DIGITALISATION
Don’t forget the human P 28
roduction equipment is becoming more and more elaborate – for example the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or smart sensors that allow every production step to be
tracked, monitored and recorded. Finding and retaining skilled labour
is another major issue facing the confectionery sector in most regions of the world. The key to successful digital operations, therefore must lie in both technological expertise and the sustainable onboarding and training of operators. Operators need to be able to develop their skills in a scalable and repeatable way that is in line with the technology advances being introduced. Whether a company opts for a novel production system that features a lot of new digital technology, or whether it gradually modernises its existing systems complexity on the shopfloor is growing and operators need to keep pace with this. Achieving this takes a two- pronged approach – employing both online learning formats and on-site training. Online training that operators can
take upfront should provide them with the basic machine knowledge in a simple
Kennedy’s Confection May 2024
element of a digital factory
Production in many confectionery factories has become increasingly sophisticated, both from a technological and procedural
perspective.Martin Offenhaeusser, Service Product Manager at Syntegon, highlights the important role that operators still have to play.
format, so that they can quickly access the information. This first step will help operators familiarise themselves with the machines’ setup, the safety guidelines, and how the machine works. I believe that any initial training should
be adapted to the knowledge level and daily tasks expected of the operators. After this kick-start, they will be more familiar with the main components of the machine, with format changes, recurring maintenance work and troubleshooting.
Applying knowledge As well as having a better understanding of the technology, operators need to be able to quickly apply that knowledge in practice. To be able to do this they also need to undertake on-site training, to broaden the knowledge acquired during the first learning phase. State-of-the-art monitoring systems
will, of course, create greater machine and process transparency, helping operators to identify potential problems. However, operators will likely struggle with data analysis. Modern monitoring solutions, such as the Synexio cloud-based software from Syntegon, provides data transparency alongside data consulting services. This
means that dedicated experts are able to remotely analyse a machine’s historical data, deriving measures on how overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) can be imporved. This can be a valuable asset for confectionery producers. The Synexio cloud-based software solution
collects, evaluates, and visualises machine and production data to help identify areas for production improvement. The platform includes three packages with different functionalities. ‘Empower’ the latest addition to the portfolio, includes the extended collection and analysis of data, as well as access to web- based training or work instructions for the operation of Syntegon systems. So, despite the move towards more digital
production in the confectionery industry, the human factor should not be ignored. The more we digitise, the more we need people who understand how to navigate the digital world. Skilled operators are hard to find, so training existing operators is key. I believe the best way to do this is to lay the groundwork using an online, self-taught format; then build on this knowledge with the help of experts. I strongly believe that a successful digitalisation project requires the technology and the human to complement each other.
KennedysConfection.com
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