For administration of die casting tools, no mature tool management exists yet. As of today, E+H Flow does not have a unified overview of all tools, where they are, what condition they are in, and how many will be needed in the future for uninterrupted production. Due to the high demand for its own products, tool wear is correspondingly high. To ensure consistent production, it is essential to monitor the condition of the tools. Currently, it is not possible to predict the annual costs incurred for repairs and replacements without a considerable manual effort and contacting all suppliers.

At the kick-off meeting, the exact assignment was clarified and the contact between FHNW and E+H was established. To understand who all is involved in the process and how tools are managed, stakeholders were identified and analysed. Qualitative interviews regarding the current tool management were conducted with key people, as the authors did not have any initial knowledge of the internal processes. Since practice-oriented approach was needed and the client is interested in how other companies within or outside E+H approach tool management, qualitative benchmarking was chosen as methodology.

The work identified and benchmarked several best practice methods from the industry. The most suitable solution was investigated and recommendations for tool management were proposed for Endress+Hauser. Thus, the company has a basis for a uniform, comprehensive and transparent tool management solution. It is also possible to benefit from the other best practices investigated and to take into account further changes proposed for the process of tool management. This should ensure uninterrupted production of aluminium die castings. The solution can be extended to other tool types in a further step. Other problems related to the tool management process were also analyzed and various proposals for action were explored.