SPM Automotive logo in white, representing SPM's presence in automotive condition monitoring.

Condition monitoring in automotive

The automotive industry is one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive industries. It is continuously under pressure to improve performance in a highly competitive, cost-sensitive environment. In the wake of guiding principles like lean production and overall equipment effectiveness, condition monitoring has become a key factor, and SPM has been dealing with the leading manufacturers in Europe and Asia for many years.

The importance of condition monitoring in automotive manufacturing

Maintaining high-level availability in the production lines is a top priority for the automotive industry. One of the areas where it is essential to keep availability up is in paint shops. The main applications here are, for example, air handling units and pumps. Presses and transfer presses, where the plate is formed, are another vital industry section. Other areas where condition monitoring plays an important role are in various test machinery, such as car test benches (artificial roads), electrical breaks for reliability testing and endurance testing of motors and transmission components, and wind tunnels.

"Providing compressed air to our machines and equipment is paramount since downtime in the provision of compressed air directly affects our production. We continuously challenge our existing procedures and tools, and developing the working methods for the maintenance of compressors has been high on our wish list for a long time. Through the cooperation with SPM, we gain better control of our compressors while also saving money by performing maintenance when needed, neither sooner nor later."

Anders Ramström, Senior Maintenance Engineer, and Dick Eriksson, Maintenance Manager, Scania Industrial Maintenance

Condition monitoring solution for automotive elevators

This condition monitoring solution for low-speed automotive elevators with short process cycles provides early warning of deteriorating mechanical condition. The availability of automotive elevators is crucial, and the economic impact of a breakdown is so significant that the payback of a condition monitoring solution may only be a few hours.

In addition to remarkably long prewarning times, the condition monitoring solution for automotive elevators enables:

  • Fully utilizing asset life
  • Minimizing the consequences of unplanned downtime
  • Cutting repair costs