‘2019: A SMARTER, MORE DIGITAL MANUFACTURING WORLD’
Martin Walder, VP of Industry, Schneider Electric, offers his predictions for 2019: “Manufacturers ought to take the plunge and invest in the latest smart technologies. This is vital if they want to keep pace with the competition and improve their long-term prospects in the market. “As with most industries, technological advances are having a profound effect on production. Manufacturers who modernise will benefit from better output, higher quality products and less wastage on the factory floor - cutting costs in the long run. “Industry 4.0 and IIoT are set to provide the
manufacturing industry with universal benefits in 2019. Although not new phenomenon’s, they will continue to allow businesses to develop more responsive frameworks to grow their productivity, as well as profitability. “Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions
are particularly vital to thrive in the manufacturing industry. Not only will it improve communication between devices, but it will also improve the communication between systems and personnel, inside and outside of the company. “IIoT allows experts and expert systems to
optimise and speed up processes whilst reducing downtime with predictive maintenance. Ultimately, smart technologies are able to increase the proficiency of businesses. “As we move into 2019,
the increased adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) tools will improve operational efficiency. These tools allow end users to project current data onto any system with a tablet, helping improve efficiencies. “We’re going to witness increasing benefits of
automation through robotics, machine learning and AI. Over the last few years they have provided genuine value for a vast number of businesses. 2019 will be no different. The manufacturing industry will continuously realise the benefits of a robotic workforce. Robots ability to work 24-hours a day, whilst producing consistent outputs is a no brainer for businesses. “With the adoption of the latest technologies
in 2019, the manufacturing industry is set to transform into smarter, more ‘connected’ manufacturing”.
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David Jahn, director, Brillopak, reviews the upcoming packaging trends for 2019. Q: What’s set to influence your company in 2019? A: Labour shortage In 2016, the main staffing concern for packhouses was the introduction of the living wage and how businesses were going to accommodate it. Many began to look to automation as a solution, but still remained reliant on EU migrant workers. In 2018, the decreasing value of the pound and the general anti-EU/post-Brexit feeling has seen fewer and less able workers come from the EU to work in the UK than in previous years, resulting in crops being left to rot in the fields. The worry now for packhouses is not how they’re
going to pay for their staff; because there won’t be any staff to worry about. In 2019, automation will be essential if these businesses are going to survive. To meet this demand, we’ve developed a range
of low cost, automated packers with a small footprint. We are also integrating imaging systems into our machines, which can check not just the
quality of the produce being packed, but also the colour, labels, positioning and packaging. Flexibility Supermarkets market more products than ever, putting a huge strain on manufacturers who are trying desperately to keep up. As not every product or packing format will have longevity, manufacturers are reluctant to invest large sums of money into new lines which may soon become obsolete; but they don’t want to turn away opportunities either. It will therefore become even more important in
2019 that machines offer flexibility, and can cope with rapid changeovers. The machines we’ve developed are designed for flexibility to handle multiple product and pack types and can effect a product changeover in just 5 minutes. Q: What packaging trends do you foresee for 2019? A: Plastic backlash In response to consumer pressure, supermarkets are pledging to cut the volume of single-use plastics throughout their supply chain. Suppliers are therefore nervous of investing in any new equipment that isn’t eco- friendly. I’m expecting to see more plant, pulp and
RAMP UP YOUR PRODUCTION
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PROCESS & CONTROL | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2019 5 rd. re sta dard tandards WHAT ARE THE MAIN PACKAGING TRENDS FOR THE FORTHCOMING YEAR?
wood-based packaging for fresh produce, in place of plastic punnets. Currently, these are more expensive options, and there are questions over their reliability, so it will be interesting to see throughout 2019 who ultimately ends up paying for them and whether consumers will be persuaded to switch from plastic over the long-term. Digitalisation Digital data will become
increasingly important, as a way of measuring line efficiency, enhancing traceability, and ultimately improving products. Focus on health & safety I think there will be an
increased focus on workers’ health and safety throughout 2019 and beyond. This is an area in which automation can play a big part. For example, palletising was historically a manual task, often involving someone packing 12 crates high and holding a considerable weight over their head. Automating this task would not only increase the worker’s safety, it creates an opportunity for them to be retrained or upskilled and to then take ownership of the automated process.
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