Uform recently partnered with Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) as part of its continued commitment towards building a more sustainable future in line with the company’s sustainability strategy. The current collaboration between Uform and SMDH has allowed the business to monitor and optimise its energy usage across the 20,900 square metre factory floor.
What began as an initial energy assessment with SMDH has now resulted in an enlightening 6-month optimisation project for Uform. Using advanced technology solutions including an Energy Insights tool, SMDH has been able to digitally analyse and generate detailed insights and trends relating to Uform’s energy usage on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.
As well as receiving these surprising statistics, SMDH has also equipped Uform with three user-friendly energy dashboards which enable the identification and monitoring of baseload, variable load, phantom load, carbon tracking, and energy benchmarking.
These remarkable features have allowed Uform to pinpoint areas for energy reduction and compare recently increased production levels with associated energy costs. As a result, this industry-leading data analysis has helped to identify periods within the company that have been exceptionally energy-intensive and evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions.
Continuing the success of the initial project, Uform has now engaged SMDH ‘Lighthouse’ partners, Devtank and Output Industries, to investigate the potential of real-time monitoring for further enhancing data-driven insights, energy optimisation and resource efficiency within the factory.
The ongoing project will oversee the monitoring of machines, processes, and environmental factors in real time, so that Uform can make more informed production decisions. In addition, the project includes the provision of hardware, software, and technical support through SMDH, allowing Uform to integrate IoT and sensor technologies, unlock valuable data insights, optimise processes and evaluate the benefits of these advanced technologies.
Commenting on the partnership, Uform General Manager Production Philip Woolsey says, “Collaborating with the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub has been incredibly beneficial for Uform’s Industry 4.0 journey. Over the past five years, we have invested significantly in upgrading and streamlining our facilities and this partnership is the next step in optimising and digitising our factory. Data-driven manufacturing aligns perfectly with our sustainability and net zero strategy, enabling us to further enhance efficiencies and prepare for a digital future.”
SMDH, Business Development Manager, Aodheen Dougan adds, “Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) provides the opportunity for businesses to unlock data driven insights from their factory operations that will be transformative in enhancing manufacturing competitiveness. This project is a great example of how manufacturers can mitigate risks and accelerate their digitalisation journey, with access to independent guidance, cutting edge digital solutions and a collaborative approach to innovation.”
To find out more about Uform’s sustainability strategy which includes social responsibility, environmental protection and economic viability, click here.
Translink’s ‘Grand Connection’ Roadshow to Showcase Belfast Grand Central Station Returns to Belfast
14th Aug 2024
Read Article