Siemens' new system is based on Simatic WinCC SCADA, used as a scalable process visualisation system to control and monitor all site processes from the production line to the paint shop.
"Our Gaydon manufacturing facility is modern, flexible and efficient but we are always looking for improvements," states Aston Martin senior controls engineer Steve Davis.
"We spoke with Siemens and developed a solution which had Simatic WinCC SCADA at its heart [and] We can now access status, data and reporting from up to 50 terminals across the site."
The factory-wide control system operates all equipment and provides immediate access to operational data, ranging from temperature trends in the paint shop's curing ovens to control and visualisation across the two primary production lines.
Davis also says that equipment data can be monitored and presented as live operator-relevant information, which can then be integrated into KPI reports for management.
In addition, with access to downtime reporting, fault-finding and spotting potential faults, issues can be quickly identified and corrected, he says, leading to a tangible reduction in downtime and an increase in overall equipment effectiveness.
"We have an integrated and plant-wide transparent control and monitoring capability for our essential processes all from a single source," comments Davis.
"It also allows for historical archiving of results, downtime alarm logging and daily build logs, which is the type of data that can aid strategic planning and improve our already impressive efficiency record."