Automation keeps weighing systems in step with the changing world

Industrial automation controls processes

An industrial automation application is a self-contained system that controls machines and production processes. The essential parts of the automation application are the process control itself and the HMI (Human Machine Interface) which makes the application work together with the related mechanical and electrical implementation.

The systems produce large amounts of information, which they store and utilize to continuously develop operations in a more efficient direction. The development is moving towards intelligent and learning artificial intelligence, the explosive development of which is possible with the significant increase in the computing power of processors, the increase in the amount of data and the development of algorithms. Electronic data processing also provides low-threshold interfaces to other business systems of the company and its stakeholders, allowing information to be seamlessly and up to date throughout the organization.

Tamtron’s view of the features of a good control system

Automation has also been an integral part of weighing and dosing systems for a long time. For tasks that require extreme precision, sensors alone and measuring and dosing devices alone are not enough, but a control system is also needed that guides the devices in the right way towards the desired goal.

For example, automation in the processes of the manufacturing, sorting and packaging industries provides more desired efficiency and quality. High-quality automation increases the accuracy, repeatability, traceability, speed and even self-adjustability of the process according to materials and conditions.

Adaptability and extensibility refer to the adaptation of a system to changing factors, such as varying dose levels and changes in the properties of the substances to be dispensed or weighed. Adaptability is currently the key word, meaning a well-functioning basic solution that is modular and scales according to current and future needs. 

As machines and systems evolve, humans can focus on their own strengths

The concept of work is in transition. For example, machines and artificial intelligence can handle tasks that require extreme precision and repetition more holistically. Human input, on the other hand, shifts more to tasks where human strengths such as creativity, interaction skills, critical thinking, or situational intelligence rise to more central roles.

However, the transition to a digital operating environment will not come without problems. As systems handle large amounts of data with more a self-reliant way the potential security threats and systems vulnerabilities emerge. The aim of  virtualizing servers, duplicating and backing up data is precisely to make the automation system as well-equipped as possible against threats. In this case, fault tolerance and recovery are flexible and production downtime can be minimized.

The totality of automation applications and life cycle thinking are at the center

When developing systems, it is important to be able to consider the totality and life cycle of the automation application, from design to recycling, so that competitiveness and the environment are considered with a sufficient valuation. Our automation solutions are energy efficient, which means that they are also a step towards an even more environmentally responsible operation, leaving an even smaller carbon footprint.

We are constantly developing our solutions and can provide the maintenance of the automation application and its related technology as a service, so that you as our customer can receive the full maintenance and support and service you need for a monthly fee. This allows you to focus your own human resources on developing your actual business.

Experienced, global, renewable

We have extensive experience in weighing automation applications and related electromechanical implementations. Our global experience of various projects around the world enables us to offer the most functional solutions for each industry and customer functional solutions. Experience and insight also bring the courage and confidence to apply solutions on a case-by-case basis for the benefit of each customer.

Continuous development and innovation are ways for us to stay on the crest of the wave. We are developing our expertise so that we can be at the forefront of offering our latest machine learning and big data solutions. A blend of more than a hundred years of experience and vibrant innovation has created a digital fresh wind weighing and logistics, for example mScales weighing services is a good indication that Lahti Precision is not just about existence, but that we are developing in the direction of our customer requirements.

If you have any questions about our automation solutions or our industrial weighing projects, please feel free to contact us. Let’s think together about what we can offer to make your business more efficient.

The author of the article is Control System Designer Janne Husu. He has more than 35 years of experience in information technology and has worked in process automation worldwide for more than 20 years. Janne’s job today is to provide our customers with sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing world.