SymphonyAI > Case Studies > Operational Excellence through Digital Transformation: A Case Study on FrieslandCampina

Operational Excellence through Digital Transformation: A Case Study on FrieslandCampina

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Device Management Platforms

Applicable Industries

Packaging
Paper & Pulp

Applicable Functions

Maintenance
Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Intelligent Packaging

Services

Training

About The Customer

FrieslandCampina is a leading dairy company that produces a variety of milk products including Joyvalle and Campina milk, Cécémel, Fristi, and Nutroma. The company operates a factory in Aalter, where the packaging department runs on three shifts. The department is responsible for monitoring a range of parameters on the packaging machines to ensure they are working correctly. The company is committed to enhancing operational excellence in its manufacturing environments and has been working with PwC and Augnition on a development program aimed at improving the suitability of Proceedix for this purpose.

The Challenge

FrieslandCampina, a renowned dairy company, was facing operational challenges in its packaging department. The department, which operates in three shifts, required constant monitoring of a range of parameters on the packaging machines to ensure optimal functioning. Additionally, with each new production run, a new parameter list had to be completed. Until recently, these values were manually recorded on paper lists and stored, which was a time-consuming and inefficient process. The shift leader had to spend a significant amount of time filing these paper lists, and referring back to the values for a specific machine on a specific day was a cumbersome task. The paper-based process was not only inefficient but also prone to errors and lacked real-time accessibility.

The Solution

To overcome these challenges, FrieslandCampina implemented Proceedix, a digital application designed by PwC and Augnition. The app allows businesses to record and monitor their internal procedures digitally, making the recorded data easily accessible. The transition to digital procedures was well received by the employees. An operator logs on using a QR code or badge number and scans the QR code on the relevant packaging line. The operator is then guided through the procedure step by step. If values are outside the predefined limits, the operator is immediately notified. The app also digitalized the paper photo book, which operators used to look up where exactly on the machine a particular value is displayed. Once the list is completed, it is transmitted and stored in the cloud. The app administrators can easily add new parameter lists and consult the data as soon as the lists have been transmitted.

Operational Impact

The implementation of Proceedix has brought about a significant transformation in the operational efficiency of FrieslandCampina's packaging department. The digital application has not only eliminated the need for paper-based recording but has also made the process of monitoring parameters more streamlined and efficient. The app's user-friendly interface and real-time data accessibility have been well received by the employees, enhancing their productivity. The digital transformation has also made the working environment more attractive, particularly for the new generation of employees. The success of the app on the first four packaging machines has encouraged FrieslandCampina to consider its rollout throughout the department and explore its potential for other documents such as shift handover documents.

Quantitative Benefit

Significant reduction in time spent on filing and referring back to paper lists.
Real-time accessibility of data, enabling immediate action when values are outside predefined limits.
Ability to easily add new parameter lists and consult data as soon as lists are transmitted.