📊 Mitsubishi Electric Revolutionizes Data-Driven Decision Making in Czechia!

[Elif Özaksu]

🚀 The Factory That Speaks with Data: Mitsubishi Electric's Transformation Story​

In modern manufacturing, competitive advantage is determined by how effectively you collect, connect, and utilize data. Mitsubishi Electric Automotive Czech (MEAC) has transformed data into a strategic asset at its Slaný facility. This factory, which has been supplying electric automotive components to Europe since 2001, has evolved from traditional manufacturing with over 500 employees into a highly connected facility where millions of data points are converted into real-time operational insights.

💡 Smartly Utilizing Existing Infrastructure​

The most striking aspect of MEAC's digital transformation is its approach to existing infrastructure. While many manufacturers opt to replace old machinery, MEAC focused on extracting more value from operational equipment. Jan Kabát, Production Engineering Manager, states, "We keep what works. Our Q-Series control units have been reliably operating for over 10 years. Modernization is achieved through a data layer by connecting machines via MES interfaces and generating operational insights." This approach allowed MEAC to connect over 100 machines through Mitsubishi Electric's e-F@ctory architecture, creating a digital layer that provides visibility into plant performance without significant CapEx costs.

📈 Enhancing Quality with Data​

For MEAC, the true value of being connected lies in the ability to continuously improve manufacturing performance. Digital tools and analytics provide detailed visibility into processes, enabling teams to quickly identify problems and take corrective actions before they impact production quality. Dalimil Bartoň, General Manager, notes, "We use data to drive continuous improvement in both process and product quality. By analyzing detailed production data, we can identify defect patterns, optimize processes, and reduce scrap rates."

🤝 Human-Centric Digitalization​

While digital transformation is often associated with plant equipment, MEAC has also used data-driven techniques to improve working conditions for employees. The company uses RFID technology and workstation data to understand how work is performed and identify opportunities to reduce physical strain. Petr Soukup, Senior Production Manager, explains, "We use RFID technology to identify operators and understand where they are working. We combine this information with muscle load and workstation-level data. This helps us plan job rotations and organize work more effectively to reduce ergonomic strain."

🏢 Building Management as Part of Production​

MEAC also understands the impact of environmental conditions on production performance. The facility functions as a comprehensive Software-defined Building based on Mitsubishi Electric iQ R PLCs and ICONICS GENESIS64 software. Milan Koňarik, Facility Manager, states, "The system provides a single view of critical facility infrastructure. We monitor HVAC, data center, pre-cooling systems, UPS, and other technical utilities. Over 3,000 measurement points feed into a single data view for faster decision-making." This system supports carbon neutrality goals while reducing energy costs and operational risk.

🎯 Practical Digital Transformation Model​

As automotive manufacturers continue to face pressure for efficiency, quality, and sustainability, MEAC demonstrates how effective digital transformation can be achieved without disrupting established production processes. With better visibility into key data points, reduced downtime, improved product quality, lower energy consumption, and a more sustainable working environment, MEAC has truly managed to make its data "speak."