In autumn 2025, Microsoft discontinued support for Windows 10, compelling legacy control systems to be upgraded. At LGR Packaging in Rheine, aging Krifft & Zipsner automation hardware proved incompatible with Windows 11, exposing operations to significant financial risk. The introduction of KriZiTransDesk Professional/Web replaced outdated HMI software, integrated RFID tracking and Just-in-Time logistics, and connected to the existing ERP/BDE database via MS-SQL, preserving machinery while securing a future-proof automated workflow.
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Windows 10 support ended, 25-year-old controls at LGR threatened
Transferwagen zwischen den Förderlinien (Foto: Krifft & Zipsner GmbH)
In autumn 2025, Microsoft ended Windows 10 support, exposing functional control units that couldnt upgrade to Windows 11 to security vulnerabilities and potential risk. LGR Packaging, a leading folding carton manufacturer headquartered in Oyonnax, France, with a Rheine location, was impacted. Its Krifft & Zipsner conveyor system and Siemens S7 controllers ran on quarter-century-old hardware hosting applications that had become rigid and lacked any path for feature expansion or modernization.
Legacy HMI hardware conveyors demand costly Windows upgrade solution
The plant operates thirty-five conveyor lines within the printing section, forty-two conveyor tracks in the die-cutting unit, five transfer wagons, a rotary module, and two pallet inversion devices. Numerous control modules rely on an HMI running on Windows 10 and depend on legacy software frameworks. Upgrading both hardware and software to Windows 11 would mandate installation of fresh control cabinets, cable rerouting, and complete software redevelopment?incurring expenses that surpass funds.
KriZiTransDesk Professional and Web modernizes logistics, bypassing Windows upgrade
Transferwagen bei der Übergabe (Foto: Krifft & Zipsner GmbH)
KriZiTransDesk Professional and Web were deployed by Krifft & Zipsner to modernize logistics control while bypassing a Windows 11 upgrade. Two bespoke human-machine interface applications were developed and integrated with seventeen Siemens S7-300 PLCs, one Marquip cross-cutting machine, three K&B printing units, four die-cutting presses and three ASI-Trade laminators. Operational data capture was implemented using a Microsoft SQL Server database, seamlessly interfacing with the clients existing ERP and BDE software.
RFID-Equipped HMI Captures Batch Orders Ensuring Order-Pure Storage Automatically
The new HMI deploys RFID antennas on transfer carriages to record order details for each pallet, guaranteeing batch placement in storage. By centrally sourcing processing sequences from the planning database, the interface permits manual selection from a pool of up to five orders or individual order retrieval. This approach eliminates the need for half-automatic operator interventions by area managers, improves logistics operations, reduces human error, and enhances material flow efficiency.
Visual Order-Tool Enables Job Assignments In Print And Lamination
The printing and laminating stations utilize a graphical order management interface enabling operators to assign specific jobs through the system. A fully automated transport network orchestrates shuttles, turntables, and buffer modules to deliver homogenous products, sorted by dimensions and carton specifications, precisely Just-in-Time at the processing units. Pallet rotation, orientation adjustments, and feeder loading procedures are executed seamlessly by the control software without any human intervention or manual handling steps.
KriZiTransDesk Enables Fully Automated Storage and Transport Logistics Process
Hauptbildschirm neue Software (Foto: Krifft & Zipsner GmbH)
KriZiTransDesk Professional and Web has enabled a fully automated storage and transportation system that meets Just-in-Time delivery requirements. The software seamlessly leverages existing conveyor infrastructure to orchestrate continuous workflows. Products are cut by the cross cutter, transferred via automated vehicles to printing departments, processed by printing presses, and forwarded to lamination stations. Throughout this entire sequence, all operations are executed without manual switching or operator intervention, ensuring efficiency and reliability.
KriZiTransDesk Modernizes LGR Rheine Plants Without Costly Hardware Replacement
The modernization using Krifft & Zipsners KriZiTransDesk enabled LGR Packaging Rheine to operate multi-million euro machinery futuresafe without hardware replacement. Automated RFID-based logistics streamline identification and tracking while seamless ERP/BDE integration centralizes data for production planning. Just-in-time delivery coordination optimizes material flow and minimizes inventory. Employees benefit from reduced complexity and minimal training requirements. Following this success, three additional facilities will adopt the same concept, extending efficiency improvements across sites.
