Page 48 - FoodFocusThailand No.159 June 2019

SMART PRODUCTION

Technology Revolution

Enhances Automation

The need to improve process efficiency in highly competitive food
markets is constant. Interconnectivity and direct communication
using weighing and inspection equipment with built-in diagnostics
delivers real benefits for processors while keeping pace with
Industry 4.0 developments.

The terms “Industry 4.0” and the “Industrial Internet of Things” (IIoT) Integrated Diagnostics for Early Trend Control Many
are becoming commonplace as more facilities become “smart factories.” weighing and inspection devices provide automated and real-time control
These terms are at the core of increased automation and process from within the equipment. For instance, a metal detector installed in a
improvement for foods industry. remote location that is difficult to access can continuously monitor critical
parameters, which allows for less frequent testing. If adverse trends are
Increasing Pressure Raw material processors and manufacturers detected at any point, the system provides an advanced warning, allowing
are finding themselves under increasing pressure to react quickly to fulfill for adjustments to be made to rectify the issue before productivity is
customer requirements. This leads to the need to improve production impacted through a system failure.
efficiency and heightens expectations for weighing and inspection
technology to deliver solutions that streamline processes, increase Automated Fill Control The use of dynamic checkweighers can
automation and provide visibility through real-time data. add further diagnostic capabilities by monitoring bulk-package filling and
instigating automatic adjustment of filling systems to optimize target weights
Automated Advanced Warnings In traditional manual and reduce product giveaway.
operations, data is frequently captured, documented and distributed with
varying degrees of human intervention. For example, maintenance teams External Software Support Industry 4.0 also can be supported
may monitor equipment parameters and log performance manually. But through the use of external proprietary software packages. Advanced
that does not necessarily avoid a complete line stoppage that may occur software solutions are now able to streamline and automate processes.
in the event of an unmonitored trend that is allowed to drift outside For example, softwares removes the need for mundane manual data-
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acceptable tolerances. Built-in diagnostics can avoid such events, collection processes through the automated harvesting of data from product
providing advanced warning of a potential line stoppage before it actually inspection devices. Additionally, some softwares can bring a new
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occurs. This is just one example of how integrated diagnostics can improve perspective to manual processes by displaying key performance indicators
day-to-day processes and enhance Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE). from manual portioning and various checkweighing activities.
Automation is the Key Modern weighing and inspection equipment Continuous Improvement The ability to collect such detailed
monitors performance, collects critical packaging line data, provides real- information along with advanced built-in diagnostic software enables a
time analysis and supports decision-making for enhanced automation, new and improved approach to process control and optimization - a
improved efficiency and increased productivity. prerequisite for the Industry 4.0 age. Intelligent sensors pave the way for
reduced downtime, faster troubleshooting and less waste, leading to overall
improvements in quality, automation and productivity.
48 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND JUNE 2019