You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationWould you like to use emulation and virtual commissioning in your projects, or assess whether a digital twin would be beneficial for your plant?
SimPlan supports companies in implementing emulation solutions, carrying out virtual commissioning of control systems, and developing digital twins for production and logistics.
Virtual commissioning with emulation at s.Oliver
Initial situation
s.Oliver Bernd Freier GmbH & Co. KG is building a new distribution centre in Dettelbach to meet the growing demands of its B2B and B2C business. The system includes automated conveyor technology for cartons and containers, a system for hanging garments, and a pocket sorter.
Material flow control is based on SAP EWM MFS in an S/4HANA environment. The aim was to comprehensively test the complex system landscape prior to actual commissioning and to minimise risks at an early stage.
Challenge
The implementation of the project presented several challenges for all those involved:
• Integration of new technologies, particularly in the area of hanging goods where no standard models exist
• Tight deadlines with parallel software development
• Integration of external simulations, such as the pocket sorter
• Ensuring seamless communication between the control system and plant logic
• Need for a centralised and intuitive test environment
In addition, mapping complex material flows required particularly detailed modelling of the processes.
Solution
SimPlan implemented an emulation solution based on Emulate3D and developed a digital twin of the entire intralogistics system.
The solution comprises:
• Emulation of the conveyor technology for flat and hanging goods
• Integration of the Pocket Sorter via linked simulation
• Direct connection to SAP EWM MFS for realistic control
• Mapping of communication via defined telegram interfaces
• Development of a uniform user interface for testing and analysis
The suspended goods were modelled in detail, enabling even complex movement sequences to be tested realistically.
Result
By using the emulation, the entire system could be tested virtually even before physical commissioning.
This enabled:
• Early identification and rectification of errors
• Reduction of risks during commissioning
• Acceleration of testing and development processes
• Improved transparency in the system logic
• Efficient coordination between all project partners
The 3D visualisation also aided the understanding of complex processes and facilitated analysis.
Customer benefits
With virtual commissioning, s.Oliver was able to significantly reduce the actual implementation effort whilst simultaneously improving the quality of system integration.
The key benefits at a glance:
• Shorter on-site commissioning times
• Minimisation of downtime and rework
• Secure test environment for development and quality assurance
• Long-term use of the digital twin for training and optimisation
