Bühler Technologies Modernises Product Labelling with the Digital Type Plate

In an increasingly networked and digital world, quick access to up-to-date product information is becoming ever more important. Traditional nameplates are reaching their limits: limited space, poor legibility due to environmental influences and the inability to update them often make them difficult to use – especially during maintenance work. Bühler Technologies offers an innovative solution for this: the digital type plate modernises product labelling and integrates it seamlessly into the digital world of Industry 4.0. With this step, Bühler Technologies is consistently advancing the digitalisation of its products. Analog nameplates have less and less space for growing declaration requirements and remain locally confined to the product. Additionally, they often suffer from weather influences, which impairs their readability and makes them less usable, especially in critical moments such as during maintenance. The digital nameplate solves this problem. Via a QR code, which is attached to a heat- and weather-resistant sticker, users can access an unlimited amount of information globally at any time – whether on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The QR code remains readable even under extreme conditions. The system is based on the URI principle (Unique Resource Identifier), as described in DIN SPEC 91406. Each product is identified by a unique GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) and the serial number, enabling precise assignment in the ERP system. This way, users always have access to important data such as the serial number and delivery date. Additionally, all relevant contents of the operating manual are available on the product information page. This is divided into clear chapters, specifically tailored to the individual product. For example, if the user needs instructions for replacing a pump head without a bypass, he will find the exact instructions for this component under the “Service and Maintenance” link. Bühler Technologies can update and expand the data of the digital nameplate at any time, so the operator is always up to date. The first use of the digital nameplate will be on the company’s sample gas pumps, where it will be fitted as standard. A roll-out to the entire product portfolio is already being planned.