Integrating big data in the food and beverage industry

A study from Forrester Research revealed that while 74% of firms say they want to be data-driven, only 29% say they are good at connecting analytics to action. Darcy Simonis, industry network leader for ABB’s food and beverage segment, explains how to avoid being overwhelmed by big data.

The food industry is becoming increasingly data-driven, with smart sensors widely used across industry applications, providing insight into processes and allowing manufacturers to collate more data for analysis. Having more data can be helpful, for example, if smart sensors alert an operation manager of a failing motor before it is in a critical state. This provides more time for users to create a plan of action that minimises downtime and overall disruption. However, maintenance is only one aspect of this development.

While harnessing data across the facility can support many aspects of manufacturing, ranging from balancing conveyor belt throughput to ensuring continuous optimisation, it can be difficult to discern which data streams to pay closer attention to.

Computers and data processing software can discern trends and carry out deep analysis to support those in production environments. However, the computerised systems cannot understand exactly who to send the data to; consequently, it helps to have specialists to ensure the correct person is receiving the right information at the right time.

The ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Platform analyses data, with specialists to look over a site’s industrial data and packaging the information in a way that benefits the consumer. The platform provides businesses with access to specialists that they may not have in-house, such as cybersecurity.

In typical applications, ABB customers reported an 84% improvement in asset reliability over four years and a $22 million reduction in maintenance costs, alongside improved process availability, better throughput and improved safety. Having a system in place prevents businesses from becoming overburdened by information and ensures that those in the relevant roles receive necessary information.

Those in the food and beverage industry must keep up with the competitive landscape, by integrating big data and connectivity and using it to achieve actionable results. Manufacturers ensuring that production systems are making the most of industrial data can improve production efficiency.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Laurentiu Iordache