IMA Schelling is advancing global woodworking production by combining precision-engineered machinery with powerful software solutions. The company’s approach ensures production systems reach their full operational potential, meeting the demands of Industry 4.0.
In the modern manufacturing environment, hardware excellence alone is not enough. Production systems must integrate seamlessly into digital workflows to deliver consistent precision, efficiency, and adaptability.
System Integration at the Core
System integration remains a pressing challenge for many manufacturers. Neglecting software often results in isolated solutions that are costly and complex to link later. To prevent this, the IMA Schelling Group developed aimi, a fully integrated software landscape designed to control both individual machines and entire production systems.
Its two key components, aimi.DO and aimi.THINK, are already delivering results across global operations.
aimi.DO – Machine-Level Control
aimi.DO functions directly on the machine, ensuring smooth and precise control of operational tasks. It has been implemented in various machine types, supporting both high-volume series production and flexible batch size 1 operations.
Notable deployments include:
- Novimat and Combima for edge processing
- IMAGIC Flex and IMAGIC L1 for drilling technology
- hl 1 high-performance cutting machine
The system delivers high reliability and reduces downtime in demanding production environments.
aimi.THINK – Intelligent Production Oversight
aimi.THINK operates at the management level, bundling intelligent services for scheduling, optimisation, and production control. It manages order workflows, functions as a Manufacturing Execution System (MES), and provides real-time transparency.
The software enables visualisation of all production steps, ensures complete order traceability, and supports faster, data-driven decision-making.
Unified Control and Adaptability
A consistent control logic simplifies training, reduces operational complexity, and enhances production transparency. The system’s modular structure allows flexible adaptation to a wide range of machines, layouts, and manufacturing methods.
HPO-8: Maximising Material Efficiency
IMA Schelling’s HPO – High Performance Optimisation software addresses the critical need for sustainable wood usage. Version 8 increases panel utilisation to up to 98% while cutting sawing time.
When speed and material efficiency conflict, the software generates multiple optimised cutting plans for user selection.
New features in version 8 include:
- Offcut maximisation to obtain reusable leftovers
- A front editor for simplified grain-matched front designs
- Upgrade capability for existing installations
These innovations help manufacturers cut waste and reduce costs.
Cybersecurity with a Lifecycle Perspective
As production facilities become increasingly networked, cybersecurity is essential. IMA Schelling incorporates protection measures throughout the entire lifecycle of its machines and software.
This includes regular control updates, functional improvements, and resilience against emerging cyber threats. Such measures align with the forthcoming EU Machinery Regulation and Cyber Resilience Act, which will enforce stricter security standards from 2027.
Driving Industry 4.0 Forward
By combining machine-level precision with system-wide intelligence, IMA Schelling helps manufacturers worldwide:
- Boost productivity
- Maximise material efficiency
- Enhance operational transparency
- Strengthen cyber resilience
The company’s integrated approach is already transforming production for global clients in the furniture and construction component sectors.
Global Relevance
These developments resonate far beyond Europe. As global manufacturing adopts advanced digitalisation, the demand for fully integrated and secure systems continues to rise.
IMA Schelling’s leadership in merging hardware innovation with adaptable software positions it as a central player in the next stage of woodworking automation.
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