3 ways to build a smarter factory

In part two of our VISION series, Dr. Daryoush Sangi, SIG's Head of Production Engineering & Strategic Partnerships, shares his insights for creating a smarter factory and navigating the era of Industry 4.0

[caption id="attachment_1148" align="alignright" width="150"] Dr. Daryoush Sangi[/caption] Everyone knows SIG manufactures great packaging. But what many don't realise is we also engineer solutions to help build smarter, more automated plants as part of Industry 4.0 - the era of the 'smart factory'. Smart factories have fully connected, automated and flexible systems that improve manufacturing productivity, both in the plant and across the supply chain.

SIG's smart factory vision

The future of food and beverage production is about satisfying a growing demand for fresh, convenient products that are safe, sustainable, affordable and differentiated. All businesses are under growing pressure to increase output, improve margins and optimise assets. This means filling plants need be smarter and more automated to handle operations intelligently, optimise production, increase efficiency and be more transparent. But a report by The Manufacturer states that while 67% of UK manufacturers see Industry 4.0 as an opportunity, only 25% feel they have sufficient understanding of its implications. That's why SIG is developing new technology and processes to ensure manufacturers are ready for Industry 4.0. Here are three ways to start:

1. Upgrade your solutions

Managing a factory is a juggling act between product quality, machine availability and performance. To get most out of your individual filling lines, consider an integrated solution, which will increase utilisation and reduce total filling costs. A tailored service agreement can also ensure each of these areas gets the attention they need. In this way they can gain maximum value and performance.

2. Transform with automated technology

Optimising one or more of your existing filling lines can unlock their hidden potential. Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), for example, have the potential to radically transform how we produce. This includes SIG's Robotic Magazine, creating more efficient workflows and reducing manual work hours. Another step toward building fully-automated filling lines is with automated guided vehicles (AGV), which can transport packaging pallets and materials from a central store to the R-CAM. Learning controllers adapt the operational, logistical and individual needs of the producers, and reduce factory visible complexity.

3. Use turnkey solutions

Internet of Things (IoT) technology, such as sensors, software and connectivity solutions, can help monitor and analyse the productivity of your line. Using these technologies, SIG engineers can conceptualise, design and engineer complete end-to-end plants that are intelligent, automated, and fully integrated into your production process. Our combilink monitoring system offers a new way to track your line and intervene and optimise your operations whenever necessary.

The future of Industry 4.0

A report by Accenture estimates that Industrial IoT could add US$14.2 trillion to the global economy by 2030, thus calling it the biggest driver of productivity and growth in the next decade. Now is the time to implement Industry 4.0 solutions into your manufacturing processes - and SIG is here to help. We aim to create a complete smart factory with machine learning, self-adjustment, and direct equipment communication throughout the entire value chain. Ready to join Industry 4.0? Contact us now, or discover more about smart factories here.