1. Situation
In the rapidly evolving biotechnology sector, our client specializes in the cutting-edge field of bio-conversion and bio-reproduction using black soldier flies. They have successfully established an efficient biological cycle and are now seeking to scale up their operations to industrial levels. The Client reached out to WorkNomads for our knowledge of industrial processing technologies in order to increase the automation between different pieces of machinery in the biological cycle.
2. Team of experts
WorkNomads appointed 4 specialists all working hybrid from Bulgaria with frequent onsite visits and client residency periods.
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Process Engineer
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Automation Engineer
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Mechanical Design Engineer
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Project Manager
3. Process
To scale up the pilot production, WorkNomads was asked to provide the following:
- Create a comprehensive cycle diagram to visualize interconnections between production stages, impacting overall efficiency;
- Reduce the level of manual operations to monitor and control material transitions between machines;
- Optimize the monitoring of fill levels
Our team conducted an exhaustive investigation to identify the most feasible approach. We developed a low-cost automation solution involving the following steps:
- Implementing a monitoring system for the fill level within the second machine, while also adjusting Z-conveyor speed based on the monitored fill levels;
- Automating material feed from the first machine to the second, reducing the need for manual oversight;
- Simplifying integration through an analog signal-based system, eliminating the need for complex software integration and enabling a faster design and implementation phase.
4. Outcome
The strategic implementation of low-cost automation allowed the Client to scale up their operations without significant new investments. This marked an important step forward in enhancing production efficiency and labour optimization, reallocating staff to more critical and productive tasks. All in all, WorkNomads succeeded in seamlessly integrating advanced control mechanisms without disrupting the Client’s existing setup.
