MPS upgrades VirtualCoach

MPS has upgraded its real-time operator tool, VirtualCoach, now personified with a face and name - Emmy. 

Previously known for its advanced data-driven insights and artificial intelligence, VirtualCoach now brings a more personal touch to its capabilities. Emmy is designed to bridge the gap between management objectives and operator actions, offering a more relatable and engaging user experience. 

Emmy builds on VirtualCoach’s legacy of real-time support with an enhanced interface that helps operators monitor the quality and efficiency of their tasks. What sets Emmy apart is her ability to provide personalized, actionable guidance tailored to each operator’s behavior - turning data into real-time, specific advice that improves both efficiency and performance. 

Emmy ensures that management’s objectives, such as cost minimization, align seamlessly with operators’ day-to-day actions. By involving operators directly in the continuous improvement process, Emmy fosters a collaborative environment for operational excellence. For example, Emmy gives a notification when UV lamps could better be switched off. The operator only has to follow-up on this, which results in a direct cost reduction up to 30.000 USD per year a company, according to MPS. 

Emmy helps prevent and resolve issues before they become costly. She provides guidance on alarm messages, advising operators on whether to take direct action or alert the maintenance team. This proactive support maximizes uptime and ensures the machine remains in peak condition. 

Emmy offers instant, on-the-job training, making it easier for operators to develop new skills and adopt best practices quickly. With personalized feedback updated every 5 seconds, operators can rapidly enhance their proficiency, making full use of machine automation features like job memory and auto-registration. 

Emmy’s feedback evolves with the operator’s performance, creating a dynamic, ongoing learning experience. This steep learning curve ensures operators quickly master the press and optimize machine performance. 

By leveraging all MPS Connectivity and Performance Services, customers can increase average production volume by 10 percent annually, reduce setup material waste by 2 percent, and save over 100,000 USD, according to MPS.