Continental has developed a mobile app that represents a new way of working with belts. “Make Power Smart” has been running very successfully in North American since summer 2021, and customer feedback has been consistently positive. Now the app is also launching in Europe for Android and iOS. “The app is another important step into the digital age to help our customers do their work more easily and efficiently,” emphasises Mariano Alvaro, who is leading the development of “Make Power Smart”.
“’It is a versatile on-site ‘first aid’ tool. With just a few clicks, the user gets a digital and interactive analysis of the belt, as well as important data on its condition. The benefits include ease of use, less downtime, longer belt life and lower costs.”
Independent action
The app digitises the information and most common tools used to analyse and set up a belt drive. This enables users to improve the belt drives themselves on site. Those responsible for machines and systems with belt drives, sales professionals or application consultants can thus find the most important tools bundled in an app on their mobile device.
“Make Power Smart” consists of various modules with special functions: gathering information on the spot, identifying and selecting the best belt according to the requirements; measuring drive geometry such as centre distance, pulley diameter and wrap angle; checking drive alignment; calculating drive systems, and checking and setting the correct tension, which is analysed by the smartphone’s built-in microphone. This allows Continental’s customers to make adjustments on their own in no time, instead of having to hire an external team for troubleshooting.
Efficient solution
The app has practical features that ensure the correct selection, calculation and proper tensioning, alignment and installation of drive belts. “Our app offers important maintenance functions that our customers can access at the touch of a button. ‘Make Power Smart’ is designed not only to save costs while extending the life of belt systems, but also to improve client’s operations,” Mariano explains. “This app represents a revolution because it allows our customers to troubleshoot their drive belts on their own without having to call the technician directly or interrupt the production process.”
The app was conceived as part of Continental’s internal innovation competition and was later chosen as the winner. For European retailers, it is now available free of charge for Android and iOS.
