Dortmund, Germany — KHS Group says it is putting systems into place to make sure its customers won't be caught in the lurch if there are changes from an equipment supplier.
The "proactive discontinuation management" is in response to a digital age in which systems are updated and changed frequently. Dortmund-based KHS says the service will be able to step in if a customer makes a big investment in automation, only to have part of that automation be dropped by the original maker.
"We support our partners with our knowledge of any technical changes required to make sure that machinery continues to function and production runs smoothly at beverage bottling plant," Klaus Thatenhorst, head of the standards department at KHS said in a news release. "By replacing the necessary components in good time, we ensure that our machines have long service lives and are thus sustainable."
For example, robot maker Kuka has said it will supply its current KR C2 controller until 2024, which has an impact on two series of KHS palletizers among other machinery, the company said.
KHS's discontinuation management is preparing both KHS and its customers to make sure its systems won't be disrupted by Kuka's decision.
For more information go to: www.khs.com/en/media