Metal producers are reliant on the accuracy and stability of their force measurement and gauging systems. Deviations from rated performance can impair product quality, causing unacceptable discrepancies in the flatness, thickness and regularity of finished metal sheets or rolls. And even relatively minor issues with the accuracy and availability of a mill’s measurement systems can have unwelcome consequences for production and profitability.

A second worry for metal producers is the widening skills gap that’s common to many industrial sectors. As a generation of veteran engineers retire from the industry it can be hard to maintain consistent service levels. Operators are meanwhile struggling to attract and retain younger workers with the practical know-how to understand, operate and troubleshoot the complex equipment and technical systems found in modern rolling mills.

A third source of concern for metal producers and their support partners is the danger posed by physical site visits. Harsh environmental conditions and heavy equipment present significant safety risks for maintenance personnel. And as the condition of aging equipment in many rolling mills progressively deteriorates, staff are increasingly exposed to hazardous situations and the danger of injury when performing more frequent maintenance or repairs.

In response to rising commercial pressures and changing workforce demographics, ABB now offers metal industry customers an agile support model that’s in tune with modern plant operations. Offered through ABB Measurement Care tiered service contracts, ABB Ability™ Remote Assistance is a secure on-demand digital environment that connects customers’ force measurement systems directly with ABB experts in real time. By analyzing real-time process and maintenance data, remote engineers can pinpoint anomalous system behaviors and prescribe actions before early-stage issues blow up into more costly problems.

Like other industrial producers, metal manufacturers expect reassurance about the security implications of exposing their critical measurement and control systems to the outside world via the Internet. Cybersecure by design, ABB Remote Assistance assures highly secure authentication and encryption of all support sessions. Fully compliant with latest standards (IEC 62443-4-1; ISO 9001:2015), systems are hosted on ABB-managed servers. What’s more, mill owners retain complete control over access rights, ensuring transparency and peace of mind throughout every remote session.

Remote assistance also pays valuable dividends in terms of greater staff safety. With the ability to diagnose and fix problems from a distance, mill owners can reduce their own employees’ exposure to potentially dangerous situations.

ABB Ability Remote Assistance demonstrates a decisive move toward more advanced digital delivery models in the metals industry, helping mill owners maximize production and safety while controlling costs. And it’s just the start - laying the foundations for more innovations in digitally delivered condition monitoring, optimization and service capabilities.