HUBER+SUHNER, a global manufacturer with multiple production sites, aimed to unify machine connectivity, streamline data exchange, and enhance digital manufacturing processes. With an existing heterogeneous machine park and a variety of legacy systems, they needed a platform that could handle multiple protocols, scale across sites, and enable rapid deployment of industrial data use cases. When existing IoT initiatives fell short, the company turned to Crosser while exploring alternative platforms for industrial connectivity.
We needed a platform to connect machines and exchange information efficiently. We had several tools in place before, but none of them satisfied our strategy or requirements,” says Flavio Eisenring, Data Engineer at HUBER+SUHNER.
Project Background
The project began with a legacy machine interface that couldn’t connect to existing systems. What started as a single use case quickly grew into a broader initiative to consolidate machine data, enable analytics, and improve process efficiency.
A cross-functional team of nearly ten IT and business stakeholders collected requirements and evaluated several platforms over three to four months. The selection process considered factors such as low-code capability, cost, and supplier collaboration.
“Coming from a previous solution where we faced significant challenges with reliability and support, our evaluation focused on finding a truly robust, future-proof platform backed by a genuine partnership. Crosser impressed us on all fronts. Their platform offers the perfect balance of a graphical development interface - which simplifies onboarding for new team members, and the flexibility for our experts to implement custom code for complex challenges. This technical excellence, combined with their outstanding, direct support and a clear understanding of our core problems during the evaluation, made them the obvious choice.“ says Michael Müssle, IT Teamlead Infrastructure & Cloud at HUBER+SUHNER.
Among several solution providers evaluated, Crosser stood out for its expertise, hands-on workshops, and clear, structured approach to factory floor integration.
"During a four-day workshop at their office, we reviewed several use cases in detail and demonstrated how Crosser could address each one. It was a great opportunity to show the flexibility of the platform and establish a collaborative approach from the very beginning." says David Nienhaus, Sr. Solution Engineer at Crosser.
“At first, it was about collecting analytics data and storing it on the cloud. Now, we use Crosser for far more than just analytics, most importantly for MES integration and recipe management. What I really appreciate is how quickly and conveniently we can solve challenges. Crosser enables us to start working on use cases without spending weeks getting familiar with the system,” explains Flavio.
The platform allows the team to implement bi-directional MES connectivity using OPC protocols for machines and REST-APIs for MES systems. In addition, Crosser supports direct database connections for recipe management and Azure connectors to publish data to the cloud for analytics.
Expanding use cases from first flows to multi-site adoption
Initially, around five users started using Crosser, including three main data engineers, with adoption expanding to other sites in Switzerland and Poland, integrating existing OPC connections and enabling MES integration.
"For me personally, the use case I use most is for MES connection. Crosser collects data from machines and sends it to MES, and vice versa. It’s bi-directional, flexible, and easy to adapt," Flavio explains.
Initial implementation focused on analytics data, but the platform quickly expanded to handle multiple flows across production facilities. Flavio estimates:
"We have about 20 to 25 flows, with central flows holding the main business logic. It’s not about quantity, but efficiency and reusability."
“One exciting example is centrally managed recipes in Switzerland. The same functionality can be reused for new machines and scaled to other sites via the cloud, creating additional value,” Flavio highlights.
Driving efficiency through speed, agility, and collaboration
Crosser delivered measurable improvements in speed, agility, and convenience:
- Rapid onboarding: Flavio dedicated one week to Crosser Academy materials, enabling him to start implementing use cases immediately.
- Quick deployment: Unique or prototype machines can be integrated without lengthy custom development.
- Scalability: Centralized flows allow functionality developed for one site to be deployed across multiple sites.
- Responsive support: Crosser’s team helps address limitations, implement workarounds, and provides solution-oriented collaboration.
Flavio emphasizes the importance of the relationship: “Working together with the Crosser team has been smooth and a pleasure. It’s not just the tool, it’s the discussions and solution-oriented support that add real value.”
If for example, the connection to an OPC Server is lost, the team will know.
Future plans
Looking ahead, the focus is on scaling existing flows, completing MES integration, and improving state management within Crosser. Flavio also sees potential in using Crosser as a platform to enable AI and algorithm-driven process improvements:
“AI algorithms need machine data first. Crosser provides the connectivity to feed and return results to machines efficiently, enabling further digital innovation,” he notes.
Summary
The collaboration between HUBER+SUHNER and Crosser demonstrates how a low-code platform can simplify complex machine connectivity challenges, accelerate implementation, and scale solutions across multiple sites. By combining a flexible tool with strong support and collaborative processes, the team achieved faster deployments, standardized flows, and a foundation for future digital manufacturing initiatives.
Flavio Eisenring sums it up:
“I’m a happy customer. The platform is reliable and works well, working together with the Crosser team is smooth and enjoyable. It really enables us to create value quickly and effectively.”
HUBER+SUHNER Group
The globally active Swiss company HUBER+SUHNER develops and produces components and system solutions for electrical and optical connectivity. The company serves the three main markets Industry, Communication and Transportation with applications from the three technologies of radio frequency, fiber optics and low frequency. HUBER+SUHNER products excel in excellent performance, quality, reliability and long service lives - even under the most demanding conditions. Through a global production network, combined with subsidiaries and representatives in over 80 countries, the company is close to its customers worldwide.
https://www.hubersuhner.com/en
About Crosser
Crosser designs and develops a hybrid-first Streaming Analytics & Integration software for any Cloud, On-premise or Edge. The Crosser Platform enables real-time processing of streaming, event-driven or batch data for Intelligent Pipelines & Automations and for Industrial IoT data flows. All managed from a single Control Center and powered by a low-code and low-effort experience.
The solution is built to fight complexity with simplicity through the Crosser Flow Studio, the visual design tool that enables teams to innovate faster than ever without developers. The software is ideally suited for Enterprise customers of various industries and applications, including Edge Analytics, Industrial Connectivity, Industry 4.0, Streaming Analytics, Hybrid Integration and Intelligent Workflows.
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