This article is based on the sample data of the HaloPlant demo shopfloor. If it is not available to you, you can find the download instructions here: Download sample data
Overview
This HaloPlant work area shows blueprints of a potential plant layout. In this case, the existing Chaku-Chaku line is transformed into a chained assembly line that accommodates the additional product variants in different ways. The two designs represent fundamentally different approaches, allowing the project team and their stakeholders to select the approach that best suits their needs.
In focus
Integration planning
An existing production is extended or replaced by another product, product variant or product family. From this perspective, the goal is to enable efficient and cost-effective production of all products under consideration.
Layout planning - from rough to detailed planning
In the context of layout planning, the abstraction of elements at the beginning of the process provides a quick overview of the planned layout and helps to make basic decisions. Detailing elements as the planning process progresses further enables potential problems to be addressed at an early stage.
Variants
2023 - Current state | |
The replicated assembly U serves as a reference to the initial situation. It consists of 7 stations, including EoL testing, and the associated material supply. | |
2025 - Draft 1 | |
In this design, both product variants share only the EoL testing. The previous assembly takes place independently of each other in the two "strands" of the line.
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2025 - Draft 2 | |
To a large extent, the stations of the two product variants overlap. In this design, the split into the variant-specific assembly occurs later. For the EoL test, both strands are merged again.
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Workflow
To start with the mapping of the current state, store sketches, notes, images and videos in "Documents/Halocline/Notes". Within Halocline Layout and Halocline Performance you can access the stored information via the notepad.
To find elements for the designs, the public library can be used. Here relevant elements can be searched and found, which can later be imported into the local VR library. Once the elements have been imported, create a new workspace in Halocline, adjusting the outline to the available area of the current state.
To represent the current state in Halocline Layout, the imported library elements can be used. Alternatively, new elements can be created. Here it is important not to go into too much detail: Abstracting the ideas is recommended to save time and to ensure better clarity. The Screenshot tool helps with the documentation.
It is advisable to duplicate the current variant to refer back to it later. The new variant now serves as the first draft. Now it is time to unleash the creativity for the further drafts. It is helpful to use the previously edited elements from the VR library to create new designs. Also feel free to come back to the screenshots of the current state and duplicate the variant if needed, especially for further drafts.