machinery
reading technology can seal random sized cases at high speed – and be reconfigured remotely to manage new sizes and orientations as and when required.
HEAltH & SAfEty
Getting health and safety right has never been more paramount. Food manufactures need to adhere to stringent measures and are being set greater guidance on the use of machinery through the Food Standard Agency’s regulatory model, facing stiffer sentences if they are non-compliant. Tougher governance around health and
safety shouldn’t be a deterrent to automation, however it is vital that manufacturers do not take a CE certified machine at face value. “There are a number of other
factors which need to be considered. Manufacturers need to understand the area the machine will be located in and assess the environment for any safety concerns such as access,” adds Yates. End-of-line equipment in particular
presented significant hazards. Not only do they operate automatically and, in some cases, at very high speed, but the openings, to allow the cases to be transported through the system, are often large enough to be a potential for unauthorised access. Over the years quality, end-of-line
systems have been ergonomically designed offering safer operator access and the integration of Safety Light curtains not only safeguards the machine, but eliminates the need for additional safety guarding so reducing the overall footprint. Systems can also be constructed from IP65 washdown rated stainless steel.
EliminAting unnEcESSAry downtimE
Food manufacturing sites that are highly automated operate with fewer workers, resulting in a larger opportunity for uninterrupted processing. Manufacturers are currently seeking to mitigate the risk of sending people home in virus-susceptible areas within their facilities, and automation is a big part of this solution. The risk of downtime, as a result of
machinery failure, servicing or reprogramming has always been a bottleneck in the adoption of automation. However, automation specialists have
been driving the intelligence of end-of-line systems forward for some time, and there is now a greater emphasis on linking these systems together and integrating them into a customers’ own specific data network. Consequently, food manufacturers can capture, process, and analyse big data from the factory floor remotely, and improve productivity, avoid downtime through predictive maintenance, upload new case recipes, and optimise energy use.
UKManufacturing Summer 2021 Yates comments: “Our systems built
today feature an integrated, Industry 4.0 compatible HMI interface enabling engineers to easily re-programme the machine to allow for new configurations of case sizes remotely via a computer, tablet or even a mobile.” In addition, these SMART systems can be also used to monitor the machinery and send alerts on any preventive maintenance issues and spares shortages. As Yates says, “End-of- line systems are very self-sufficient.”
BEyond covid-19
Automation has always been an enabler to streamline and enhance efficiency and, as a result of the pressure created by the crisis on manual process, manufacturers should now be able to clearly identify which areas would benefit from automation. COVID-19 has undoubtedly heightened
the need for the UK to integrate automation into their packing lines. By taking the steps to automate, manufacturers will be prepared for any future crisis or shutdown, while ensuring that their output levels and efficiencies remain high.
SupEr-dEduction tAx
From April until March 31st 2023, manufacturers can qualify for a 130 per cent capital allowance deduction. This tax break will provide 25p off company tax bills for every £1 spent on qualifying plant and machinery. This measure – which is expected to
boost UK investment by £20 billion a year – includes a super-deduction of 130 per cent on most new plant and machinery investments, which would have ordinarily qualified for 18 per cent relief, and a first year allowance of 50 per cent on most new plant and machinery investments which would have ordinarily qualified for six per cent relief. Automation has always been an enabler
to streamline and enhance efficiency and manufacturers should now be able to clearly identify which areas would benefit and take advantage of the 130 per cent tax break. This will also make the UK more competitive on the global production field.
Endoline Automation
www.endoline-automation.com
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