Tomra extends insights data monitoring for its food division
Following its launch last year by Tomra Sorting Recycling, its insight data monitoring platform is now also being made available across the group, including its Tomra Food division, targeting improved performance of equipment.
As the company explains, the system turns sorting and grading machines into connected devices that generate valuable process data, which is stored securely in the cloud, converted into actionable information, and accessible from anywhere via a web portal for desktop and mobile devices.
In addition, it also helps processors in near real-time and retrospect, with product quality measured continuously, meaning machine operators are empowered to make prompt and optimal adjustments to machine settings for production lines, including ranges destined for the confectionery and bakery markets.
The company’s engineers help customers analyse critical data every month as part of its Insight subscription service, and accurate and timely comparison is now possible between multiple sites, shifts, batches, and seasons.
Felix Flemming, Vice President and Head of Digital at Tomra Sorting (main image), said: “By capturing and using valuable data, Tomra Insight is transforming sorting from an operational process into a strategic management tool. And this tool is constantly becoming more powerful as we continuously develop it in response to customers’ needs and priorities. New functionalities and features are released every three weeks – a routine during which we work closely with customers in pursuit of shared objectives.”
As the company added, the metrics gathered reportedly enable downtime to be reduced by monitoring machine health and performance to support predictive and condition-based maintenance. Throughput is maximised by evaluating variations and optimising sorting equipment accordingly. Efficiency is improved by identifying gaps in production and analysing potential root causes. Sorting to target quality is enhanced by being able to make decisions based on accurate product composition data. Operations are simplified through easier spare parts ordering and flexible access to data and documentation.
Jeffry Steemans, Product Manager Digital at Tomra Food, said: “Food processors participating in pilot installations tell us that Insight will pay back month after month. They see improvements in product quality, higher throughputs, lower waste, and greater yields. Customers also report that machine operators embrace the transparency of having information available to make better decisions.”
