Fabrico CMMS & OEE Now Powering Schaeffler/Ewellix Detroit’s Maintenance in the USA

Fabrico, an enterprise provider of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) solutions has built a reputation for delivering state-of-the-art maintenance solutions that drive operational efficiency. Over the years, the company has worked with global manufacturing leaders to optimize their maintenance operations, reduce downtime, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness.

This case study highlights Fabrico's journey in partnering with Ewellix, a leading global provider of linear motion and actuation solutions, and the subsequent expansion of this partnership following Ewellix's acquisition by Schaeffler Group. The process involved overcoming stringent approval requirements, technical evaluations, compliance audits, and multiple rounds of corporate due diligence before achieving global approval as a strategic maintenance solution provider for Schaeffler Group.

Initial Collaboration with Ewellix

A few years ago, Fabrico began working with Ewellix to implement its CMMS solution in the company’s manufacturing facility in Sofia, Bulgaria. Securing a partnership with Ewellix was a challenging process that required Fabrico to undergo a thorough vendor approval procedure. The approval process included extensive documentation submissions, security and compliance checks, and rigorous inspections to meet Ewellix’s high operational standards.

After months of technical and operational evaluations, Ewellix approved Fabrico’s CMMS. The implementation resulted in substantial improvements at the Bulgarian plant, including reduced downtime, enhanced maintenance scheduling, and improved technician accountability. The real-time analytics feature provided plant managers with actionable insights, allowing them to make data-driven decisions that improved overall equipment efficiency.

Schaeffler Group’s Acquisition of Ewellix

In July 2022, Schaeffler Group, a global leader in motion technology and precision engineering, announced its intent to acquire Ewellix from Triton Partners for approximately €582 million. The acquisition was completed on January 3, 2023, positioning Ewellix as an integral part of Schaeffler's Industrial division. This strategic move was aimed at strengthening Schaeffler’s competencies in automation, robotics, and efficiency optimization across its global manufacturing footprint.

With this acquisition, Schaeffler introduced new corporate policies requiring all technology solutions, including maintenance systems, to be standardized and approved by the headquarters. This directive had direct implications for Fabrico’s continued collaboration with Ewellix, as any new implementation required corporate-level evaluation and authorization.

Knowledge Sharing and Expansion Opportunities

Following the acquisition, Schaeffler and Ewellix prioritized knowledge-sharing initiatives across their manufacturing facilities. Regular workshops were held to share best practices, including presentations on innovative technologies used in Ewellix plants.

During one of these sessions, the Ewellix factory in Bulgaria presented their experience using Fabrico’s CMMS. They showcased the software’s ability to reduce equipment downtime, improve technician responsibility through smart notifications, and enhance real-time analytics for data-driven decision-making. These insights garnered significant interest from Ewellix Detroit representatives attending the presentation.

Interest from Ewellix Detroit and the Approval Challenge

Ewellix Detroit recognized the potential of Fabrico’s solutions and initiated a request for an in-depth evaluation. Despite already using a CMMS, the Detroit team found their current system lacking essential features and usability. They sought a platform with a more intuitive interface, better analytics, and enhanced maintenance tracking capabilities.

Fabrico conducted an in-depth demo for the Ewellix Detroit team, followed by multiple technical and strategic meetings. However, before finalizing the deployment, the team was informed that Schaeffler Group’s headquarters required any maintenance solution to pass through a rigorous approval process before being implemented across any of its subsidiaries.

This unexpected hurdle necessitated a shift in approach. Fabrico’s team redirected its efforts from working directly with Ewellix Detroit to engaging with Schaeffler Group’s corporate decision-makers. The approval process was an exhaustive journey requiring:

1. Comprehensive Technical Evaluations: Schaeffler conducted an in-depth review of Fabrico’s system architecture, focusing on integration capabilities, data security, and scalability.
2. Security and Compliance Assessments: The CMMS underwent rigorous penetration testing, compliance verification, and adherence checks to ensure alignment with international industry standards.
3. Operational Due Diligence: Schaeffler required extensive documentation, performance assessments, and benchmark comparisons to evaluate the effectiveness of Fabrico’s solution against other global CMMS providers.
4. Scalability and Global Implementation Feasibility: The solution was tested for its ability to integrate seamlessly across multiple Schaeffler facilities, ensuring consistency and efficiency in global maintenance practices.

After several months of detailed analysis, Schaeffler Group’s headquarters formally approved Fabrico’s CMMS and OEE solutions as the global maintenance management standard across its facilities.

Implementation at Ewellix Detroit

With corporate approval secured, Fabrico re-engaged with Ewellix Detroit to proceed with implementation. Given the critical nature of the transition, the deployment was customized to meet the specific needs of the American facility.

• Localization and Infrastructure: Fabrico’s CMMS was deployed on American-based servers, ensuring compliance with U.S. data security regulations and optimizing system performance for local time zones.
• Custom Support Structure: A dedicated U.S.-based onboarding and support team was assigned to Ewellix Detroit, providing real-time assistance and ensuring a smooth transition from their previous CMMS.
• Feature Enhancements: The implementation included advanced scheduling, predictive maintenance analytics, and AI-driven notifications tailored to the plant’s operational requirements.

Key Outcomes and Business Impact

The successful deployment of Fabrico’s CMMS and OEE solutions at Ewellix Detroit yielded several significant benefits:

• Increased Equipment Uptime: Enhanced predictive maintenance capabilities reduced unexpected downtime and improved overall plant productivity.
• Enhanced Technician Performance: Real-time notifications and intuitive dashboards empowered technicians to take proactive maintenance actions.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Detailed analytics provided plant managers with actionable insights, leading to improved resource allocation and operational planning.
• Standardized Maintenance Practices: With Schaeffler’s global approval, the CMMS solution established a unified maintenance management framework across multiple facilities.

Conclusion