Innovative software takes the Internet of Things to process control

At NPE earlier this year, Hales Tool & Die Ltd and Athena Controls Inc. agreed a deal that will see the former appointed as European Channel Partner for the Philadelphia-based manufacturer.

The partnership will see Hales distribute a wide range of Athena temperature control products, as well as its new software solution, Maestro, which enables process data to be more efficiently captured, stored, visualised and analysed.

Maestro is powered by a digital platform know as ThingWorx™, which connects Athena hot runner, temperature and process controls to the Internet of Things (IoT), so that manufacturing and engineering teams can access event‐driven data by laptop, tablet or secure managed cloud service. The data can also be integrated into ERP systems, CRM and quality systems, and analysed using the latest tools.

“Maestro powered by ThingWorx is a fast and cost‐effective way for plastic processors and packagers to upgrade their controls with enhanced communications functionality,” said Robert Schlegel, president of Athena Controls. “By connecting to servers and the cloud, they can visualise captured data in a much more productive manner to increase OEE.”

Hales now plans to implement a comprehensive on-line web shop and develop a European sales and support network, which will offer customers superior products and support throughout Europe.  

“We are very happy and proud to be working closer with the team at Athena in order to grow the brand and sales throughout Europe” said John Applebee MD for Hales.