Scoping the Problem
“The first thing we did was an audit,” Robin says. Polytron performed a detailed inventory to better understand what type of data the various pieces of equipment were collecting, and how the data was being stored. From there, “it was all about connectivity,” Robin says. Polytron had to find a way to bring all the data together centrally so they could run algorithms and perform analysis to identify opportunities for efficiencies. That was no easy feat – especially since the company operates globally at a large scale.
“When we started digging into it, we were seeing potential for about a 10% - 15% increase in OEE,” Robin says. “That’s HUGE for the food and beverage industry,” he continues, “and that’s the average number we see.” Robin explains that the expected OEE improvement depends on a customer’s current systems and equipment. “If you have older equipment, there are bigger costs because there's bigger risk. But that's also where you're going to get your bigger bang, bigger payback.”
The Solution
Key elements of Polytron’s solution for this customer are Studio 5000® Design Software, FactoryTalk® Historian, FactoryTalk® View HMI Software, ThinManager® Thin Client Software, and FactoryTalk® AssetCentre.
“Each solution to solve a customer problem is unique. It’s great we can mix and match different platforms from Rockwell Automation, and they connect and cross talk.” Robin says.
Read about other Polytron / Rockwell Automation successes, including how they helped a global snack baker cut downtime by 25% while improving quality by 30%.
