|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Digitalisation of brewing processes in plants across Europe and Africa
|
|
Monday, 15 September, 2025, 15 : 00 PM [IST]
|
|
Croatia
|
The DFP, an Industry 4.0 platform developed by experienced experts from Montelektro, was first launched at BrauBeviale held in Nuremberg in November 2023. Meanwhile, it was successfully implemented in factories such as Albert Maltings (Belgium), Mahou Brewery (Spain), and Bracongo Brewery (DR Congo), providing them with digitalisation of their production processes.
The development of the Digital Factory Portal is the result of the knowledge and experience that its experts have gained over thirty years of providing industrial automation and electrical engineering services and solutions to the global brewing industry. A deep understanding of the unique aspects of the production process enables engineers to create a platform that can be customised for breweries of various sizes and their complex requirements.
Essentially, DFP is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES). It collects, saves, and analyses a vast amount of data about the entire production process, from raw material intake to the end product being ready for delivery. Additionally, it is integrated with other systems within the plant, including PCS and PLC, ERP, laboratory (LIMS), maintenance, and other systems.
The complete development process depends on the specific needs of each plant. Typically, it takes between six months and two years for the software to be ready for commissioning.
Since it was the first DFP for a brewery, the development of a solution tailored to Bracongo Brewery's request in Kinshasa took two years of diligent engineering work. The new solution brought to the African brewery numerous benefits for production process improvement, by enabling real-time insight into all aspects of production - controlling, monitoring, scheduling, and analysis of the production process.
The development and implementation of the Alovera brewery project lasted a year. Although some of the functionalities have already been developed through similar projects, the major part of the development included customisation adjusted to the Alovera's brewery requirements. It also included features that are implemented in Kinshasa brewery such as functionalities for collecting production data, material traceability, quality control, process optimisation analytics, reporting, as well as the integration of an audit trail, KPIs, and an interface that connects all other processes within a plant.
Although both breweries mentioned above are running the Batch ME - Process Control System, the DFP can be seamlessly integrated with any other brand of PCS.
The influence of solutions like DFP on the industry is significant. The digitalisation of brewing processes, along with all other types of production, facilitates improvements in production, product quality, efficiency, cost reduction, and energy consumption. Ultimately, it enables
the company's management to make better decisions, achieve business goals, and optimise its market positioning.
In the near future, all current features of DFP will be upgraded in accordance with technological advancements, market trends, and evolving requirements, including the utilisation of AI tools, which will enhance the competitiveness of breweries and factories on the market.
The recent updates to the Digital Factory Portal will be presented, along with case studies of its implementation in European and African factories and breweries, at the upcoming Drinktec fair, which will take place at the Munich Trade Fair Centre from September 15 to 19, 2025.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|