AU2MATE article

We all know about weather forecasts and forecasts that accurately predict the weather using AI and mathematical models. But few people know about production forecasts that can predict the production process of a food product. But with artificial intelligence and mathematical models based on millions of production data, it is now possible to predict the production of, for example, very accurately, e.g. an hour or two in advance.

It’s called “Predictive Production Management” – and it’s a new concept that will gain ground in the food industry in the coming years. Predictive production control allows the process operator to intervene during production and change the production parameters in time so that production does not go off the rails but is maintained at a constant and consistent level. In other words: avoiding production errors.

Predictive and intelligent production management

With the help of AI and Intelecy software, it is possible to introduce predictive and more intelligent production management. The foundation here is the collection and storage of production data from previous productions – often going back several years. These millions of pieces of data are worth their weight in gold and can be used to predict the course of an ongoing production process, hour by hour.

Artificial intelligence based on mathematical models makes the data manageable, and the data can be presented and visualised quickly and easily so that it can be used for something – namely to improve and optimise the manufacturing process online, i.e. while the process is already underway.

A process operator can then intervene and adjust the process parameters based on the prediction made by the artificial intelligence based on the ongoing and current production data.

Predictive production management ensures that you get the most out of production, such as higher yields, more consistent product quality, less waste, less consumption of ingredients and chemicals, increased production capacity, less energy consumption, etc. All factors that help to reduce the cost per unit produced.

The key benefits of implementing AI can be seen in fact box 1.

In traditional systems, obtaining such trend graphs is often time-consuming, as exporting and importing large amounts of data is complex and time-consuming, and the lack of AI computing power makes viewing at different zoom intervals very slow. With Intelecy, these manual processes are avoided, giving operators a quick overview and high-speed data analysis, making it more efficient and usable. This makes it possible to solve a potential production engineering problem even BEFORE it has actually occurred.

How do I get started with AI?

It’s quick to get started. It typically happens within 14 days. The Intelecy software is installed on a PC in the company; this PC streams all production data to the cloud where the computing power is. This means there is no need to buy a server and worry about security.

The Danish company, Au2mate, is an Intelecy reseller and can help Danish food manufacturers get started with implementing AI in production. Au2mate are automation experts and have extensive experience with AI and Intelecy in practice.

– We use the AI software Intelecy because it is user-friendly and works well with most automation solutions, says Erik Søndergaard from Au2mate. He continues:

– “Intelecy is user-friendly, intuitive and easy to use, and we are ready with effective support, including courses and workshops so that users, typically process operators (or analysis and optimisation experts), can become familiar with artificial intelligence and learn how to use it in everyday production processes. Intelecy is not difficult to use, meaning it does not require specialised IT skills to use Intelecy in practice.

Start with a trial subscription

Intelecy is subscription-funded, and it is possible to start with a trial subscription, also called “Proof of Concept”. Here, a food manufacturer can test what AI and Intelecy can do for the company and see if the defining business case holds water, i.e. if it is profitable to invest in AI.

This means that you don’t need to make the big investments to get started. All experience shows that using AI in production can be expected to reduce overall production costs, and the investment in AI can quickly show up on the bottom line and pay for itself.

More and more large companies in Denmark are implementing AI in production due to the significant benefits, which – as mentioned – can be seen in fact box 1.

– We expect that in five years, the vast majority of large manufacturing companies in Denmark will be using AI. This will be a must to remain competitive in a pressurised market and continue to sell food of a high and consistent quality at an attractive price,” concludes Erik Søndergaard from Au2mate.