Alubau Puhlmann digitises manufacturing with Logikal MES
Paperless manufacturing, clearer processes and faster response times – with Logikal MES, Alubau Puhlmann has brought structure and control to its production.
Alubau Puhlmann
Alubau Puhlmann GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1964 and employs 160 people today. The company manufactures a broad range of aluminium systems, including façades, doors and windows, as well as conservatories, automatic doors and fire protection elements.
Alubau Puhlmann has used Logikal for design and costing since 2004. In 2023, the company took the next step and introduced the Logikal MES production control system to digitise its manufacturing.
Too much, too soon out of date: why paper was easy to let go
Rising volumes of printed documents triggered the move to digital manufacturing. The amount became difficult to handle, explains Operations Manager Josef Heisterkamp:
“We sent large numbers of print jobs, and by the time they were printed, some were already out of date.”
Alubau Puhlmann decided to digitise its production. Since 2024, the company has been working with Logikal and reports positive experience. Josef Heisterkamp explains:
“That’s why we also chose the system offered by Logikal.”
At its Rhede facility, Alubau Puhlmann now operates 19 Logikal MES terminals: 13 at workstations and seven directly at machines. These include two through-feed machining centres, two double mitre saws, a fully automated sheet cutting and bending line, and a Wi-Fi glazing bead cutting centre.
A key benefit for Production Manager Patrick Demming is clear:
“We’ve brought calm and order into the workshop.”
Paper is now largely redundant, with around 95% of processes running paperless.
“We no longer issue paper work orders,” emphasises Patrick Demming.
„Letztlich arbeiten wir seit 2004 mit Logikal, und haben gute Erfahrungen gemacht. Deswegen haben wir dann auch das von Logikal angebotene System dazu gewählt.“
Josef Heisterkamp, Operations Manager Alubau Puhlmann GmbH & Co. KG
Fast adoption across the workforce
Introducing a new system raises one key question: how do employees respond? At Alubau Puhlmann, adoption has been strong. Around 80% of employees were convinced from the start. Some long-serving staff were initially sceptical, but quickly adapted.
A consistent rollout across the business was important from day one. With mutual support, Logikal MES was successfully introduced into daily operations.
Employee Maik Görkes explains:
“MES helps me because everything is in one place – drawings, wiring diagrams, work orders.”
Before, large-format drawings often caused confusion on larger projects:
“You could manage, but it was chaotic.”
Searching catalogues for profile or article numbers is no longer necessary. Installation guidelines are also accessed digitally via the MES terminal, for example through the Schüco Docu Center.
Factory production control integrates fire protection
For Production Manager Patrick Demming, factory production control (FPC) plays a key role. Logikal MES integrates and documents FPC processes, including for fire protection elements.
“We have also built in all the fire protection requirements.”
Clear operational benefits from digital manufacturing
Managing Director Hendrik Terstegge summarises:
“We now have a paperless production environment.”
He sees the introduction of Logikal MES as a clear operational improvement. The company plans to extend its digital processes further, enabling site teams to access documents and structures online.
For Josef Heisterkamp, the benefits are measurable in everyday work. Teams can immediately see what is in production and how far it has progressed. Delays or errors are visible early and can be addressed quickly.
He highlights the improved transparency:
“Everyone can access their current information. No drawings are lost, and when something changes, the latest version is immediately available everywhere on site.”
"Everyone can access their current information. No drawings are lost, and when something changes, the latest version is immediately available everywhere on site.“
Josef Heisterkamp, Operations Manager Alubau Puhlmann GmbH & Co. KG
Discover our webinar on Logikal MES
Want to learn more about Logikal MES? The webinar “Paperwork slowing you down? Go digital now!” provides a clear introduction.