Sorting and Inspection
learning focuses on data-driven predictions and tasks. As technology continues to advance, the integration of AI holds exciting possibilities, paving the way for a more effi cient, productive, and safe food industry. We know how important precision and quality are to
manufacturers and consumers alike, so how best do you achieve these results in an ever-more competitive market? Step forward Mettler-Toledo, supporting the latest
digital industry standards with its cutting-edge inspection management software ProdX™. It works by seamlessly integrating machine learning and connecting multiple product inspection devices. The Mettler-Toledo solution offers manufacturers the ability to advance their quality control methods, minimise waste and optimise operational effi ciency. Kennedy’s Confection speaks with Ian Scott- Mance, Technology Manager from Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection to fi nd out more. Describing how Mettler-Toledo’s AI-driven quality
assurance system for confectionery manufacturing utilises computer vision and machine learning to automate sorting and identify defects in the production process, Ian explains: “The term AI usually conjures up incorrect images of futuristic robots replacing human roles entirely. However, at Mettler- Toledo, we recognise that AI is not about creating autonomous entities; it’s about enhancing the intelligence of our systems. There is a lot of confusion because the term is incorrectly used by many in the industry. “Our focus is on machine learning, where devices are
meticulously trained to identify and categorise products, offering precise quality control. At the heart of our approach is ProdX™ – a comprehensive solution that transcends the boundaries of traditional quality control methods. ProdX™, often referred to as ProdX™ Data Management Software, plays a pivotal role in food manufacturing by seamlessly collecting and safeguarding inspection data from Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection devices. It acts as a secure repository, archiving this critical data in a tamper-proof central server while offering the fl exibility to generate ad-hoc or automated reports. In simple terms, ProdX™ can be likened to a digital
guardian, carefully maintaining a complete digital record or “digital twin” for each product inspection device involved in the manufacturing process. This digital twin encapsulates the entire lifecycle of the device, from production and inspection parameters to all rejects, performance testing, user interactions and even changes made to inspection parameters. We ask Ian how real-time monitoring contributes to providing
consistently high-quality confectionery products, and what specifi c advantages it offers, to which he replies: “Real-time monitoring is a cornerstone of ProdX™, contributing to the assurance of consistently high-quality confectionery products. By maintaining a digital record of production parameters and inspection results, the system enables swift response to variations. This proactive approach means that any deviations from the quality standards are immediately addressed, maintaining product excellence and minimising the risk of subpar batches reaching the market. “The capabilities of ProdX™ extend beyond immediate
functionalities. It proves invaluable during product changeovers, streamlining the integration of legacy devices which use proprietary and non-standard protocols.
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KennedysConfection.com Kennedy’s Confection November 2023 23 25.10.2023 11:15:12
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