Brief us on batch control system and control software built in your range of batching plants.
Schwing Stetter develops control systems - both hardware and software - for its batching plants in-house. Siemens is our strategic partner for developing these systems and all our hardware and software developments are based on the platform of Siemens. We have a big team in Chennai employed and deployed for creating the most user-friendly and reliable operating system for batching plants.

What are the advantages of your range of control systems?
Our control systems are useful especially for the contractor or the ready-mix company to keep a track on operation and maintenance, data etc. There are many ready-mix companies who have their own control systems. We can make our hardware that can speak different kinds of control systems what our customers prefer, because some of the multinational companies have a global policy on control systems and software what we use. Our control systems are flexible having our own software or the software preferred by a customer. That is one big advantage with us. Also, we can speak to the ERP systems like SAP and Oracle in maintaining the total consumption of the material and various other activities that are happening including the maintenance.

In operation and maintenance (O&M), the machines are capable of prompting the customer to check the various aspects of the performance and also check and reply back to the control system with inputs about whether the particular component is alright or needs replacement. It also makes the operator understand that the time has come for a physical check up of the machine.

If you wish, you can also have a remote access to the control system to check the current status of various performance aspects of the machine. Also you can incorporate sms or telephone-based information system where plants automatically send messages on the production and various parts requirements, etc. So we have different variants of the control systems.

Schwing Stetter India also offers an array of fleet management systems. What are their advantages?
The latest control system, which we are launching has even a fleet management system included in it. With this, one can track the batching plants working at different locations. This is quite helpful for customers who are working at multiple sites, especially ready-mix or project sites with different types of concrete. This will help in positioning and controlling of concrete mixing and transportation at desired level and site.

How should one improve O&M in terms of fuel/energy efficiency, wear and tear protection, and ease of maintenance?
Wear and tear issue will come only in the mixer. So, the mixer has to be made with high-quality wear-resistant material, which will enhance life of the machine. Also, one has to see the type of concrete the customer is making. Depending on the type of concrete, we recommend the customers to go for the wear material available. Schwing Stetter offers an end-to-end service for batching plants. We supply batching plants, help customers maintain the plant by taking operation and maintenance contract, and comprehensive maintenance contract. We also help the customers to shift plant from one location to another and upgrade the product/machine; upgrade the control system or the size of the plant itself. The customer finds this an attractive service from Schwing Stetter.