Digital transformation and advises on how to improve processes based on advanced analytics . Having a competitive edge and the added insight of knowing when and how a product ’ s chilling or freezing processes needed to be modified , is critical to business success .
Data as the driver
Digital technology really can play a central role in optimizing cryogenic freezer use , improving efficiency , productivity and sustainability , and giving customers better control of liquid nitrogen usage – all helping with competitive advantage . This was particularly true for ISI , which has been able to identify and resolve issues with how its product lines are run on a day-to-day basis .
By installing APST onto its cryogenic freezers , ISI has seen an immediate improvement in both the efficiency and productivity of its production lines . Monitoring of the infeed belt area of the freezer warns the customer if the product loading is poor . This , in turn , allows for alterations to the product feed which makes the freezing process more efficient .
ISI saw a noticeable improvement in liquid nitrogen usage , which had a direct impact on its operational cost , meaning that processes can be made more agile and adaptable than before .
Training and future-proofing
Of course , data capture and analysis is only effective if those operating production lines understand how to interpret and use the data to facilitate change . This is why it ’ s critical to provide training alongside the installation of new technologies . For example , we create and save recipes onto the human-machine interface control panel on the freezer , which we can then monitor through the APST system . This then avoids the need to manually change temperatures every time a new product is loaded . The impact ? Less opportunity for manual error , and greater efficiency and quality of freeze .
New technologies also offer advantages in terms of knowledge retention at points of staff change . ISI ’ s new APST system , for example , is able to hold historical and real-time data , giving food producers greater reassurance that they ’ re not losing knowledge each time an operator leaves and allowing them to continue production without interruption .
Looking ahead to the future of data
Ultimately , we want to support food producers in creating the most streamlined manufacturing process possible , especially during periods of uncertainty .
We recognize that the future of the food sector will be driven by data . It has much to benefit from the transparency and insight greater data capture and analysis can offer . New technologies can be applied across a wide range of businesses throughout the food sector , which means that more and more manufacturers can access digital technology and data to impact how the business operates .
More than ever food manufacturers need greater control over their food processes to cater to the changing needs of the market . Using data and introducing technology will bolster resilience and ensure manufacturers are ready for future challenges . ■
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Jon Trembley www . airproducts . co . uk / industries / food
Jon Trembley is Technology Manager for Cryogenic Applications at Air Products , a world-leading industrial gases company in operation for over 80 years focused on serving energy , environmental , and emerging markets . The company has two growth pillars driven by sustainability . Air Products ’ base business provides essential industrial gases , related equipment and applications expertise to customers in dozens of industries , including refining , chemicals , metals , electronics , manufacturing , and food .
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