Herma will showcase its complete range of Connected Solutions at Achema show

These include, for example, Visual Support with augmented reality, remote diagnosis by means of QR code and the visual spare part search. The core element is the myHERMA customer portal, in which the machine cockpit is also integrated and which provides a perfect overview of all ordered and installed devices.

Herma will be presenting these services in their entirety for the very first time at Achema exhibition in June. « Save time, reduce downtime, find support, maintain an overview – all this serves to optimize overall equipment effectiveness, beginning at commissioning, but of course also and primarily during ongoing use. Especially in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and chemical industries where extremely high-value products are labeled, any small delay can lead to a high loss of turnover, » says Laura Haase, Project Manager of Digital Services at Herma. « Our Connected Solutions enable every user to get more out of their labeling machines and applicators. » In the case of commissioning, training and service, Herma now provides customers with, for example, Visual Support including augmented reality without a Herma technician needing to be on site. Fast remote diagnosis is also possible using a QR code – without any remote access whatsoever. With the visual spare part search, you simply have to photograph the part concerned and then upload the photo. You can then order the part immediately without having to know the part number or specify the exact part designation.

The key element is the individualized customer portal myHERMA, which is accessed via the Herma website. There, customers will find not only the 24/7 online shop for spare and wear parts, but also the online training center with valuable contents and help functions for commissioning and maintenance as well as tips for fault management and troubleshooting. Numerous video guides provide help in setting up and adjusting various components of Herma applicators. Furthermore, the customer portal contains a download area for software and firmware. It is also used to activate upgrades, so boosting applicator performance and adding functions « at the push of a button ». A digital machine cockpit in the customer portal provides a perfect overview of all ordered and installed machines and applicators, including order status, specific documents, information and services – all in one place. « This makes finding information easier when it’s urgently needed and when time is particularly valuable, » says Laura Haase.

The Connected Solutions are offered as part of Herma Service for labeling machines. They are supplemented offline by physical upgrades, retrofits of existing systems and individual solutions for specific requirements, i.e. customizing. There are also service contracts with modular service packages. The spectrum ranges from, for example, annual inspections and priority response to liaison with a personal contact. « For the operators of a labeling machine, this means they remain operational and flexible and honor the delivery dates promised to their customers, » sums up Tobias Erhardt, Head of Service. « The Connected Solutions in combination with other services give Herma applicators and labeling machines permanent added value – for the entire lifetime of the product. »