Keep control of the data, and all else follows

Everton Mateus Jacobsen

Horgen, Switzerland – Tanneries rely on complex machinery and an extended supply chain to process hides, which takes several months to a year from when the hides depart the slaughterhouse until the finished hides reach the final customer. Despite advances, most of the leather industry's supply chain operates in traditional methods that can be defined as slow and inefficient. Automation can help streamline processes and reduce the time needed to process hides by using technology to control and execute tasks, manual functions, and autonomous mechanisms to optimize the production chain. The scope of automation is enormous and extends far beyond the factory floor and the company's primary business. Four categories of automation can be considered at the global level:

1. Operational automation: Intelligent equipment and sensors that monitor operational performance and collect data to assist management in making decisions.
2. Control automation: Programmable devices (such as PLCs or CNCs) embedded in devices, equipment, and machines that apply operational logic to programmed processes.
3. Supervisory automation: Systems that monitor data and readings from sensors and controls.
4. Informational automation: A system that organizes the flow of information from the various layers of industrial automation to facilitate overall operation control.

Traditional manufacturing processes can be very wasteful. However, the world has seen a massive shift towards automation to support companies in better performance. Hüni understands the importance of accuracy, precision, and safety and has developed concepts to deliver all levels of automation to the market. Being a well-known provider of efficient dosing systems to support the leather industry, Hüni recognizes that using conventional methods without automation is demanding and inefficient. Safety is a major concern for companies when handling acids. Workers handling acids run the risk of serious injury if proper safety measures are not taken. Automation can help improve safety by reducing the need for manual handling of acids. Solutions for liquid chemical preparation, powder chemical preparation, acid preparation, water dosage, and drums process control are among the core businesses of Hüni. 

When companies adopt a new automated method of work, the process control automation represents a game changer, and 99.9% of the time, there is no turning back to a manual module of work. The advantages discussed in terms of benefits are labour savings, reduced operation time, and increased safety for operators. Nevertheless, it must be noted that the most significant gain is the assurance that the process is being followed as the receipt stipulated, with a substantial increase in quality and standardization.
Despite the stigma, the industry is always open to process improvements and new technology. Automation is a key factor in the technological transformation of leather production. Automations assist in reducing environmental impact and reducing resource consumption, such as water, chemicals, steam, and energy. In recent years, Hüni has launched two products, DataCollect and Advanced Planning System, aligned with industry demands.

DataCollect is the solution to connect to PLC machines from various machinery suppliers and different production stages to extract productivity in pieces and the parameters that were produced in the production batch.
Automated sensors installed inside of the drums are used to control the temperature, oxidation, and pH in soaking, liming, tanning and retanning displaying the result in real time to operators and register it minute by minute in the database gives the opportunity to analyse it in a curves chart. This ensures that the leather is processed consistently and produces a higher quality product standard.

Examples of Datacollect (Collection, Analysis & Managemnent of Data for Tanneries)

On the other hand, there is a growing need to automate bureaucratic and administrative activities related to production management and production control. Therefore, Hüni has introduced an Advanced Planning System (APS) as an exceptional solution for tanneries that want to fully exploit their production potential. The APS provides an intuitive and straightforward planning and scheduling system that enables precise management of production orders per machine. This feature optimizes production runs, minimizes set-up time between production batches, and maximizes production output. APS is a technology that is transforming the tanning industry by using data analytics and algorithms to optimize production processes and machinery usage. It enables demand forecasting, inventory optimisation and production scheduling, ensuring the availability of raw materials and finished products at the right time. As such, APS represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of the tanning industry as it gathers information. By adopting these automation technologies, the tanning industry can become more sustainable, efficient and safe, preparing itself for future challenges. This transformation is critical for the industry to meet the future needs of the competitive world. As a trusted partner on this journey.

Examples of advanced plannings sysyem

Hüni is committed to providing innovative solutions that help tanneries achieve their goals. – ej@hueni.com, https://www.hueni.com/en/

Hüni AG Process Controls is represented in Southern Africa by Harry E. Teifel & Associates cc. http://teifel.co.za/