Paul Horn GmbH wins second Allianz Industrie 4.0 Award for digital tool tracking platform
February 12, 2025
Paul Horn GmbH, a cutting tool manufacturer based in Tübingen, Stuttgart, Germany, has received a second Allianz Industrie 4.0 Award for its Horn Service Platform (HSP). To enhance the service life of its inserts and solid carbide tools, Horn provides a reconditioning service that digitally tracks the life cycle of tools. This service allows for the collection of quality-critical data through a web-based solution tailored for specific categories of tooling products. HSP reduces errors and shortens lead times by automating and streamlining administrative tasks digitally.
More than 15 stations in Horn’s factory have been integrated into the tool manufacturer’s Industry 4.0 digital production infrastructure. In 2023, Horn received the Allianz Industry 4.0 Baden-Württemberg Award in recognition of this achievement. The key processes being monitored include laser marking, grinding, various tests and measurements, cleaning, blasting, coating, packaging, and shipping.
HSP digitally assigns a unique identification number to each tool manufactured, going beyond the limitations of a traditional ERP system. For easy traceability, data can be recorded throughout the servicing process and presented on a web interface in a structured and transparent way. This includes all quality-critical information, such as measured values, test reports, images, and comments. Horn and its customers utilise a shared system, but with individual views and clear distinctions regarding the information provided.
The introduction of HSP has greatly accelerated the delivery of reconditioned tools and enhanced transparency throughout the tool life cycle. Previously, servicing was only financially viable for large quantities of tools; however, it is now possible to process smaller batches in a cost-effective manner. The data collected lays the groundwork for future analysis and optimisation of manufacturing processes.
Horn is gradually implementing this digital solution and plans to use it in other product areas, with gear skiving tools and PCD tools anticipated to follow.
