DIGITALISATION


Operators need to reskill, says Scanreco.


can be via manual data entry, or by QR code scanning and the like.


So, for a coil warehouse, Jaso outline control of coil entry and exit, and of coil transfer to transfer carts or truck; 3D scanning of the coil yard gives data for optimising use of space and of movements within it; inside the plant, task synchronisation between different cranes avoids interference and optimise throughput. Similarly, in scrap handling in a steel works, there can be automatic or near-automatic movements in all phases of the crane operation: scanning of scrap grabs to determine the pickup point, with further scanners and weight controls for redundant safety. Movement to furnaces can be autonomous, and opening of the furnace cover can be synchronised to the approach of the crane. These are heavy-industry, high-capacity (and capital-intensive) applications. But digital control and automation, even total digital control and automation, is by no means restricted to those sectors. It works just as well, and is just as applicable, to light tasks and light overhead systems, where it may need little investment in either time or money to install. Thus CMCO, part of Columbus Mckinnon, has its


ProPath system, which is a light overhead monorail that can carry loads of up to a tonne. It combines their Enclosed Track Aluminium (ETA) Rail with semi or fully automated ‘smart’ trolleys and hoists; lifting, travel and depositing can be done with no human intervention. The hardware elements are standard: CM powered chain hoists, or Yale, Shawcross or Stahl wire rope hoists; barcode readers, laser position measurement and string encoders, plus software control. The digital elements can include wireless communication, positioning components, and diagnostics and reporting structures. Remotely


32 | October 2026 | www.hoistmagazine.com


Mounted E-Stops, configurable No-Fly Zones, light curtains, safety mats and door mounted safety switches are designed to prevent humans and machines colliding. Magnetek variable frequency drives are fitted; their IMPULSE G+ Mini VFD is compact, so it permits the use of smaller control enclosures and reduces the overall cost of an installation. One IMPULSE G+ Mini controls each motion (bridge, trolley and hoist) in a standard ProPath Automated Workstation Crane; applications that operate with two hoist motions can use Magnetek IMPULSE G+/ VG+ Series 4 drives. Two different automation configurations are available. In its semi-automated configuration, also known as auto-dispatch, the ProPath System automates main movements and uses human assistance for precise actions. So, for example, a component can be brought close to a larger one automatically. A human operator can then bring them into exact alignment for, say, bolting them together. The system allows multiple areas to share a single crane and finished product to travel through one, all or a combination of work locations. In fully automatic mode no human intervention is needed at all beyond setting it up. Accurate, repeatable processes give provide process flow, reduced idle time, consistent operation, and improved cycle times; all of which help increase productivity.


Taking up the slack Efficient production is not the only benefit of digital control and automation. An increasing problem in industry is a shortage of operators. Autonomous machines have already begun to attract a broader and more diverse workforce – including more women – into traditionally male-dominated industries. At the same time, a new generation of operators expects much more modern conditions of work.


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