Hexagon AB, a global leader in digital reality solutions, today announced the completion of the previously announced acquisition of Infor’s global EAM (enterprise asset management) business and has resolved on an issue in kind of consideration shares. Completion of the transaction was subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, which have now been obtained.

The best-in-class, SaaS-based asset management solution, Infor EAM, is used to track assets, digitalise maintenance operations and enable customers in nearly any industry to reach optimum operational efficiency. Infor’s EAM business is expected to generate 2021 revenues of 184 MUSD, of which over 70 per cent is recurring, with an adjusted operating margin of over 40 per cent after integration. Infor’s EAM business is driving a transition of its customer base to SaaS, which is expected to be over 40 per cent of revenue in 2021 (over half of software revenues) and has been growing at a trailing 3-year Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 35 per cent. Given the strong fit of Infor EAM across Hexagon’s businesses, the transaction is expected to generate significant sales synergies, growing to approximately 100 MUSD by 2026.

Transaction details
Under the terms of the agreement, Hexagon AB has paid 792 MUSD in cash and issued 132.6M series B shares to Infor, a Koch Industries, Inc. subsidiary, in accordance with the mandate granted by the Annual General Meeting 2021. The total purchase price amounted to 2,820 MUSD based on a closing price of 133.85 SEK per share, on a cash and debt free basis. Infor thereby now owns 4.9 per cent of the equity and 3.6 per cent of the votes in Hexagon AB. Hexagon’s main shareholder, MSAB, has the intention of suggesting Brett Watson, President of Koch Equity Development, LLC, to the Hexagon nomination committee for nomination to the Board of Directors as soon as feasible.

After the non-cash issue, Hexagon’s share capital now amounts to 85,761,451 EUR, the number of shares amounts to 2,705,477,888 and votes amounts to 3,697,727,888. Including the new shares, the acquisition is expected to be accretive to Hexagon’s adjusted earnings per share (before Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) and other non-cash purchase accounting adjustments).

New manufacturing project management software advances from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division enable sheet-metal fabricators to connect data from planning, quoting, and manufacturing systems to improve decision making and productivity. By connecting with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems, the software helps production shops to automate planning and production processes, from determining material usage and production time estimation to optimising processes and sheet-metal nesting strategies, from a single dashboard.

Managing inventory to meet just-in-time material requirements can be an intricate balancing act as production teams strive to quickly secure and complete new projects. Hexagon’s manufacturing project management software, WORKPLAN, now eliminates manual data entry by making it possible to repurpose existing job-quotation data to rapidly begin projects and provide an overview of job requirements so production teams can track projects throughout planning and production. Its centralised inventory database oversees supply needs, simplifying the management of materials and supplier information, and enables users to conveniently order materials directly from the system’s interface.
Connecting the manufacturing project management system with CAM solutions enables manufacturers to quickly analyse production needs and manage downstream activities by eliminating manual data entry and capturing valuable proprietary information. For sheet-metal fabrication, WORKPLAN now connects directly to Hexagon’s RADAN CAM software so that comprehensive material data, including sheet sizes, current pricing, and product codes, can be added to WORKPLAN’s inventory and used for job quotations. These more accurate job quotes can include production data used by the system to determine material needs, as well as the time per part and the total time that each project requires.

‘’Manufacturers need flexible and connected manufacturing project management tools that can be easily tailored to fulfil their distinct needs,” said Market and Product Manager Christophe Mas. “Manufacturing project management software plays an essential role on the shop floor, but when you connect it with CAM software, users gain greater agility in both day-to-day management and in responding to unforeseen challenges. In uncertain times, putting planning, quotation and production data to better use quickly translates to more competitive speed and efficiency.”

Tapping into Hexagon’s specialist sheet-metal solution, WORKPLAN can now manage coils of material as it does other material types, including the option to reserve quantities of material for specific jobs. As the software automatically maintains a current record of inventory, jobs are flagged for follow-up if there is not enough material in stock to complete a project. Because users can simply cut the size of material that they need from the coil, the system’s ability to process coil usage reduces the number of material types that need to be digitally stored and managed.

