Jakob Müller Group, a renowned Swiss company founded in 1887, has been at the forefront of the textile industry forover a century. Specializing in the production of machines for high-quality and technical textiles, their equipment is crucial in manufacturing products for diverse sectors including medical, automotive, and fashion industries. Their innovative machinery is used to create everything from intricate lace trimmings for haute couture to highly specialized textiles for medical implants and automotive safety systems.
With a global presence spanning multiple continents and a diverse product range including weaving, finishing, anddyeing machines, Jakob Müller Grouphas consistently pushed the boundaries of textile manufacturing technology.However, recognizing the growing importance of digital solutions in modern manufacturing, the company sought tomodernize their operations and provide enhanced value to their customers through digital transformation. This initiative was not just about improving their own processes, but also about enabling their clients across various industries to meet the increasing demands for precision, efficiency, and traceability in textile production.
The Challenge
Despite their long-standing expertise in machinery, Jakob Müller Group faced a significant challenge in the digital age.Their clients lacked connectivity with their machines, resulting in inefficient data gathering and remote monitoringcapabilities. Complex orders required manual intervention, with operators physically walking up to machines with flashdrives to input instructions. This outdated process hindered productivity and limited the potential for data-driven decision making.
Kickstage's Solution: MyMünet
Key features of MyMünet include:To address these challenges, we jointly developed MyMünet, a sophisticated IoT platform that revolutionized how Jakob Müller Group and their clients interact with their machinery. MyMünet is a multi-tenant solution that securely connects a large number of machines to a private cloud infrastructure, enabling comprehensive data analysis and machine management.
- Real-time analysis of machine data, including motor speeds and temperatures
- High-level efficiency monitoring for entire production sites
- Article management and remote order transmission to machines
- Custom dashboards for tailored data insights
- Environmental impact assessment, including CO₂ output calculations based on yarn data and electrical consumption
- A modern, well-documented GraphQL API for seamless integration and extensibility
Technical Implementation
We leveraged a robust tech stack to build MyMünet:- A cluster of PostgreSQL and later Clickhouse databases for scalable storage of billions of data points
- Protobuf and gRPC for efficient and reliable communication between field machines and the cloud solution
- React, Websockets, TypeScript, and NodeJS for a real-time frontend with advanced charting capabilities
- OPC/UA and Siemens S7 protocols for broader machine connectivity
PostgreSQL
ClickHouse
gRPC
React
Websockets
TypeScript
Node.JS
Siemens SPS/S7
Project Timeline and Evolution
The MyMünet project has been an ongoing success story for over five years. Our agile approach allowed for the releaseof a functional prototype within just a few months, quickly demonstrating value to Jakob Müller Group. Since then, theplatform has seen continuous improvement with regular bi-monthly updates. Notable milestones include the integration of additional machine types connected via the Siemens S7 protocol and MODBUS, expanding the platform's versatility and reach.
Results and Impact
The implementation of MyMünet has transformed operations for Jakob Müller Group and their clients:- Enhanced remote access to machine data, improving production flows and decision-making
- Streamlined order management, replacing manual processes with a user-friendly web interface
- Improved compliance with Industry 4.0 requirements through GraphQL and OPC/UA API interfaces
- Enhanced environmental awareness through CO₂ output calculations
- Increased operational efficiency and reduced downtime through real-time monitoring and analytics
Developing MyMünet for Jakob Müller Group was a fantastic opportunity to push the boundaries of IoT in manufacturing. The challenges we overcame in integrating diverse machine types and managing vast amounts of data have honed our skills and expanded our capabilities. We're proud to have created a solution that not only meets current needs but is also poised for future innovations.
Nikola Jerković
Lead developer at Kickstage
Conclusion
The MyMünet project showcases our ability to deliver complex, scalable IoT solutions that drive digital transformation intraditional industries. By combining cutting-edge technologies with a deep understanding of client needs, we havecreated a platform that not only solves immediate challenges but also opens up new possibilities for innovation andgrowth in the textile manufacturing sector.
