Controlling component flows with overall architecture at ABB’s frequency converter plant

ABB’s frequency converter plant in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, aims to stay at the very top globally in terms of efficiency, quality and employee experience. In the project carried out by Atostek for ABB, the current state of internal logistics operations was assessed, followed by a concept on the desired outcome.

ABB decided to get to the bottom of the greatest challenges to the processes, information systems and management of internal logistics.

The Pitäjänmäki frequency converter plant is extremely modern with a high performance rate. For example, employees are assisted by artificial intelligence and machine vision during assembly.

“However, we are aware that along the years, some less than optimal solutions have crept into the component flows of assembly lines. On the other hand, we decided to find out if we can adopt technology that can enable giant productivity leaps,” says Janne Nieminen, Production Unit Manager at ABB.

Plan for development of internal logistics

In the project carried out by Atostek for ABB, the current state of internal logistics operations was assessed, followed by a concept on the desired outcome. This was done by means of, for example, plant and warehouse visits, documentation and analysis of information systems.

The project was able to identify the major bottlenecks and areas of development concerning internal logistics. Other outcomes included a separate roadmap for future development and preliminary requirement specifications for identified areas of development.

“Atostek helped us identify major areas of development and created an excellent plan and documentation to aid implementation. We expect to streamline our operations, optimize turnover times and costs, and to adopt ultramodern internal logistics solutions,” says Nieminen.

The assignment was carried out by loosely applying the TOGAF overall architecture method, but the focus was firmly on aspects that directly contribute to the implementation stage.

Read more: ABB – AI as a co-worker at a drive factory

ABB’s factory in Helsinki is at the leading edge of ABB’s variable speed drive development. The factory employs roughly 1300 people. Worldwide ABB’s drive business employs about 6000 people in over 80 countries. ABB has delivered more than 300 000 industrial robots for demanding tasks all over the world and in Finland, ABB is a clear market leader in robotics.