Digitize Packaging: Bizerba at the Interpack 2017

BIZERBA introduced solutions around the topics of digital transformation, food safety, batch size 1, logistics and labels at this year’s Interpack trade show. Digitization, predictive maintenance, OEEWith predictive maintenance, digitization offers new opportunities in the service segment as well: machine data acquired by the sensors are used to generate a cloud-based virtual representation of the equipment, accompanied by a real-time analysis of the data. Thus, any weak points or defective components can be detected at an early stage, and the service team can be notified by the equipment. At the show, Bizerba will build a control center to demonstrate its solution portfolio surrounding digitization and predictive maintenance. Machines at the booth were connected to machines in the showroom at the company’s Balingen headquarters in order to demonstrate the integration and commissioning of machines at remote locations including the simulation of disturbing influences. Possible error messages were shown along with overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) or label inventory using plug-in systems on the dashboard at the booth. Food Safety Comes FirstFood recall campaigns are costly and have a negative impact on brand reputation in the worst case. Against this backdrop, Bizerba has demonstrated the reasons for recall campaigns along with potential consequences and solutions at the Interpack show. Different inspection systems for detecting metal, plastic or glass were also on display. In addition, camera systems have checked if correct labels with correct content are placed at the correct spot. Sealed-seam control was also a theme at this year’s Interpack show, with a special focus on detecting any contaminations, seam quality and possible inclusions like air bubbles. Demonstrations using specially prepared packages have demonstrated which devices are suited for detecting different defects. Batch Size 1 and Filling SystemsOnline ordering results in new challenges for industrial production lines especially in the fresh-food sector. In this area, Bizerba provides different food-labeling approaches that can be used to label products in an individual, safe and traceable manner even in fully-automatic production processes. Food tailored to the needs of a specific customer is becoming increasingly popular. With its smartly connected hardware and software solutions, Bizerba supports flexible, efficient ‘batch size 1’ production. Logistics and LabelsA packing table and a roller conveyor were on display at the show to demonstrate a packing process with individual commissioning of customer orders. Various load receptors and terminals for package weighing and labeling were also included. Transparent thermal labels providing a better view of the packaged product were the highlight in the label sector. Furthermore, multi-layer labels meeting the demand to fit more information on a small area as well as RF labels acting as an anti-theft measure are additional key topics of this years’ presentation. Current trends including industry 4.0, Internet of Things, predictive maintenance, the interaction of multiple systems as well as availability and services are all part of Bizerba’s solution portfolio, which will be reflected by new, individually configurable service packages. Customers can configure their service offering according to their individual requirements within ‘My Bizerba’. In addition, Bizerba provides the flexibility to provide a per-use charge approach instead of purchasing hardware and software in the future, enabling customers to select their own portfolio consisting of availability, maintenance and lifecycle management.