News from GEZE Production – we focus on digital and ergonomic solutions

We are a family business. This is why we focus on people – and continually aim to make the workplace and the working environment as pleasant, comfortable and ergonomic as possible. Both in administration and in production. Using two examples, we show how digitalisation and automation impact on the work in the production halls – and we ask the employees on site what they think of it.

Extensive modernisations in GEZE production

In previous years, we have extensively renovated, for example, the floors as well as the ceilings in the production areas. In addition, we continuously work to improve our processes. "All this of course involves new purchases to replace existing machinery and plant. In parallel, to this, we achieve significant process improvements through new technologies and automation, which involves close cooperation with the Industrial Engineering department. Especially in production sites, which over the long term can be very stressful for people," explains Production Manager Markus Lang. The point of all these measures to is to make the workplaces more ergonomic in order to reduce walking, for example.

Less walking thanks to tablets

Recording data on the tablet allows Maria-Rosaria Romano to work more efficiently in small series assembly.

Recording data on the tablet allows Maria-Rosaria Romano to work more efficiently in small series assembly.

Since the start of the year, for example, we have been using tablets in the production of turned parts and in assembly group installation, in order to become even quicker, more efficient and transparent. Prior to the new solution, employees had to enter operating data for production orders – such as time records for operating process or fault messages – in a table on a central terminal. This data is now entered and transferred by tablet directly at the machine or the workstation.

Recording data directly at the machine, so at my workstation, means everything runs more transparently, and faster too. For example, I can consult production parts lists immediately.

Maria-Rosaria Romano, small series production employee at GEZE

Efficient capacity utilisation through optimum planning

In addition to small-series assembly, colleagues such as Luca Botta also benefit from the tablet application in piston production with division manager Markus Lang.

Tablets in use

A good side-effect of this is the efficient capacity utilisation of the systems. “The now significantly more accurate evaluations enable us to check the utilisation of the machines more precisely,” says Markus Lang. "This improves the efficiency of our production processes and, for example, enables us to quickly see which faults occur how frequently, and counter them accordingly.

Manufacture on demand

There is also fluctuating demand for certain products, including seasonal variations. At the same time, the quantities often increase. Flexibility and training are needed to absorb these fluctuations. "We are already very well organised in this respect," says Markus Lang. "A lot of our employees are capable of working at various stations in production, and switching workstation within the division if necessary." The key thing is to work precisely where the demand is.

It's just very varied constantly learning new tasks. I enjoy seeing products through from the initial installation to the final step. Because then you really understand everything that is important.

Timo Rauß, special doors construction employee

Lifelong learning required

The production is set up flexibly by employees like Timo Rauß, here with division manager Markus Lang.

Flexible manufacturing.

Greater flexibility in manufacturing is closely aligned to the wishes of the respective employees. "It's nothing but positive, the variety of work is fun, and presents a good personal challenge for everyone," says Timo Rauss, who works in special doors construction and is now capable of working at completely different workstations. And Markus Lang adds: "We are delighted to offer every employee who wants it, the chance to develop further. Because flexibility will continue to be a key element if we are to overcome the challenges of the future."