Furthermore, users can now track the progress of nests from the shop floor using barcode scanners that reduce the risk of selecting incorrect projects when working with multiple nests on the shop floor. Using a touchscreen station located in the production department, a manual barcode scanner can be used to scan the barcode on the operator’s printed instruction sheet to view the status of a corresponding nest in progress displayed on the touchscreen.

Mould and die shops also benefit from improved connectivity with CAD. WORKPLAN software can now also import a bill of materials (BOM) from Hexagon’s VISI solution, automatically updating the information as designs progress within the WORKPLAN dashboard.

WORKPLAN 2022.0 also includes productivity improvements for contractors and OEM departments that need to integrate the software with their enterprise IT systems. Employees can track time from anywhere using a convenient and responsive mobile-friendly web page that’s customised to their specific duties, making it more convenient for staff to capture data quickly and accurately into the system. Companies can also now control user rights with a single sign on (SSO) through Microsoft Active Directory to simplify IT administration and security, and to configure the batch creation and emailing of invoices to daily, weekly, or monthly schedules to reduce repetitive administrative tasks.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence CMMs Increase Inspection Performance on Large and Palletised Parts

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence is expanding the vision product range with user-friendly and practice-oriented system solutions for the measurement of large or palletised 2D moulded parts.

Series components with geometrically varied and strict-tolerance 2D inspection features require a specialised production measuring solution. The new Optiv Classic 8102 and Optiv Classic 12152 have an XY measurement range of 800 mm x 1000 mm or 1200 mm x 1500 mm and can be combined with the optional PC DMIS Operator Interface (OI) to handle workpiece palletising, enabling a fast and automated inspection process, even for large batches of small serial parts such as clutch discs, fine-blanked parts and sheet metal cut-outs for electric motor construction. Thanks to the extended measurement range accessibility, prepared interchangeable pallets can be supplied semi-automatically by a palletising robot, reducing standstill times and increasing inspection throughput.

The Optiv Classic 8102 and Optiv Classic 12152 are each fitted with a world-class vision sensor system comprised of a high-resolution digital CMOS colour camera combined with a programmable 6.5x CNC motor zoom to enable repeatable, fast, and automatic measuring-point capture. Both new metrology machines are supplied with PC DMIS Pro as standard with the option to upgrade to PC DMIS CAD software to extract all relevant dimensional, shape and position tolerances from imported CAD data. The addition of the PC DMIS OI further enhances the user experience with its simplified user-interface with pre-defined measurement routines whilst minimising the risk of input and interpretation errors across entire component pallets.

“We have added two new broad measurement CMMs to our comprehensive Optiv Classic range to give manufacturers a choice of specialised solutions for large part and palletised applications”, comments Wolfram Fröhlich, Business Unit Director PL sCMM (Vision Unit) at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. “And to complete these production-ready measuring solutions, we offer the intuitive PC DMIS OI so our customers can achieve the very best results possible.”

The Optiv Classic 8102 and Optiv Classic 12152 are available now exclusively in the EMEA region and can be ordered from local Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence commercial operations and dealers.

Hexagon AB, a leading global provider of information technologies that drive productivity and quality across geospatial and industrial enterprise applications, announced an agreement to acquire MSC Software, a leading provider of computer-aided engineering (CAE) solutions, including simulation software for virtual product and manufacturing process development.

MSC’s simulation analysis capabilities empower customers to optimise design for production, ensuring downstream productivity, product quality and durability. The acquisition strengthens Hexagon’s ability to connect the traditionally separate stages of design and production – integrating real-world data generated on the production floor with simulation data to further improve a customer’s ability to reveal and correct design limitations and production problems prior to manufacturing.

“MSC represents a game changer in our mission to deliver actionable manufacturing intelligence, taking us another step closer to realizing our smart connected factory vision in discrete manufacturing industries such as automotive and aerospace,” said Hexagon President and CEO Ola Rollén. “We can now leverage the data our MI division is generating to improve design choices and processes upstream in the workflow. The acquisition will also open up new markets and touchpoints for MSC via our PPM division.”

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Prepares Leitz PMM-C and Leitz PMM-Xi Lines for SENMATION

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence has announced an upgrade for the Leitz PMM-C and Leitz PMM-Xi coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) to ensure the ultra-high accuracy metrology solutions are more adaptable for user needs now and in the future.

