Husky introduces a new way to maximize factory efficiency

DUSSELDORF - Husky has introduced SmartLink, a new plant monitoring solution designed specifically for the needs of the plastics injection molding industry. SmartLink consolidates information that affects uptime, productivity and quality for the entire plant.

Building on Husky’s proprietary machine control, Polaris, SmartLink integrates data, reports on overall factory performance and provides users with a dashboard to the entire molding operation. Industrial automation software developed by Matrikon and a standard controls integration protocol developed by Husky results in a software solution that delivers accurate, real-time process and efficiency metrics.

“As a web-enabled tool, SmartLink provides real-time data of factory performance to stakeholders, regardless of their location,” Mike Gould, Husky’s Vice President, Factory Planning, said. “Simplicity and flexibility have been achieved through standard automation protocols allowing SmartLink to be installed as a turnkey system in days. Paging and event notification drive people to make decisions fast, identify the root cause of issues and improve overall factory efficiency.”

Key features of SmartLink include:

• Process monitoring – Real-time monitoring of process variables and machine status, along with access to historical process data

• Data entry – Operators enter downtime reasons, update work order status, part production and scrap information

• Automated graphical reporting – Machine uptime and production reports reduce burden on resources and provide timely access to information

• Instant notification – E-mail and paging notification immediately alert decision makers of plant status and molding process variations

• Remote access – Customers can securely view information off-site. SmartLink is also compatible with Husky’s remote diagnostics tool, ServiceLink, allowing Husky’s technical specialists to remotely provide service for machines on the factory floor.

• Advanced features – SmartLink’s modular architecture allows injection molders to add modules as their needs grow. Optional modules enable production tracking, advanced planning and scheduling, as well as statistical process control.

“Matrikon’s proven solutions take plant floor automation to the next level,” Amin Rawji, Executive Vice President, Matrikon, said. “They provide visibility to plant operations and equipment, enabling continual, automated monitoring and analysis to maintain optimal plant performance.”

Reader enquiries

Husky Injection Molding Systems

www.husky.ca

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Notes for editors

About Husky

Husky Injection Molding Systems (www.husky.ca) is a global supplier of injection molding equipment and services to the plastics industry. With one of the broadest product lines in the industry, customers use Husky equipment to manufacture a wide range of products in the packaging, technical and automotive industries. The company has more than 40 service and sales offices, supporting customers in more than 100 countries. Husky’s manufacturing facilities are located in Canada, the United States, Luxembourg and China. The company’s common shares (HKY) are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and are included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index.

About Matrikon

Matrikon is a leading supplier of industrial IT solutions specializing in web-based products and optimization solutions for the manufacturing and process industries. Matrikon is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta with offices in a number of cities across Canada, the United States, Australia, and in the Middle East and Europe. Matrikon’s client base includes industry leaders in a wide range of manufacturing and process industries. Matrikon is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol MTK.