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Comprehensive Programming and Commissioning of a New Production Line

Automated automotive production line with industrial robots working around a car body in a modern manufacturing facility.
Category:
SPS/PLC
Industry:
Automotive
City:
Munich, Germany 🇩🇪

Client

BMW is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium vehicles, recognized for its high quality standards, precision in production processes, and advanced automation.

Challenge

As part of expanding its manufacturing capacity, the company launched a project to commission a new production line. The key objective was to ensure full operational readiness before the start of serial production, while maintaining the rigorous technical and programming standards required within BMW’s organization.

The project required specialized support in programming and commissioning industrial automation systems.

Launching a new production line in the automotive environment demands precision, experience, and excellent coordination. Even minor errors in control logic, hardware configuration, or system communication can result in production start delays or operational issues at later stages.

The scope of challenges included:

  • detailed debugging and validation of PLC control programs,
  • verification of all input/output (I/O) signals,
  • configuration of controllers, drives, and peripheral devices,
  • ensuring proper communication between system components,
  • customization and development of the HMI in line with client guidelines,
  • conducting functional tests prior to handing over the line to production.

The project was executed under significant time pressure, as the production line commissioning schedule was closely aligned with the plant’s production plans. Minimizing downtime risk and ensuring stable system performance from day one were critical priorities.

Industrial production line graphic showing PLC debugging, I/O verification, hardware configuration, system communication, HMI adaptation, and functional testing.

Solution

The team assumed full responsibility for comprehensive support of the production line commissioning process – from control system analysis to final start-up support.

Our scope included:

PLC Debugging and Optimization

We conducted a detailed analysis and correction of PLC control code. The focus was on eliminating logical errors, optimizing control sequences, and ensuring stable communication between system components.

I/O Signal Verification

We performed full validation of input and output signals, verifying correct addressing, operational logic, and system responses to process signals. This allowed potential irregularities to be eliminated before serial production began.

Hardware Infrastructure Configuration

We were responsible for configuring controllers, peripheral devices, and communication systems in accordance with the production line architecture and BMW standards.

HMI Development and Customization

We designed and customized the HMI interface to meet client requirements, ensuring clear process visualization, intuitive operation, and compliance with corporate guidelines regarding ergonomics and screen structure.

Testing and Start-Up Support

We actively supported the production line launch by conducting functional tests, resolving ongoing issues, and collaborating closely with the client’s engineering team.

Documentation and Training

We prepared complete functional documentation and delivered training sessions for operators and the maintenance department, enabling the client’s team to efficiently and independently manage the system after project completion.

Six-step PLC commissioning process covering debugging and optimization, I/O verification, hardware configuration, HMI development, testing and startup support, documentation, and operator training.

Results

As a result of the implemented activities, the new production line was commissioned in a stable manner and in full compliance with BMW’s technical requirements.

The project delivered the following operational outcomes:

  • full readiness of automation systems for serial production,
  • stable and predictable PLC program performance,
  • properly verified and configured I/O signals,
  • an intuitive HMI interface supporting efficient operator workflows,
  • reduced risk of errors and downtime during production start-up,
  • well-structured technical documentation supporting ongoing maintenance and further development,
  • trained personnel prepared for daily system operation.

Thanks to the team’s expertise and close collaboration with the client, the project concluded with the handover of a fully functional and optimized production line ready to operate in the demanding automotive environment.

Four key outcomes of PLC commissioning: stable operation, verified PLC logic, correct I/O configuration, and an operator-ready HMI for efficient production.

Design, Development, DevOps or Cloud – which team do you need to speed up work on your projects? Chat with your consultation partners to see if we are a good match.

Jakub Orczyk

Member of the Management Board/ Sales Director VM.PL

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Jakub Orczyk
VM.pl
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