SIG is now using an industry standard in data exchange to network all new filling machines and ensure communication throughout the production plant. Beverage and food manufacturers can thus transform their filling lines into intelligent and networked factories.
This is made possible by integrated OPC Unified Architecture (OPC-UA) connectivity in accordance with the industry standard. OPC-UA is the data exchange standard that ensures secure, reliable and platform-independent industrial communication. It contributes to this, Intelligent, interconnected and fully integrated systems to operate.
Retrofitting of filling machines possible
As an alternative to this solution, which is already integrated into new machines, all existing SIG filling machines can now also be retrofitted with OPC UA connectivity via a simple plug-and-play installation. It is provided via the Connector module of the SIG Plant 360 Controller solution. This Advanced monitoring and control solution is designed to optimise every part of food and beverage production by progressively integrating all operational processes and systems into one platform, regardless of which equipment, manufacturer or programmable logic controller is used.
„SIG is committed to driving maximum connectivity and optimised digital integration in our customers“ plants. And to make this possible, we are using the industry standard OPC Unified Architecture in all new SIG filling machines, automatic magazines and downstream solutions, which means that connectivity is built in from the start." Stefan Mergel, Senior Product Manager Equipment at SIG
The fact that OPC UA connectivity can either be built directly into SIG systems or retrofitted gives food and beverage manufacturers the freedom and flexibility to choose their other manufacturing components and technology partners. This means that a SIG customers can configure a digital factory exactly according to their needs and requirements can.
For beverage and food manufacturers, flexibility in their operations has become an increasingly important issue. With growing demands, rapidly changing consumer trends and the ongoing challenge of COVID-19, manufacturers are looking for ways to make their production lines more flexible, customised and agile. This is the only way they can cope with times of higher output and faster product changeovers while reducing costs. As a result, many are looking for IoT-enabled systems as well as data and automation solutions, to transform their bottling plants into intelligent and networked factories.
Accelerating digital transformation
„Food and beverage production is changing rapidly and is more demanding than ever. Filling systems operate at an unprecedented level with higher demands, growing competition and ever shorter production cycles - more than ever during COVID-19. Now is the time for companies to accelerate their digital transformation and ensure that they can work in a more resilient, productive and agile way in the future,“ says Stefan Mergel.
OPC UA connectivity within the filling machines, systems and components is part of the Smart Factory platform from SIG. Its aim is to deliver IoT-enabled systems and technical services that Turning filling plants into networked factories, which ensure the highest possible efficiency, flexibility and quality for customers.
SourceSIG
