In the age of digitalisation, advanced technologies and intelligent solutions are crucial for success in the industry.
Thermo-6 temperature control units set new standards and offer a wide range of digital services relating to efficiency, control and user-friendliness.
Pioneering work in digitalisation: HB‑Therm and the Thermo‑6
Thermo‑6 supports companies in mastering the challenges of modern industry and is a decisive step towards Industry 4.0. With intelligent networking and seamless integration into production processes, it offers advanced technology that focuses on efficiency, reliability and user-friendliness. As a provider of temperature control solutions, HB‑Therm plays a pioneering role in digitalisation and has expanded its digital service offering. While the Gate‑6 interface server previously provided centralised access to digital services, numerous services can now also be used via the free e‑cockpit app. These enhancements offer customers flexibility and customised solutions that meet modern requirements for transparency and efficiency.
Smart and safe: digital services for HB‑Therm users
With the "e‑cockpit" application on the mobile smartphone, all Thermo‑6 users can work even more efficiently and safely. The app for smartphones and tablets accesses the Gate‑6 interface server and the Thermo‑6 temperature control units connected to it locally via Bluetooth. Via "e‑cockpit" and "Gate‑6", you can call up analysis data, allow remote access, directly access all online documentation on the "Knowledge" platform or, for example, create a unit‑specific ticket with analysis data at the touch of a button. Furthermore, "e‑cockpit" contains the scanner for the HB‑Therm-specific QR codes on the unit or on the spare parts. This gives customers a transparent overview of current production and allows them to intervene remotely if problems occur.
"e‑cockpit" functions at a glance
Previously, the digital services were only accessible via the Gate‑6 interface server. Now customers can also access essential functions without Gate‑6. The free e‑cockpit app is available for Android and iOS on smartphones and tablets and offers the following functions:
Replace spare parts: Maintenance documentation has been further optimised and is now kept in the form of a digital maintenance manual. The information is stored in the digital twin of the respective unit. This ensures transparency over the entire product life cycle and can be easily maintained via the e‑cockpit app.
While written maintenance documentation is susceptible to loss and damage, difficult to access and prone to errors, digital maintenance documentation is more efficient, secure and accessible, and supports a complete maintenance history and improved data analysis in after-sales.
Maintenance is carried out using a special QR code that is attached to the spare parts and can only be read with the e‑cockpit app. A second scan on the temperature control unit assigns the component to be replaced or retrofitted directly to the digital twin, where it is permanently tracked and stored.
Knowledge: Direct access to an extensive knowledge database enables users to access technical information and documentation in 27 different languages at any time and from any location. This function helps to quickly answer questions about the use and maintenance of the temperature control units, supports a paperless and sustainable way of working and is particularly efficient thanks to search functions. Another advantage of online documentation is that it is always up to date, rather than working with outdated documents. In addition, the latest software versions and 3D product models can always be downloaded.
Unit Docs: With the "Unit Docs" document management system, users can save and retrieve unit-specific documents such as spare parts lists and certificates directly in PDF form on their mobile device. These documents are stored in the digital twin of the respective unit, which facilitates quick access to information and handling in day-to-day operations.
Unit Management: The new "Unit Management" function significantly improves the management and grouping of "my units" in the company. Users can organise their units themselves according to criteria such as floor, production area or department. This structured organisation not only increases clarity, but also makes it easier to find documents that are assigned to the respective units. Previously, it was almost impossible to have a clear overview of the units, especially in large companies with high volumes, which impaired efficiency. The ability to share unit groups with other users also promotes cross-site collaboration. Groups can quickly exchange information and jointly optimise unit management, resulting in smoother and more transparent operations management.
Support Ticket: The application makes it possible to create a "simple" support ticket quickly and via a simple user interface to request rapid assistance if required. For advanced support and transmission of unit data or remote analysis by a team of experts, a Gate‑6 is required for data transmission, which speeds up the support process and ensures smooth problem resolution.
Extended control and remote access options with Gate‑6
For customers who require additional digital control and support options, the Gate‑6 interface server offers a wide range of powerful functions. Gate‑6 provides unlimited access to all of HB‑Therm's digital services, such as remote connections and analysis data transfer, which contribute to detailed monitoring and control of the units. The following functions are available to customers using Gate‑6 in combination with the e‑cockpit app:
Remote Control: This function makes it possible to control the Thermo‑6 temperature control units remotely using a smartphone or tablet. Access is via a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) connection via Bluetooth. A blue frame indicates active remote access. With Remote Control, units can be controlled and adjusted in real time - without registration.
Remote Access: Via a VPN connection and simple registration in the HB‑Therm portal, Remote Access offers location-independent access to the units. This means that employees at other company locations or external partners can also access and support the temperature control units. This function allows flexible use and promotes global collaboration.
Remote support: The remote support function allows the HB‑Therm support team to access the unit directly if required and solve technical problems efficiently. Secure access via a VPN connection ensures that support can act quickly and in a targeted manner, maximising unit uptime.
Send analysis data: This function enables diagnostic data to be sent directly to HB‑Therm Support. This allows a ticket to be created in the HB‑Therm portal and ensures structured processing. Customers receive confirmation by e-mail as soon as the data has been received and benefit from transparent tracking.
A lot of important knowledge: "Knowledge"
"Knowledge" provides all the knowledge about the operation and use of the Series 6. The QR codes on the control screen of the Thermo‑6 or on the spare parts can be used with the "e‑cockpit" app to call up the latest additional and background information on the relevant issue. On the PC, access is directly from the homepage and enables modern, paperless and sustainable access to operating instructions and technical data from anywhere.
Comprehensive service management via "Ticket"
The "Ticket" service management system enables efficient processing of all enquiries and events relating to HB‑Therm products. Every end customer has access to this system as part of worldwide support.
The ticket system offers numerous functions such as the pre-announcement of unit maintenance, technical support, error messages and the submission of suggestions for improvement. A ticket can be created in different ways: Either directly via the e‑cockpit app at the touch of a button or manually via the ticket portal. When using the e‑cockpit app, the customer also has the option of sending current analysis data from the temperature control unit, which is stored locally in the unit for several days, for analysis purposes, provided the operator actively authorises this.
The "ticket" is designed for current and future requirements and grows with the needs of the units and customers. Among other things, it contains unit‑specific spare parts lists, test certificates and unit-specific information that can be found in the digital twin of the respective unit. The system also enables the maintenance and traceability of future documents.
Maximum data security
Anyone talking about comprehensive digitalisation must also guarantee the highest data security standards. At HB‑Therm, all customers are on the safe side here too. The highest security standards guarantee comprehensive data protection. For example, remote access or the uploading of analysis data only takes place after explicit authorisation by the customer.
Increased efficiency and transparency in production
HB‑Therm ensures that companies achieve improved transparency and efficiency in production through digital transformation. With the free e‑cockpit app and the extended functions of Gate‑6, each customer can decide individually which digital services best suit their requirements. These innovations show how important digitalisation is in modern industry and how digital technologies can help to sustainably improve processes and productivity.
