In today ’ s marketplace achieving more with less , known as Sustainable Consumption and Production ( SCP ), has become increasingly important . Despite this , in the food and beverage industry alone nearly 90 % of wasted food is lost within the supply chain - and batches that fall outside quality specifications become a loss that costs many companies up to six figures a year . When each stakeholder is demanding an increase in resource efficiency and sustainability , the onus is on companies to reduce losses and strive for the golden batch in every production .

Accomplishing that golden batch requires a production where everything goes smoothly to create the maximum yield of the greatest quality . It is not an easy feat in practice where operations are dynamic and constantly changing .

Batch manufacturing industries have invested heavily in their quest towards this perfect production – using advanced data-driven approaches such as multivariate data analysis ( MVDA ) coupled with data historians and optimization simulations . However , human procedures are often an area that is not fully digitalized , preventing the best possible understanding of what really makes a golden batch . Most operators still follow paper-based procedures , but where there are multiple products - each following a very similar structure - reducing batchto-batch variation itself is a challenge , let alone achieving the golden batch .

Hexagon ’ s PPM division is working with CGI to connect human input into manufacturing procedures , enabling the customization of MES ( manufacturing execution systems ). Working with CGI , and other partners , Hexagon has helped companies optimize their batch processes by digitalizing their workflows – allowing for a more controlled , consistent work process . Connecting human processes to a data historian platform enables operators to know the full history of batches in production .

Neil Singh , Industry Consultant , Hexagon ’ s PPM Division , explains : “ Digitalizing batch production and including the operator ’ s input gives companies the ability to truly understand the real consistency of their operations , and make the best use of their human sensor-generated information . This is very important for businesses where dozens of different batches are produced each day in flexible production environments .

“ By digitally optimizing the production operations for each individual recipe , the process can be automated to alert the operator on the basics . These include items such as changes to process profile , to more insightful elements such as lessons learned during setup , all the way to understanding patterns in operator responses , to help produce that golden batch each time . The goal is to increase safety , efficiency and agility - and ultimately enable sustainable production .”

Through providing digitally tailored and fit for purpose instructions to operators , they can better anticipate to batch-to-batch variances and ensure that production meets specifications each and every time .

To find out how Hexagon can help your business to optimize your production , visit hexagonppm . com / emia / golden .

The goal is to increase safety , efficiency and agility - and ultimately enable sustainable production .