Line documentation system supplies performance data

With its IT solutions, Krones images the entire production and filling process of the beverage plant. This also includes accurate documentation of the line data involved. At the Vitaqua facility of the mineral water bottlers Brandenburger Urstromquelle in Breuna, Germany, this module is used intensively within the context of the overall IT package.
The Krones line documentation system (LDS) provides tools for monitoring the production process. The system’s principal functions are data acquisition, process visualisation, measured-value depiction, computation, display of key statistics and analyses of operational interruptions.
The close interlinkage between the production level and the control room is crucial to rapid-response monitoring by the plant management. Key performance indicators enable the productivity to be quantified. Shift reports or batch reports are able to supply direct input for the company management. In addition, other reports can be generated, like analyses of energy and consumption data.
Continuous documentation serves for complete-coverage tracking and tracing of the pallets all the way back to the raw materials and supplies used, as required for batch tracking in conformity with EU Ordinance 178-2002.
The software solution also, of course, covers care and maintenance: the maintenance instructions filed in the SIPS Maintenance Module enable the maintenance outlay to be tracked and assist the relevant staff in carrying out regular maintenance jobs on the basis of actual data acquired (e.g. number of operating hours).
The Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) comes into play at incoming goods inspection and for checking the raw materials delivered, in the production and CIP operations, in the filling and packaging functions. Batch monitoring during filling, plus the retained samples and microbiological graduated checks, are all managed here.