Process control system for the food industry
New process control system at Hilcona AG
Starting Situation
The production of different foods always requires individualized plant parameterization. In some cases, recipe and data recording are already implemented on plant control systems, but the data can only be maintained or retrieved locally. Article- and order-specific data are also maintained in the ERP system, but these data are not used by the plants. The vast number of plant systems by different manufacturers and their communication with a central database pose additional challenges.
Project objectives
Simple operation of the production lines using a central, fail-safe control console was the goal. All order and process data had to be compiled in a common database, analyzed, and reported back to the ERP system.
Technical implementation
The new process control system will be built using Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft .NET. Our proven modules (see software development for industrial applications) for recipe, alarming, and user management will be used and adapted to Hilcona's specific requirements. The complete logging of process values is implemented with the proven Historian Server from Wonderware (new Aveva).
Results
The process parameters are now maintained centrally with the IMT process control system and transmitted to the different production plants throughout the entire site – from pasteurization to packaging. Periodic adjustments to the production lines can now be made individually with little effort. The relevant operating data are continuously logged and can be retrieved at any time in a prepared format.
