World Grain - May 2008 - 73

TECHNICAL PROFILE

Controlling the future
of your business
G

rain processors worldwide are currently beset by rising energy costs and higher prices for raw materials.
The optimization of the entire production process is
becoming increasingly important and is therefore moving to
the center of attention.
"Single-source supply" is the formula for businesses aiming to successfully shape their future. A sustainable increase
in overall efficiency and uptime of a production plant is only
possible on the basis of state-of-the-art automation designs
matched to the specific process technology and offering consistent data transparency.
The main requirement for plant automation is a precise
aligning between technology, engineering, production system design and process mastery. Linking up these separate
elements and assuring that they intermesh dependably is the
function of process automation.
DATA TRANSPARENCY
Rises in energy and raw material prices call for targeted
and documented utilization of resources. The focus of an advanced process automation design is on the consistent registration, processing and representation of production data and
process parameters. To improve efficiency, it is necessary to
know exactly where the different resources are applied and
under what conditions. This requires a consistent display and
evaluation concept, for example, of energy consumption and
capacity utilization data or weight and quality data. Complete
integration of analytical equipment, scales or machine controllers enable online data analyses to be generated.
In order to respond rapidly to events as they arise, the rel-

by Mike Häefeli

Process automation systems can
help offset rising energy costs and
higher raw material prices for grain
processors
evant information must be provided at all levels - anywhere
and at all times. Information and active support in evaluating
and interpreting key parameters of the ongoing production
process make it easier for managers to assess, evaluate and
fine-tune individual operations.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and data transparency
are the basis for successfully optimizing the efficiency and
effectiveness of processing systems. The provision of a fast
overview over the entire process, but also of views down to
the individual detailed levels, allows operations to be streamlined and fine-tuned. Modern concepts enable user interfaces
to be configured and selected on a user-oriented and individualized basis. For example, it should be possible for different users to adjust font sizes dynamically, zoom process
graphics as required, and configure reports without restrictions. Online switching of languages and regional settings is
(Above) Buhler's WinCoS process control system enables grain processors
to cut operating expenses and increase efficiency in their production process. Photo courtesy of Buhler AG.

Enzymes I Oxidizing Agents I Bro mate Replacer I Vitamin Premixes I Vita l Wheat
Gluten I Raw Materials for Baking I Baking Premixes I Laborator y Equipment

Flour
Fine
Tuning
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World Grain - May 2008

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