Mexico. The Robert Bosch Mexico (RBMX) Solutions initiative equipped eight Bosch plants in Mexico with comprehensive security solutions and, thanks to the new business model "Security Systems as a Service", an exclamation point is established for Industry 4.0 applications in Mexico.
Klaus Blieffert, Project Manager at RBMX Bosch Solutions, recalls the first step that led to the RBMX Bosch Solutions initiative: "In 2015, a customer from the banking sector asked us if we could offer video cameras and a corresponding remote monitoring service in a rental and base fee." At the time there was no existing and suitable solution, the team quickly realized its potential and the project manager and his colleagues got going and created RBMX Bosch Solutions in the last 3 years.
Under the title "Integrated Solutions as a Service", they have developed a business model that goes beyond hardware and software based on offering a complete security package, including remote monitoring, as a rental model. Products become a very customer-oriented service and approach, typical of Industry 4.0.
A compelling solution
Since no other competitor could put together such a compelling package, the Blieffert team was awarded the contract to implement integrated security solutions at Bosch's eight Mexican plants and locations. "In addition, each site and stand-alone solution was supported by various system integrators, electrical installers, IT service providers and maintenance companies," Blieffert explains in describing the initial situation. "Bosch convinced our customers that we can offer a complete solution from a single source for this complex multi-site project, as well as adding value (OPEX vs. CAPEX) with our service approach."
Centralized monitoring and cost reduction
The present comprehensive solution is a good example of cross-selling at BT and essentially consists of personalised offers for each plant, developed on the basis of comprehensive risk analyses. These showed that the main need was for video equipment, intrusion alarm and access control systems, which are managed through BVMS (Bosch Video Management System) or BIS (Building Integration System). Several solutions also include fire alarm and evacuation systems.
"Although each plant has its own control room, the real added value lies in the fact that we can monitor all eight plants and locations 24 hours a day, every day remotely from the monitoring center in Guadalajara," explains Blieffert.
On the one hand this improves the sense of security on the sites and on the other hand there is also more time for real operational responsibilities, to mention just two of the numerous advantages of the model. "An additional advantage is the reduction of total operating costs for the customer. The fact that we rent hardware and software considerably reduces investment costs. And thanks to the interaction between the updated technology and our experienced team, it means that virtually no additional security personnel are required," says Blieffert.
Industry 4.0 – Applications as next steps
Whenever you hear the words "as a service," Industry 4.0 applications aren't far away. "Our service offering literally opens up new worlds for plants," says Blieffert. For example, there are several cameras installed that are on the production lines and contribute to monitoring the processes there.
Based on the recordings they can be used to give an early warning that cardboard boxes or material are getting stuck on the assembly line. If a particular machine fails, a warning signal sounds and a notification is sent to the monitoring center. This reduces responsiveness and downtime.
Also the classic access control can have its counterpart in production. For example, only employees authorized by the system have access to correspondingly coded machines. "It is even conceivable that you can integrate parking management and fleet supervision into the platform and monitoring service. In short; the scenarios can be endless," says Blieffert. True to the motto: Complete Tranquility 4.0 in Mexico
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