Cama Group, a global manufacturer of automated secondary packaging machines, is adopting Industry 4.0 technologies to transform not only customers’ processes, but its own.
Owned by brother-and-sister team Daniele and Annalisa Bellante, Cama’s Industry 4.0 focus is on process commissioning, virtual commissioning (simulation), and virtual and augmented reality (AR). According to joint CEO Daniele Bellante, the company has already begun the process of preparing for Industry 4.0.
“Our first step is to work towards implementing Industry 4.0 internally, which will allow us to reap all the competitive advantages that 4.0 offers, starting with its effect on engineering and process simulation by developing all the features, behaviours, and operation of the machines, prior to their delivery,” Daniele says.
“Secondly, when it comes to services, we can maximise the benefits obtained from opportunities provided by Industry 4.0 in terms of cyber security and data collection, and through the cross checking and feedback obtained from the field and from factory production by our design technical offices,” says Daniele, adding that the company is also implementing all the latest rapid prototyping technologies.
“This means that in situations involving more advanced engineering, we are able to respond and prototype more quickly,” he says.
Daniele says that Cama has had to consider two things in order for its customers to take advantage of the benefits provided by Industry 4.0, and that these areas have been the focus of its research and development into the field.
“First, the use of virtualisation to explain operating techniques and produce guidelines for staff, as we know that this by far is the best way to reduce human error in the use of any machine. Using virtualisation technology to make technical and operating information accessible to those who operate the machines makes it much more understandable.
“This in turn leads to the birth of new Industry 4.0 simulation and augmented reality technologies. They evolve into virtual format changes and predictive and preventive maintenance. The added value of 4.0 is consequently reflected in better use of the line, and that means reduced downtime and greater efficiency,” he says.
The second point, says Daniele, is having system guidelines that focus on data collection – on the feedback that the machine is able to provide to the end user on the status of its internal components.
“There are levels of efficiency, and all of the production variables, which are product; packaging; and environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature.
“What this means is that having men and machines work together, in sync, properly masterised and digitalised in a way that is foolproof, is really what Industry 4.0 does best,” he says.
Cama plans to transfer all its staff to its new 35,000 square metre site by the end of the year. According to Annalisa, this new plant will enable Cama to deliver a suite of new Industry 4.0 technologies across the sectors that it serves.
“We are actually preparing for the important interpack 2020 event with a number of new products. Our research and development department is pushing ahead with innovation projects focused on Industry 4.0, and the technological development of our plant.
"We plan to introduce innovative technologies in Cama’s newest divisions that range from dairy to personal care, confectionery, and last but not least, bakery. All of our main sectors, basically,” she says.
