.
Timers Management handles timers created by other core apps and provides callbacks when timers trigger.
Core apps set up timers in advance, and when they fire, callbacks are sent. The Timer Support app manages timer configurations and instances but leaves callback handling to the core apps. It integrates with the Smart Manufacturing Platform and stores timer configurations and history for auditing.
Material Verification configures material rules and triggers actions when rules match or don’t match during runtime.
Changes in material availability trigger inventory events, which activate material rules. Based on rule results, actions like locking stations or sending notifications are applied. The MV app has Core and Runtime parts, using Kafka for async communication and REST API or direct DB calls for sync communication. It integrates with other Core and Runtime apps.
Master Data enables importing and exporting platform data via CSV uploads for Core Apps. It supports APIs, Kafka, and direct database access for data exchange.
The project faced the challenge of managing a massive data volume, complicating data requests from the front end.
We quickly adapted to the environment and made active use of MicroUIs to avoid unnecessary data replication in certain scenarios, significantly reducing front-end data request times by ensuring lightweight and precise data delivery.
One of the primary requirements for the project was in-depth knowledge of Kafka, particularly for DevOps-related roles. Apache Kafka plays a critical role in creating complex and reliable systems. Managing this broker effectively requires both experience and a solid grasp of its architecture, as it involves precise implementation and the ability to swiftly adapt to system changes.
Our team quickly adapts to complex tasks, including working with powerful tools like Kafka. Leveraging our expertise and thorough understanding of its intricacies, we confidently manage Kafka integration, ensuring the system operates smoothly and is prepared for high loads.
Our team consistently delivers tasks quickly, meeting deadlines and adapting to evolving objectives.
The projects we complete adhere to the initial rigorous quality standards, following the approaches and guidelines established in the product’s overall architecture and logic.
Having a business analyst on the project allows the team to work more independently, streamline development processes, and efficiently handle new tools.
