Knowledge sharing via Liemar: Smulders (BE) visits Hardeman's (NL) workhouse

Within the industry, but across the border: recently Paul Peeters, Project Engineering Manager at Smulders, and his team went on an "automation visit" to Hardeman. That reference visit came about through Tom Smout, bocad consultant at Liemar. 'After a refresher course in bocad for Smulders' draftsmen, Paul indicated that he has plans to take steps in the automation of the workhouse. Welding robots in particular have his attention. I suggested visiting Hardeman, because they are already very far along in this.'

'Smulders and Hardeman are not direct competitors for each other and therefore have no secrets between them. Then you can feel free to take a look in each other's kitchen, or in this case the workhouse. André Groeneveld and Ignace Vandionant, automation experts at Hardeman, were also open to a visit. Then an appointment is easily arranged.

Bocad and the workhouse

The visit by the Smulders team and Tom began with an explanation in bocad by André. 'He showed what they do and how they do it. Hardeman has automated to prepare the data coming out of bocad for the workhouse and thus the welding robots.' Such a digital tour between bocad users naturally leads to a conversation about the status and future of bocad. 'We discussed where the software stands now and what both companies expect from updates. It is nice to spar with colleagues about functionalities that are already there and those you still miss. About what you think is important.'

Welding robots in the workhouse

The digital tour was followed up by a physical tour of the entire building. 'Then Ignace, who deals with the workhouse, took over. He explained what Hardeman does, about the machines they have, the positives and negatives of those machines. You hear the latter from a user, but not from a salesman. Meanwhile, Hardeman has several welding robots, so Ignace paid a lot of attention to that.'

Deciding better

'The Smulders team was very enthusiastic about this visit. They are probably going to visit more companies to get input, because it is precisely these hands-on experiences in practice that provide information to arrive at an optimal design of the workhouse.' 

Industry contact

Would you like to exchange ideas with a colleague? Liemar is happy to think along with you about interesting company visits and, if you like, we will make the contact for you. We would love to hear from you!