The Future-Ready Concept from Hexagon will optimise the machines for the SENMATION intelligent sensor automation system, by replacing the current pre-cabling with a universal alternative. The new pre-cabling concept will be installed on all standard configuration Leitz PMM-C and Leitz PMM-Xi CMMs allowing for more flexible application changes without costly downtime.

The SENMATION intelligent sensor automation system allows different probe heads to be used within a simple measurement procedure without human interaction. Automated measurement cycles can be introduced to further increase speed and optimise the manufacturing process. Rework and rejection rates will also be reduced, creating a faster and more reliable quality assurance system.

Both the Leitz PMM-C and Leitz PMM-Xi machines can now handle an extended measurement portfolio including fixed and indexing probes and optical measurement options. Machines with the update will no longer need engineers to switch pre-cabling to facilitate application changes, allowing for better flexibility in the manufacturing process, reducing downtime costs and making the CMM more adaptable to changes in future technologies and processes.

“We are always looking for ways to improve and develop our CMMs and have taken the opportunity to make some of our best machines even better,” explains Holger Fritze, General Manager at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Germany. “By introducing the Future-Ready Concept our aim is to eradicate unnecessary downtime for our customers, speeding up measurement routines and allowing more flexibility in their workflows now, and in the future.”

The Future-Ready Concept will be introduced to standard configuration Leitz PMM-C and Leitz PMM-Xi machines from next year. More information is available through local Hexagon commercial operations and dealers.

Coordinate measuring machines gain surface inspection capability with new PROFILER R solution

Hexagon Metrology has announced the addition of a new sensor for its Leitz ultra-high accuracy coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). The PROFILER R miniature roughness sensor offers an alternative to manual roughness measurement devices, allowing quick and easy surface checks within a quality inspection program.

The PROFILER R miniature roughness sensor can be automatically swapped on to several Hexagon Metrology and Leitz range scanning sensors using a standard probe changer. Supporting all common roughness parameter measurements, it removes the operator variances that limit the reliability of manual measurements. An integrated pivoting rotary axis gives good part accessibility for simple programming, helping users to optimise alignment without the need to reclamp the workpiece. Setup and changeover times are also reduced, enabling greater efficiency in the quality assurance process.

“With increasingly demanding tolerance requirements across the industrial spectrum, the texture of the workpiece surface is more important than ever,” said Micha Neininger, Sensor Product Manager at Hexagon Metrology. “PROFILER R gives customers the option to make roughness measurements part of their regular inspection routines. Where previously this was a manual process which added the complication of reconciling reports, this new sensor enables surface measurements to be packaged with other quality data in the CMM software.”

Currently compatible with the Leitz PMM-C and Leitz Reference CMMs from Hexagon Metrology, the PROFILER R is available to order from 4 May 2015 through local Hexagon Metrology commercial operations and dealers.

New RS3 integrated laser scanner offers more detailed 3D point clouds with significant time savings

Hexagon Metrology recently announced the release of RS3, an upgrade package delivering a dramatic performance improvement for the ROMER Absolute Arm with integrated laser scanner.

Available with all new ROMER Absolute Arm SI portable measurement systems or as an upgrade for existing customers, the RS3 doubles the scan rate of the previous RS2 integrated scanner, enabling users to inspect like-for-like parts in approximately half the time. Point cloud density has also increased, resulting in a maximum acquisition speed more than nine-times that of the RS2 model, giving faster, more detailed scanning without compromising on accuracy. Users also benefit from the latest RDS proprietary software, featuring SMART technology which allows real-time monitoring of the arm and will reduce the mean time to repair.

Combining non-contact scanning and tactile probing, the ROMER Absolute Arm with integrated scanner is a multi-purpose portable measurement system suitable for point cloud inspection, product benchmarking, reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, virtual assembly and CNC milling applications. Scanner and probe measurements can be made seamlessly in one software session while the RS3 scanner guarantees the quality and ease of use customers have come to expect since the launch of the ROMER Absolute Arm in 2010.

