COMMENT u FORTRESS TECHNOLOGY
Fortress Technology makes digital data work smarter
With production data driving the digital era, Nathan Tankard from the European Technical Support team at food safety specialist Fortress Technology, reviews how, at the push of a button, automated data collection and record keeping provides valuable insight that powers decision-making and operational effectiveness on food processing lines.
A
t the start of 2023, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) New Era of Smarter Food Safety rolled out. As with
many developments initiated in North America, the UK and Europe are converging towards these rules, which place greater emphasis on enhanced recordkeeping, tech-based end-to-end traceability and improved predictive analysis. Creating a centralised database of live and recorded data that assists food processors to automate QA documentation, Fortress Technology’s Contact 4.0 monitors the performance of inspection equipment, tracks events and documents all potential product risks. Turning potentially massive data streams into tightly monitored operational insight.
WHY GO DIGITAL? Food processors are dependent on accurate data to ensure the distribution of safe food to consumers. The current approach to food safety requires stringent recordkeeping procedures. Automating the entire data logging process, alongside prompting operators to repeatedly test inspection equipment, Contact 4.0 removes the risk of human error jeopardising food safety. Manually monitoring food inspection machine
performance can be extremely labour intensive and impact productivity. Even those that have upgraded legacy systems continue to gather data on a machine-by-machine basis rather than integrating and analysing information side-by-side and building up a performance picture. Automated and networked data extraction and real time monitoring are proven to enhance production efficiency and minimise machine downtime.
A real-time web-based remote machine
monitoring solution, Contact 4.0 enables food processors to review, collect data and securely oversee the performance of an unlimited number of Fortress metal detectors, checkweighers or combination inspection machines connected on the same network. Developed in-house by the food safety specialist, Contact 4.0 eliminates many of the cumbersome functionality challenges that enterprising companies usually encounter. Most notably, infrastructure, data storage, security and scalability.
16 May 2024 Irish Manufacturing
From viewing live event logs and performance
verification checks, to quickly accessing records to support a recall event, Contact 4.0 offers processors a robust, simpler and safer way to rapidly stream and share performance data.
COHESIVE, PERSONALISED DATA VISUALS Providing secure access via a web appliance and 24/7 monitoring of multiple units, Contact 4.0 sits on the same network as the Fortress digital metal detectors, checkweighers or combination systems. Compiling and communicating data events channelled through a compact Adapter box located in close proximity to the inspection machines, Contact 4.0 complies with all international food safety management standards, including HACCP, BRC and GFSI/SQF. The interoperability of the OPC/UA Adapter
allows customers to feed defined data and production parameters into a central server and auto-populate the files in real time. Adding the two-way communication facilitated by the Ethernet Adapter means that processors can extract and send data, as well as control and change settings remotely. Capable of connecting an unlimited number of
Fortress inspection machines on the same network, food processors can use Contact 4.0 to define and customise their data filters. Rejects, faults, changes in parameters, passed tests, failed tests, are all accurately logged and time stamped for regulatory compliance. Statistics can also be batched together and visual histograms generated. To extract the data, authorised users simply log into the browser from any networked device, including laptops and tablets. This is one of the critical benefits of a web based interface. In addition to retaining security within the firewalls of the food processors’ network, the cohesive reporting system allows authorised staff to troubleshoot performance issues remotely. Reports can be configured and emailed daily, per shift or weekly. Test failure, fault or non-conformity events trigger an automatic email alert, detailing when an event occurred on a specific machine, as well as the corrective actions required. With Contact 4.0, event and machine
performance information is stored securely for a minimum of 10 years. There is also the option to extend storage capacity to 20+ years. Data can be automatically transferred from the machine fleet to a centralised computer via a secure, password protected connection.
www.irish-manufacturing.com
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