April 2019

35 www.drivesncontrols.com April 2019 FOOD AND BEVERAGE n Food and bev moves into the digital age A rapidly growing urban population and increased consumer awareness of sustainability are prompting food and beverage manufacturers to turn to digital technologies to ensure product quality, according to a recent study by the analyst, Frost & Sullivan. It suggests that manufacturers are investing in technological innovations with a focus on advanced processing techniques, safety and packaging, to distinguish themselves in an intensely competitive market. Frost expects industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies such as big data, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), to play a “huge” role in accelerating and streamlining the food production sector through advanced automation and analytics. “Although a late adopter of IIoT, the food and beverage industry is showing great eagerness to digitise its assets due to the rising need for traceability,” remarks F&S senior industrial research analyst, Nandini Natarajan. “IIoT will allow food and bev manufacturers to collaborate and connect across different stakeholders involved in various stages of the food value chain. It enables seamless exchange of information and goods in different directions – unlike with traditional methods where only linear, unidirectional flow was possible. “As a first step toward digital transformation, food and beverage companies are integrating sensors directly into their legacy assets and configuring them to broadcast data to the cloud for monitoring KPIs (key performance indicators) and analytics,” Natarajan adds. “They are also employing a direct sampling procedure from automated plant equipment for real-time visibility into quality measurement. Meanwhile, some companies are investing in in-line quality data recording through inspection procedures.” As it has become increasingly common to source raw materials and ingredients from multiple vendors, food industry databases have become larger. Furthermore, food products now travel further than they did before, increasing the risks of spoilage. These issues have created a strong demand for big data analytics to help to manage food product traits and value chains to enhance safety. Frost & Sullivan predicts that the IIoT technologies are going to find wider applications in the food sector. It suggests that vendors can make the most of these technologies by: n developing new business models that focus on data, connectivity, and customer centricity, along with data security; n focusing on simple, easy-to-use products and integrated end-to-end architectures; n partnering with third-party applications; and n offering technically advanced packaging systems that ensure sustainability, without compromising on nutrition. The F&S analysis, Food & Beverages 4.0, 2018 , identifies the ways in which IIoT could be implemented across the food value chain. It also examines some of the top technology trends that are shaping the sector. n http://ww2.frost.com The food and beverage industry is increasingly adopting IIoT technologies, including big data and artificial intelligence, to bring benefits such as improved quality and end-to-end traceability, a new study suggests. Everything under CONTROL One, three and 1- / 2- / 3-phase 30 W - 2400 W output Parallel and redundant switchable Power Boost 150 %, 5 s V Output 24 , 48 V and 72 V UL Approvals Electronic Fuse - LOCC Box ED 2-channel design Narrow component with 4.05 mm per channel Max. 2 x 6A, can be set in 1A increments Patented analogue trip characteristic curves LOCC Box Net ol circuits Adjustable current (1-10 A) Adjustable cur analogue characteristic ves Communication over Ethernet Electronic Fuse-LOCC Box & Individual channel fault indication Use in 12 V and 24 V DC contr Profinet and EtherCA e.g. T Status indication V Use in 12 , 24 V or 48 V applications UL and DNV GL Approvals Adjustable current (1-10 A) Adjustable analogue Electronic Fuse - LCOS CC & LCOS CCI or expert advice, stay in control cations To discuss your latest project and f please call 01827 313330 and with Lütze. cur characteristic ves Status indication Modular design V Use in 12 , 24 V or 48 V appli Communication over Ethernet Profinet and EtherCA e.g. T UL and DNV GL Approvals .lutze.co.uk w Lütze Limited. 3 Sandy Hill Park, Sandy Way Staffordshire, B77 4DU. T 01827 313330 sales.gb@lutze.co.uk ww , Tamworth,