IT in Manufacturing


Artificial intelligence for plant optimisation and control

August 2023 IT in Manufacturing

Digitalisation and artificial intelligence have become a part of our lives, both personally and in our work environment. Meanwhile, economic pressures and dwindling global resources have added to the financial strain across all industries. Resource shortages and cost cutting are putting severe strain on employees, and it might seem like an endless battle to increase productivity. The solution is simple, turn to technology.

Artificial intelligence in process control and optimisation is not a new technology, and has proven itself in numerous industries and applications. The optimisation and control solutions developed by OEMs such as Loesche are a game changer.

Originally specialising in the design and manufacture of vertical roller mills, LOESCHE has been in business for over 100 years. The company now offers digital packages to specifically address skill shortages, energy savings, and increased production, while utilising the client’s current equipment, irrespective of the vendor.

A real-time optimiser

LOESCHE’s aixProM RealTime Optimiser is a digital solution for improving your process. It dynamically adjusts and optimises processes in real time based on changing conditions and constraints; analyses real-time data from sensors and control systems; and makes adjustments to optimise the performance, efficiency and output of your process. It uses a combination of deep learning and artificial intelligence, first principle engineering models, real-time computational fluid dynamics (CFD), flowsheet models and smart sensors.

AixProM has been installed in a wide range of industries worldwide and can adapt to your specific application to optimise your process, guide your operator, and take control of your process via non-intrusive software using German engineered algorithms and processing of big data. There are different service levels from low-threshold data analytics to soft sensor implementation, to full process control according to the customer’s requirements.

Janie Scholtz, digital sales manager for LOESCHE South Africa says: “The goal of AixProM is to reduce the energy consumption of your current equipment, and increase productivity while keeping your plant performing optimally. You can compare it to having your most knowledgeable and experienced operator sitting unintrusively in your plant as a mentor, advising on all production goals and guiding your operators 24/7. There is no annual or sick leave. If your operator needs a break or leaves, just turn on auto-pilot.”


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Bringing brownfield plants back to life
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Today’s brownfield plants are typically characterised by outdated equipment and processes, and face challenges ranging from inefficient operations to safety hazards. However, all is not lost, as these plants stand to gain a lot from digitalisation and automation.

Read more...
Development of motor control units for automotive industry
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
SEDEMAC has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software, which is used in the development of its motor control units and engine control units. The motor control units are used in EVs, hybrids, ebikes and power tools, while the engine control units are used for off-road and on-road engines.

Read more...
Cybersecurity and cyber resilience – the integrated components of a robust cyber risk management strategy
IT in Manufacturing
Organisations continuously face numerous cyberthreats in today’s digital landscape, and while many prioritise cybersecurity to safeguard digital assets, their strategies for cyber resilience often become neglected.

Read more...
Sustainable last-mile delivery electric trucks
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Workhorse Group, an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industrial software as it builds electric trucks for sustainable last-mile delivery.

Read more...
South Africa’s role in the AGI revolution
IT in Manufacturing
AI has found its way into general conversation after the emergence of large language models like ChatGPT. However, the discussion is increasingly turning to the search for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which could entirely change the game.

Read more...
Predictive asset performance management with ABB Ability Genix
ABB South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The ABB Ability Genix APM suite is a comprehensive asset management platform powered by AI, IIoT and model-based predictive data analytics. This enables a paradigm shift towards a more proactive and predictive asset management approach.

Read more...
Intelligent automation primed for $47 billion revenue by 2030
IT in Manufacturing
According to GlobalData, the intelligent automation market is set to grow from $18 billion in 2023 to $47 billion in 2030, driven by advancements in AI, particularly the rapid adoption of generative AI.

Read more...
Chocolate manufacturing with Siemens Xcelerator
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Freybadi, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in Indonesia and a trusted supplier of chocolate in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and African regions, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to optimise its manufacturing and production processes.

Read more...
A CFO’s guide to unlocking the potential of gen AI
IT in Manufacturing
CFOs of leading global organisations understand that their role extends beyond mere financial oversight; they are pivotal in steering organisation-wide transformation, particularly in the realm of technological advancement.

Read more...
Higher level cybersecurity certification for Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT NMC3 platform has obtained a new and higher level of cybersecurity certification, making it the first data centre infrastructure management network card to achieve SL2) designation from IEC.

Read more...