System Fact Based Decision Making by Recycling Operators : TOMRA Sorting Recycling Launches Cloud Based Data Platform for Strategic Management

Tomra data waste recycling insight optical sorting

TOMRA Sorting Recycling has launched a cloud-based data platform to transform sorting from an operational process into a strategic management tool for fact-based decision-making at every step of the value and production chain.

Dubbed TOMRA Insight, the system turns sorting machines into connected devices that generate process data. The new platform collects this data in the cloud and turns it into actionable information accessible through a web interface.

The Norwegian firm explained that the secure cloud-based data transmission and storage package, respecting all privacy requirements, is provided in partnership with the industry-leading cloud computing service Microsoft Azure. The monitoring and reporting functions of this new on-demand platform will complement, not replace, existing process control systems.

TOMRA Insight operates nearly in real-time and can be accessed via a secure connection and user-friendly interface on desktops and mobile devices anywhere at any time. As an immediate benefit, machine-users will have the freedom to remotely analyze performance metrics and to proactively manage machines for performance optimisation and preventive maintenance.

Access to digital metrics will help equipment operators optimise sorting performance by analyzing data such as throughput, material and sse distribution, acceptance and rejection rates, and much more.

According to TOMRA, this information can help reduce downtime, direct efforts and interventions towards relevant actions, maximse throughput, sort to target quality, improve the efficiency of machine operators and internal service personnel, and reduce operating costs. Data analytics also has the potential, through personal reports and alarms, to help manage proactive and condition-based maintenance, parts ordering, and servicing.

Felix Flemming, Vice President and Head of Digital at TOMRA Sorting, said that the system is a “functional and secure interface that will unlock the power of big data for our clients and enable them to monitor and optimse their sorting processes”.

“Operational data from machines across the globe will also help us improve service and maintenance programs, predict parts’ lifetimes, and develop better machine set-ups, technologies and applications,” he added.

As with its optical and sensor-based sorting solutions, TOMRA said that Insight will be subjected to continuous technical advancement. In future, advanced data analytics will further optimise processes by enabling the long-term aggregation of data, cross-machine and cross-plant analysis and benchmarking, and better integration into other lines of business.

The company concluded that as a gateway and accelerator for sorting optimsation, TOMRA Insight will ultimately connect customers to an industry-wide movement.

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