The key to any digitalisation programme is to discuss the key objectives and critical business drivers with the manufacturing plant. For a typical aggregates plant it is likely to include a move to reduce energy costs and a system to avoid losing critical plant assets. Digitalisation can offer many benefits and many automation devices now offer a wealth of data that can report on for example, asset energy usage and the implementation of predictive maintenance techniques to protect those critical plant assets and deploy intelligent maintenance programmes. Focussing on known problem areas or pinch points is a great way to start and will often deliver shorter return on investment (ROI) periods for manageable outlays.
Mitsubishi Electric has a proven track record of working with manufacturing and process plants to implement digitalisation programmes that can be tailored to suit the size of plant, available budget and meet the operational goals.
With a clear, well thought out, staged plan, with clear milestones along the way any size of business can benefit from the appropriate level of digitalisation, as better plant visibility will always result in improved plant performance.