Intelligent, DIGITAL solution for modular, standard cranes

ABUS Crane Systems is one of the leading manufacturers of crane systems in Europe. Every year, it produces more than 5,000 cranes in 50 different versions, supplies more than 35,000 customers in Germany and exports to 55 countries around the world.

• One size does not fit all where cranes are concerned, however, and each crane that ABUS builds differs in design, size, number of drives and functions.

• To be competitive and meet their customers' demands, ABUS faced:
• Numerous requirements for highly complex and customised crane systems
• The need to standardise modules to achieve shortest production time possible
• The ability to operate quickly, independent of time zones and location, by leveraging advancements like digital data processing for preventive maintenance and repair

Apps, Analytics & Services: ABUControl intelligent crane control, expert delivery services
Edge Control: Modicon M221, M241, M251 controllers, XPSMC safety controller, EcoStruxure Machine Expert (formerly known as SoMachine and SoMachine Motion)
Connected Products: Altivar drives, Altivar power regeneration, Phaseo ABL power supplies, TeSys motor-protective circuit-breakers & contactors, OsiSense sensors, XU photoelectric switches, XS inductive encoders

• EcoStruxure Machine: The breadth of the portfolio can address all the needs of ABUS' customers. It also serves as the foundation for further exploiting the potential of the IIoT in ABUS' cranes.
• Hoisting expertise and collaboration at all stages: From drafting requirements, concept development, and proposing innovative solutions with new functionalities and features, to programming, testing and final validation
• The result: ABUControl, an intelligent modular crane control system based on EcoStruxure Machine. All required crane functions can be implemented with just two standard modules — from simple to complex crane architectures, with several cranes and hoists. Machine options do not have to be programmed and the system parameters are set up quickly and easily in the crane control software.

• Efficient and fast series production, and larger quantities with high quality
• Faster handling of crane production due to the standard implementation of all required crane functions using only two standard modules
• Faster and more flexible new development — faster response to customer needs
• Comfort and safety
• Higher crane availability — reduced downtime
• Energy savings of up to 40%

The Modicon M241 control solution, together with networked frequency inverters, deliver added safety and convenience and reduce crane system downtime. With the regenerative unit of Altivar drives, energy generated during braking can be fed back into the grid, enabling energy savings of up to 40%.

Digitisation: The further development of networked solutions and the collection and utilisation of data are the gateway to the IIoT, helping ABUS to open up additional opportunities—such as predictive maintenance and global service capabilities—to expand their business.

Schneider Electric's solutions have helped ABUS become more competitive. Thanks to this co-operation, ABUS is introducing new and innovative hoisting developments that increase crane availability and enable targeted maintenance measures worldwide.