Boosting productivity with tech

Food Science and TechnologyVolume 36, Issue 4 p. 50-52 FeaturesFree Access Boosting productivity with tech First published: 01 December 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/fsat.3604_13.xAboutSectionsPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text full-text accessPlease review our Terms Conditions of Use check box below share version article.I have read accept the Wiley Online Library UseShareable LinkUse link a this article your friends colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Richard Weston SMC UK examines some technologies that food manufacturers can harness maintain or even increase through difficult times. Background The original positive predictions growth in processing sector held up post-COVID post-Brexit an 4.1% 2021 expected 3%+ rise 20221. Nevertheless, businesses are facing significant barriers – which attributable war Ukraine including sharp costs for commodities, energy, fertilisers, transportation packaging across all segments. In addition, sanitation protocols absenteeism added cost pressures. Whilst EU-UK non-tariff agreement is largely positive, there additional associated customs declarations local content audits. A continuing lack skilled workers from EU adding serious issue labour shortage production processing, leading inevitable salary increases order retain attract staff. On top this, between 1.3 2bn tons produced worldwide lost wasted, corresponding annual global about US $1tn, roughly US$ 680bn industrialised countries. impact machine downtime costing its (food non-food) more than £180bn every year. According Oneserve, 3% working days annually British manufacturing due downtime2, 3. tackle these issues reduce downtime, factories must focus on implementing automation improving energy efficiency, safety hygiene. Automation robotic technology has not traditionally led field automation, we normally see primary secondary stages raw materials. That change. Robotics, stemmed technology, Cobots (collaborative robots), likely great coming years assisting achieve levels previously seen only other, technology-led industry sectors. COVID-19 accelerated move towards because hire often absent making it crucial. Specialist robotics providers, like SMC, offer range different gripping (pneumatic, electric magnetic). For example, developed wide plug play gripper end-effectors Cobot suppliers. Wireless key player applications, enabling communication by Wi-Fi fast installation absence wires. This turn significantly material costs. SMC's EX600 wireless series noise resistance; uses 2.4GHz ISM frequency band, hopping 2ms. Communication cables required, reduces any wiring work, layout space as well risk disconnection. It provide stability factory environments. EX600-W Manifold System Other tasks be carried out standard automatic machines, such stack feeding, product orientation, feeder, pick place. requires close relationship providers builders automate what usually done manually. However, versatility also consider. unusual same features applications Automated machines may assisted Vision systems optimise process flexibility. next step introduce smart automation. individualised products flexible, effective intelligent quick reaction market changes. Machines combine flexible format changes high cycle rates low life Digitalisation Industry 4.0 revolution will ease switch one system another improve operation flow. Smart via devices connected IO-Link fieldbus, obtain relevant data floor, bring flexibility adjustments. Downtime maintenance stop factory's worst nightmare, most operate 24/7 basis areas arranged continuous One area dependent activity another, integration, finally packaging. Any component failure generate production, time money. OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) substantially improved applying digital predictive solutions, training operators maximising reliability. There advantages having trained floor who able handle simple themselves help shares expertise three-day courses containing theory practical activities hosted at headquarters Milton Keynes. aimed line (even those no experience pneumatic components), them identify potential before occurs, maintenance. majority perform regular scheduled basis, means components actuators particular replaced if they still good run. To real-time Condition Based Monitoring (CBM), users need clear visibility equipment status achieved two types sensor. Firstly, induction sensors, calculate speed rod, enable easy detection dirt guides secondly, pressure sensors leakages inside actuators. These communicate available real condition equipment. Addressing Reliability use technical innovations, lower-than-competition ‘minimum pressure’ metal seal instead rubber valves. said, reliability cannot always measured absolute terms depends specific application regarding frequency, temperature, humidity, etc. important specify right both build stage floor. Managing consumers energy: represent 19% whole industry's consumption. Improving efficiency costs, but subsequently carbon footprint, objective plants keeps Paris Agreement climate identifying where how consumed. comprehensive audits producing detailed reports pictures measurement data. should set remedial actions aid optimisation, much money could saved, investment required each added-value objective. Simple solutions optimisation level vary return investment. example suggested improvement LED indicators show when constrained consuming too problem. common air leaks, lead excessive Since fluid power was estimated around £950m 20214, pneumatics accounting 24%, ensure performance optimised. flow switches number other manufacturers. example: monitoring tools information rate pressure, leak near leakage standby valves consumption during short stops shut off long ones. Efficiency economy design Experience management plant performance. internal knowledge (Improvement Activity Reports), support by, recommending sizing component, proposing efficient line, advising best apply drives pneumatics. Energy come themselves. Choosing lightest compact compressed air, especially moving parts grippers And course you'll CO2 emissions. Efficient make inroads into meeting many challenges. essential create close, almost holistic, expert combination familiarity onsite practices throughput line. waste savings compliance strict regulations. Weston, Business Development Manager, Email [email protected] find dates upcoming email [email protected] web smc.eu/en-gb References 1 Atradius. 2022. trends - Available from: https://atradius.co.uk/reports/food-industry-trends-united-kingdom-2022.html 2Dora, M., Wesana, J., Gellynck, X., Seth, N., Dey, B., De Steur, H. 2020. Importance sustainable operations loss: evidence Belgian industry. Annals Operations Research 290: 47- 72. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10479-019-03134-0 3Williamson, J. 2017. https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/machine-downtime-costs-uk-manufacturers-180bn-year/ BPFA. Fluid facts. https://bfpa.co.uk/bfpa-statistics-service/industry-facts/ Volume36, Issue4December 2022Pages ReferencesRelatedInformation