“The ROMER Absolute Arm with integrated scanner is already well-known for delivering excellent scan results even on tricky surfaces like carbon fibre and steel, but the performance improvement of the RS3 compared to the previous RS2 model is really quite extraordinary,” said Stephan Amann, Product Line Manager at Hexagon Metrology. “Existing systems can be upgraded very quickly without returning the arm to the factory, so customers will see immediate benefits in terms of speed and usability.”

As of 20 April 2015, all new units of the ROMER Absolute Arm with integrated scanner will be supplied with the RS3 scanner as standard. Customers who wish to upgrade an existing RS2 system to the RS3 integrated scanner should contact their local Hexagon Metrology service centre.

At the MecSpe Exhibition, held in Parma, Italy, 26-28 March, the Macchine Utensili magazine and the Senaf-Tecniche Nuove Group launched the first edition of the Innovation in Production Systems Award. The inaugural award for absolute innovation recognised Hexagon Metrology for its 360° SIMS (Smart Inline Measurement Solutions) system, a fully-automated solution for dimensional quality and process control particularly suited to car body manufacturing plants .

A typical 360° SIMS installation consists of white light photogrammetry sensors mounted on industrial robots installed along a car body assembly line. A calibration procedure performed with special gauges and references, together with repeatable car body location devices, give the system the necessary accuracy to perform dimensional inspections. The speed at which the robot and sensor combination carries out measuring operations is compatible with the typical assembly line times, allowing real-time process control of up to 100% of production.

The award was presented to Mr Bruno Rolle and Mr Levio Valetti, General Manager and Marketing Manager of Hexagon Metrology Commercial Operation Italy respectively.

100% inline inspection supports latest vehicle launch and ongoing production quality.

Hexagon Metrology recently announced that one of Europe’s leading automotive OEMs has selected and implemented the innovative 360° SIMS system for fully automated in-process inspection of car body units.

360° SIMS (Smart Inline Measurement Solutions) uses non-contact area sensors with robotic integration to deliver accurate dimensional data directly within the production line. The implementation follows a comprehensive technical evaluation and benchmarking exercise, which led the OEM to add this rapid area measurement solution to its quality inspection equipment.

The end-of-line body in white cell configuration is directly integrated with the production line PLC and IT systems to automate inspections on the OEM’s new model, and the installation has measured tens of thousands of vehicles since launch. 360° SIMS initially supported the critical production launch and ramp up stages and is now engaged in quality monitoring during the ongoing production of the model and its variants.

“The customer selected 360° SIMS because of its ability to measure critical points and features as well as full surface areas and edge lines within the cycle time. It provides a live information stream to their quality analysts, supporting production efficiency,” said Giacomo Barilà, head of Hexagon Metrology’s automated solutions. “The system is operational 24 hours a day, gathering measurement data and packaging it as actionable information such as full surface deviation colour maps. We’re happy to have been part of this very successful vehicle launch, and we look forward to developing our collaborative relationship further.”

360° SIMS joins a large number of Hexagon Metrology solutions, including sheet metal horizontal CMMs, laser trackers and metrology software tools in use at this OEM’s factories and supplier network around Europe and beyond.

To mark the official opening of the new office, Hexagon Metrology held an Open House to give its customers and partners the opportunity to see its new facility as well as the latest technological advances in precision measurement systems. Approximately 40 visitors attended the event and learned more about Hexagon Metrology solutions through hands-on demonstrations and presentations.

“Hexagon Metrology has been present in Japan since 1975.  This new Sales and Technical Support Center reflects our deep commitment to provide good support and service to our Japanese customers.  In coming years, we will open up more facilities and hire more staff in Japan to serve our customers in Japan”, said Lim Boon Choon, President – Asia Pacific region.

“The new facility is equipped with state-of-the art measurement systems from Hexagon Metrology. Nagoya region is the heart of the automotive industry in Japan. This new footprint will enable us to work closely with our customers.” said Takashi Isaji, Business Development Director Portable – Asia Pacific. He added, “Systems such as Portable Measuring Arms, Laser Trackers, Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) and a White Light Scanner System are on display and our priority is to also provide prompt and highly competent aftermarket service to our customers.”