Meyer Turku

At the moment, Machine Track is used to monitor the operations of 17 numerically controlled automated machines.

Machine Track by Pinja has been in use for years

In the shipyard that has been transferred to Meyer’s family the agile completion of hull components and sub-assemblies is facilitated with the Machine Track system. It takes approximately two years to complete a single vessel.

Project in brief

Extensive monitoring

Machine Track is used to monitor the operations of almost 20 numerically controlled automated machines and robots.

Multiple users

The system is used by the robot operators, foremen, and shipyard maintenance personnel alike.

Lean development

Production is developed in accordance with the Lean operating model. The system mainly measures running time and collects data on disturbances and waiting times.

Turku shipyard has acted as a pioneer in the utilisation of robotics. Machine Track has been used since the beginning to facilitate the development of automated production

Petri Uotila, Development Coordinator, Meyer Turku

Project information

the 90s in use since

17 monitored numerically controlled automated machines and robots

2 times greater production of bulkhead metres

The challenge: Automated machines and robots require close monitoring

The Machine Track system, which is used in production development, has been used to monitor the shipyard’s production since the end of the 1990s. At that time, it became necessary to gather information regarding the operation of plasma cutting and welding robots used in the manufacturing of hull components and in sub-assemblies.

The solution: The collected data is used to make production more efficient

At the moment, Machine Track is used to monitor the operations of 17 numerically controlled automated machines. The system is used by the robot operators, foremen, and shipyard maintenance personnel alike. The main target for measurements is efficient operating time, but information regarding disruptions and waiting periods is also gathered. The collected data is used to make component production more efficient.

– For example, a couple of years ago we implemented a development project on the bulkhead line based on Lean procedures, in which we utilised the data collected by Machine Track to optimise production. As a result, the production of bulkhead metres was doubled. Now we have implemented Lean methods on other production lines as well, says Turku shipyard’s hull production Development Coordinator Petri Uotila.

At Meyer Machine Track is used through a browser, enabling the system to be used on mobile devices as well. Meyer has also a Machine Track Quality Management module for operator quality checks and a Layout View that tells the state of the hull production tracking status in the plant’s Layout view.

– With the module, the measurement accuracy of profile components and plate panels can be entered straight into Machine Track. There is no need for hand-written records that were required before, explains System Specialist Petteri Soininen.

Uotila and Soininen are happy with the long-term co-operation with Pinja, as well as the benefits brought on by Machine Track.

– The basic functions of the Machine Track system are ready, and the development work on the program has run smoothly, says Uotila.