Solution Examples
Camera-based process monitoring increases the quality and efficiency of vacuum systems
Process monitoring with on-premises IoT improves safety and quality
Efficient process data visualisation for industry
Documentation and traceability in metallurgy
Automated quality assurance for coating systems
Podcast Episodes
ALD Vacuum’s EXPERT GRID – Smart Furnace Monitoring in Practice
In this short episode, Frederi Schum from ALD Vacuum Technologies shares how the company is driving digital transformation in industrial heat treatment and vacuum metallurgy. At the heart of their approach is the ALD EXPERT GRID platform, which enables connectivity to both new and decades-old furnaces. Frederic explains how this platform serves as a foundation for real-time monitoring, data visualization, and integration with existing MES and ERP systems. A key example discussed is the “golden batch” principle—a method of comparing live process values against an ideal reference curve based on historical production data. The conversation also covers how ALD overcomes technical challenges such as legacy PLCs, missing interfaces, and global equipment heterogeneity. The EXPERT GRID’s modular architecture allows ALD to adapt to individual customer setups and build reliable, future-proof solutions. This episode offers a clear and practical look at how platform-based IoT is being applied in the heavy industry sector—starting with transparency and evolving toward intelligent process control.
Metallurgy and Heat Treatment Digital with ALD Expert
ALD Vacuum Technologies is a company with 900 employees in 10 countries, active in two strategic business areas: vacuum metallurgy and vacuum heat treatment. Frederic Schum introduces its new “Digital Solutions” product area, which is managed under the ALD Expert brand and offers digitalization solutions for all ALD system segments. These solutions are highly specialized and designed to meet the specific requirements of the industry. A particular focus is on three specific use cases that ALD has already successfully implemented: Camera-based process monitoring and image recognition (module: AOS): Enables visual monitoring and anomaly detection to ensure the coating quality of turbine blades. Process data visualization and monitoring of KPIs (module: combination): Visualizes and monitors key performance indicators to optimize plant control. Melt review sheets and connection to IT systems: Improves documentation and traceability through melt review sheets and IT integration. Frederic explains the challenges their customers face on a day-to-day basis, such as the obligation to provide proof of quality, susceptibility to errors and the need for traceability and quality assurance. He emphasizes that ALD Expert offers a modular platform that enables web-based access and an open system architecture that can also be integrated with existing customer systems. A central aspect of the discussion is the technological implementation of the solutions. Frederic explains how ALD Expert is based on Docker to deploy applications in containers and how special Python scripts are used for data analysis. The data is stored in INFLUX DB and visualized with Grafana.
