10/11/2022
The rise of Industry 4.0 or the Fourth Industrial Revolution has changed the face of the manufacturing field with the use of autonomous systems driven by data and machine learning – Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), among others. It creates greater value with data from production and operations. It sheds light on information about areas such as supply chain, customer service, and other business systems that would have remained hidden in the past. These smart factories are characterized by greater automation, predictive maintenance, self-optimization in terms of processes as well as greater efficiency and responsiveness to customers. Production flexibility is also a highly valued effect of Industry 4.0.
Advanced woodworking solutions pay off with Jager and HOMAG
With automation, understanding production metrics can help companies set and achieve KPIs, increasing efficiency
Jager aims to create a labor-independent business, thus making use of HOMAG automated products
Industry 4.0 ensures greater value through data from production and operations
This is especially true for small, medium and large enterprises in Southeast Asia.
Common manufacturing trends in the industry
Many of these manufacturing plants cater to interior designers, fit-out contractors and end users, and focus on the design and manufacture of wood products: flooring, windows, doors and other types of furniture.
Although these factories have proliferated, some common problems exist in the industry. Many processes involved in manufacturing are still labor-intensive with little or no machine assistance, resulting in production bottlenecks, defective products, and lack of skilled workers.
HOMAG, a global provider of integrated woodworking solutions, has provided machinery and software that has helped many Asian companies reduce reliance on labor and shift to automated processes. This is also useful for manufacturers, as many prefer to access data recorded by their machines; understanding production metrics helps them set and achieve KPIs, thereby increasing efficiency.
Another emerging industry trend is the move away from mass production, forcing manufacturers to move to size-one batch production. Consumers value personalization – after all, who wouldn’t want a product designed just for them? Furniture is no different. Order volumes have gone from 100-500 pieces over the past 10 years to 5-20 pieces.
With size one batch production, manufacturers have flexibility. Automated machines allow for a less cluttered factory and encourage skilled workers who might otherwise leave for other manufacturing industries.
Finally, as Asian companies envision gradual growth, HOMAG presents itself as an industrial partner. Jager, a Vietnamese furniture manufacturer, is one such company that has partnered with HOMAG, trusting the woodworking machinery manufacturer to guide them through their business expansion and journey towards advanced automation. woodworking.
Proudly Vietnamese
Jager uses technology that allows customers to determine how their space is designed and furnished without spending too much time in communication between the furniture manufacturer and the customer. With this, the company aims to lead the national furniture market and export to other countries. Their clientele includes real estate companies, designers as well as individuals.
While maintaining its production, Jager strives to incorporate “Vietnamese values and pride” into every piece of furniture it makes. They place great importance on beauty and perfection, especially since the company promises its customers a “premium place to live” and a “high quality of life”.
Modernization of manufacturing
In addition to their company’s goals and vision, Jager is committed to and invests in woodworking automation. Le Quon Khanh, CEO of Jager, recognizes the need for technology in this sector. Jager’s first factory was equipped with a panel saw, edgebander and computer numerical control (CNC), but when he was planning his new factory he knew he had to invest in a new more automated production to meet the lower batch environment. This commitment paid off.
“In 2009, I started researching and learning about the industry from my experiences doing business with clients and managing past projects,” Khanh explained.
HOMAG helped them on their technology journey, which Jager’s CEO described as a “key partner” and “one of the best decisions” the company has made to successfully develop its products. He’s proud to call Jager
a “new generation modern manufacturer”.
When Khanh set out to build his business, he made his decisions based on two key goals: to create a business that does not depend on labor and to nurture one that promotes efficiency and sustainability. HOMAG machines and solutions have helped him achieve these goals.
Among the HOMAG products that have improved their manufacturing processes are the STORETEQ S-200, a horizontal storage system; SAWTEQ B-300, an integrated panel saw; CENTATEQ N-300, an integrated CNC nesting center and another SAWTEQ B-300 as an external panel saw. Other machines used by the Vietnamese manufacturer are the HOMAG EDGETEQ S-380 edgebander with LOOPTEQ O-300 return conveyor belt; and the routing and drilling processing center, CENTATEQ P-110 and DRILLTEQ V-200.
Jager’s ongoing transformation not only reflects the impacts of Industry 4.0, but also the potential that technology and automation have on manufacturing, production and distribution across various industries.
Grow with customers
HOMAG strives to design its machines and solutions with the Asian markets in mind. Jager’s continued success and progress is not only a reflection of how HOMAG is committed to helping its customers grow, but also proof that manufacturers can grow and prosper when they make the right investments in technology. automation and advanced woodworking solutions.
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