Zetec: Better energy efficiency with Scable shopfloor software

Paperless assembly: real-time transparency and efficiency

A central goal for the implementation of Scable software was the transformation towards paperless assembly processes. Thanks to the mobile solution offered by Scable, employees are able to access all relevant information, from order details to technical drawings, right at the machines via tablets and computers. The digital availability of this information eliminates the need for printed-out documents and reduces a potential source of errors as a consequence of out-of-date or incomplete information.

Patric Hell, managing director of Zetec, describes this transformation: "Previously, we had to organise and distribute order folders. Today, a few clicks on a tablet are enough to supply all relevant information. This saves time and increases process reliability tremendously."

Zetec was able to digitalize numerous workstations per machine already, demonstrating a high acceptance of paperless assembly among its workforce.

Energy efficiency: Sustainability by monitoring

Besides the process optimization, the reduction of energy consumption was a priority for Zetec. In 2024, Scable and Zetec collaborated on a project to record power consumption of machinery and identify power-savings potentials with a new energy-monitoring module as part of the Scable software.

The module allows for real-time comparison of power consumption of individual machines with production data. This allows for the recognition of inefficiency patterns, such as a high power consumption during production-free time. This information is displayed visually on an accompanying dashboard in the software, providing a high-quality data basis for responsible decisions. Among the first measures at Zetec was the consistent switching-off of machines during production-free weekends. The results speak for themselves - in the first year after introduction of the software alone, Zetec saved around 35,000 kWh in electricity, lowering their CO2-emissions by 13 tons.

Patric Hell comments this development: "We had suspected that energy was being wasted, but we were only able to act upon it having seen the exact data in the software. We simply were not aware, for example, that one of our hydraulic pumps drew up to 8.5 kWh during stand-by. Since then, we turn these machines off at night."

Results and Outlook

The successful partnership between Zetec and Scable shows, how digital solutions can help SMBs ensure a sustainable future for their business models. With paperless assembly and the innovative energy monitoring provided by Scable software, Zetec is an example for other companies with similar goals. Zetec didn't just optimize their processes, but fostered awareness for resourcefulness. Its savings, both in costs and emissions, demonstrate that digitalization is an important step towards sustainability.

Zetec is already planning to expand their use of the Scable software. The goal is to integrate energy monitoring further in their continuous improvement cycle, and realize yet more gains in their efficiency potential. Patric Hell summarises as follows: "With Scable, we have a strong partner at hand who can help us achieve our goals not just in regards to digitalization, but with the realisation of our sustainability strategy, too."