Food industries that require a high standard of functional safety to commission machines or installations can streamline safety functions and other tasks through a single PLC.
According to Ifm, its SmartPLC uses a sequential setup of functions and teach processes to simplify the process of commissioning machines or installations in a bid to improve safety.
The food packaging industry, in particular, has aimed to combat issues of safety and efficiency and the food manufacturing industry as a whole is increasing measures to ensure the safety and quality of items in order to avoid consequences on consumers’ health.
If an issue occurs somewhere along the production line or during the packaging or warehousing stages, businesses can suffer production losses and reputational damage.
Standards Australia recently released parts relating to the Safety of Machinery series, in which an industry-wide need for technology and safety control systems was identified.
A breach in food safety regulations or standards similar to the Food Standards Australia & New Zealand Food Standard Code can result in harsh financial penalties and the producer may face both recalls and a tainted reputation.
The revised safety control systems adhere not only to increasingly stringent functional safety standards, but can also improve productivity and operational efficiencies.
To achieve this, the industry has implemented machinery, equipment and safety systems that can deliver on functionality and reliability to distribute products safe for human consumption.
Ifm’s SmartPLC is designed to achieve a high standard of functional safety by placing a growing focus on machines –improving productivity and making operations more efficient in the process.
Engineered to combat the safety and productivity issues facing the food industry, the SmartPLC simplifies the commissioning of machines or installations by simultaneously reducing the risk of tampering with systems and avoiding downtime and lost productivity.
Streamlining the process of solving safety-related applications while having the ability to perform many other tasks means the SmartPLC has plant-wide controls to promote safety within the food manufacturing industry.