Siemens Totally Integrated Automation (TIA)
Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) is the name of Siemens' integrated engineering environment for programming and configuring automation systems. TIA is an innovative architecture developed by Siemens Digital Factory division to streamline the communication between automation components, industry software, and engineering tools. This automated interaction covers the four levels of the automation pyramid, from the field level through the controller and operator level to the management level.
Efficient engineering helps to ensure error-free automation solutions with the flexibility to handle different models. Siemens provides software and hardware for technical planning that allows car manufacturers to be well equipped for the future. This setup saves time as the integration spans the spectrum from robots to HMI and field devices, up to control systems. The solution provides a common database and allows for parallel development. A few instances of this are provided below.
Case Study - AUDI
AUDI AG is a German automobile manufacturer that designs, engineers, produces, markets and distributes luxury vehicles. Audi oversees worldwide operations from its headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany. AUDI implemented Siemens TIA for the production of its new AUSI A8 premium model at its factory in Neckarsulm, Germany. The TIA Portal enabled the company to save more than 10 percent in engineering costs. The individual control systems deliver information to the central control system, which assists in data handling so that malfunctions can be handled efficiently, reducing downtime. Subsequently, the factory in Neckarsulm is able to save approximately 5 MWh of energy per year – an important step for the company as it pursues its aim of 25 percent reduction of energy consumption by 2018.
Case Study – KUKA Systems
KUKA Systems is a global provider of plant and system technology. The center in Brazil used Tecnomatix at its factory. The factory had been using plant simulation solutions for logistics systems and Robcad to plan and optimize robot workstations. This enabled 98 percent of the company's engineering to be completed at the desk. The software also enhanced robot productivity with comprehensive coordination at all work stages. This helped in producing a higher number of units and a reliable robot integration. The previously experienced collisions during prototype testing, which were due to planning errors, also decreased with virtual commissioning.
Case Study- ŠKODA
Škoda Auto is a Czech automobile manufacturer founded in 1895 as Laurin & Klement. It is headquartered in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. The company used Tecnomatix software for a "Digital Factory" project with the goal of using virtual mapping of production to increase efficiency. The project was focused on the body in white phase of production using Process Simulate. It also started a new production line due to the popularity of ŠKODA's "Yeti" model. Despite the delayed delivery of new robots, the company was able to begin production on time thanks to virtual commissioning. The software transformed the center into a digital factory and enabled the company's growth in the automotive market.