[Smart Metals Podcast #13] Unified Namespace Deployment in Metal Fabrication: A Real-World Case Study

In this episode of the Smart Metals Podcast, Luke van Enkhuizen and Denis Goncharov share a real-world case study of deploying a Unified Namespace (UNS) in a welding shop in the Netherlands using the United Manufacturing Hub (UMH).

They discuss the challenges of integrating ERP and MES systems, why traditional point-to-point connections often fail, and how a UNS enables real-time visibility, data flexibility, and scalability. They also highlight how SMBs can leverage enterprise-grade software at low cost and with rapid deployment.

You'll hear step-by-step insights into the deployment process, key lessons learned, and how manufacturers can start their digital transformation with minimal risk.

If you’re in metal fabrication, welding, laser cutting, bending, milling, or turning, and want cost-effective strategies for smart manufacturing, this episode is a must-listen.

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Topics:

00:00 – 🎙️ Welcome to the Smart Metals Podcast
00:50 – 🔍 Understanding the Client’s Needs
02:07 – 🏭 Why Choose a Unified Namespace?
05:43 – ⚙️ Implementing the United Manufacturing Hub
11:35 – 🔄 Deployment and Real-Time Success
20:47 – 🚧 Challenges and Lessons Learned
27:19 – 🌍 Future Prospects and Final Thoughts

Notable Quotes:

📢 "Why not just make a point-to-point connection between the ERP and the MES system? The answer lies in real-time visibility. We needed flexibility to change things over time, and the MES system was a closed, off-the-shelf solution. A Unified Namespace gave us the control we needed to integrate multiple systems seamlessly." – Luke van Enkhuizen

📢 "One of the key reasons we chose a Unified Namespace was future expandability. Today, we’re integrating ERP and MES, but tomorrow we may need to add SCADA systems, cloud data, or even CRM insights. With a UNS, we build an independent system that grows with the business." – Denis Goncharov

📢 "The biggest frustration with traditional point-to-point integrations is that they break. Data gets out of sync, connections fail, and you end up manually fixing errors. A UNS ensures that everything stays aligned in real-time without those fragile dependencies." – Luke van Enkhuizen

📢 "We managed to develop and deploy the entire solution in just one day. By following IT best practices and leveraging the United Manufacturing Hub, we had everything prepared before even stepping onto the factory floor. That level of efficiency is a game-changer." – Denis Goncharov

📢 "You don’t need to start with the perfect business case—just a direction. Once we implemented the UNS, the client immediately saw 10 more opportunities they could tackle. That’s the real power of having an open, scalable data infrastructure." – Luke van Enkhuizen

About the Customer & Technology Used

The customer in this case study is Singeling B.V. (Singeling.com), a welding and metal fabrication company based in the Netherlands. With a team of around 50 employees, Singeling specializes in precision welding and metal processing, serving clients across various industries. The company had already taken significant steps toward digitalization, implementing shop floor control apps and automated systems, but faced challenges in achieving real-time data visibility across their ERP and MES systems.

To solve this, we implemented a Unified Namespace (UNS) using the United Manufacturing Hub (UMH) (umh.app), an open-source Industrial IoT platform designed for seamless data integration in manufacturing. UMH provides a scalable and cost-effective solution, allowing manufacturers to connect various software systems, machines, and IoT devices in real-time. By leveraging UMH’s MQTT-based architecture, built-in data historian, and open-source flexibility, Singeling was able to achieve immediate visibility, automated alerts, and future-proof data integration—all at a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions.

Relevant Links:

🔗 Follow the show: https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/
🔗 About Denis Goncharov: https://gontcharov.eu/
🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen: https://vanenkhuizen.com/

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