Accurate real-time information and complete process control help baking technology take one more step toward sustainable baking.
The first step to profitable sustainability is managing the energy used for baking. Bakeries have several ways to approach and plan their improvement efforts. Staff training, audits and optimized scheduling are often the on-switch to start savings. The next steps include better controls, better insulation, or heat recovery systems. For another level of commitment (and investments), projects to improve baking efficiency can bring even bigger savings, by introducing the latest generation equipment, retrofitting existing systems with improved features, or smart tools and services for tighter process controls and continuous adjustments. Combining the most beneficial opportunities and investments can offer double-digit energy savings.
New: energy monitoring program by RBS
Reading Bakery Systems recently rolled out its latest development supporting baking efficiency – a new energy monitoring program. The RBSConnect Cloud program focuses on helping bakeries monitor, analyze, and reduce their energy usage across the production process. The program was developed by RBS control engineers in collaboration with bakeries, with concrete feedback from different production environments. “By working closely with bakers, we gained a better understanding of their goals and the challenges they face around energy use and efficiency,” RBS specialists detail. RBS shaped the program to be practical and easy to use in day-to-day operations.
RBS Connect Cloud program
Key smart features include:
+ Real-time energy dashboards that visualize consumption by zone
+ Predictive analytics that recommend adjustments to balance energy usage and product quality
+ Automated alerts for unusual energy patterns
The program integrates advanced sensor technology and real-time data analytics to provide bakers with visibility into where energy is consumed. In addition, using this data, it identifies opportunities to optimize processes to both lower emissions and reduce baking costs. “The ultimate goal is to support customers in achieving their efficiency and sustainability targets without compromising product quality or throughput,” RBS highlights.
The smart program supports measurement-based sustainability improvements, thanks to key features including real-ime energy dashboards for round-the-clock consumption monitoring. It also compiles predictive analytics to recommend the adjustments needed to balance energy usage and product quality. When unusual energy patterns are detected, the program also issues automated alerts recommending appropriate action, which can include maintenance procedures.
The RBSConnect Cloud program can be used by any bakery or snack food manufacturer. Operations of all sizes and specializations can benefit from it, whether they are running legacy ovens or modern systems. It uses sensors and software to measure critical parameters and then translates this data into insights for process knowledge and optimization.
RBS has seen promising results in production, starting with an increase in the consistency of the product quality, thanks to real-time data and detailed access to the overall process. Since the program is able to detect any energy inefficiencies or equipment issues early, using the data to course-
correct has led to reduced downtimes.
In addition, the program has been proving helpful in supporting greater operator and management confidence, thanks to easy-to-understand dashboards and trend information.
RBS also combines these advanced technologies – RBSConnect and the SCORPION® 2 Profiling System – with comprehensive aftermarket services for complete efficiency solutions. “For instance, our thermal engineers can analyze SCORPION® data to recommend changes in oven settings that reduce energy use while improving throughput and maintaining product quality,” RBS illustrates. The company also trains operators, visits clients for on-location optimizations and offers service programs to ensure all improvements are sustained over time.
There are several ways available to approach baking efficiency, and the new developments show a clear trend: smart solutions work for bakeries and make day-to-day operations easier. The right choice is available for each type of oven, bakery or network, and production environment.
The article is part of an extended feature on the topic, published in Baking+Biscuit International, issue 4.
