How does the change in consumer preferences affect the technical environment and production? We will also look into this in our article.
The Borsodi Brewery shapes its portfolio according to current needs, and their change begins with the change and development of the supply chain and production processes. Since we have a wide portfolio, automation is essential for this – we learned from Ildiko Ofella, the company’s supply chain director and expert Nándor Kovács.
How does digitization appear in production?
In order to be able to control our processes as best as possible, we need up-to-date data, which is provided by various instruments, control devices, and smart devices.
On its own, however, the data is still insufficient, because it must be properly processed. We are constantly developing our existing data collection and processing systems so that we can use the extracted data in production and optimize it. We analyze not only the production data, but also the energy consumption, which is of particular importance considering the economic conditions of recent years. Therefore, the implementation of Siemens’ energy management software will soon begin, which will greatly help in the optimal use of various energy sources.
What technological innovations characterize the beer production at Borsodi?
Although the phases of beer production technology can be clearly defined, beer is a living, changing thing. Within the technological steps, the situation is not nearly so simple, so it is important to develop the systems that implement them. For this, we use appropriate tools and devices that guarantee long-term, reliable operation. Siemens is here to help us as well. During the modernization of the filter line, for example, the existing and new flow meters were equipped with communication modules. In this way, we were able to implement more precise regulation, and a larger amount of information is also available on the state of the measuring and computing facilities. We can also mention the level measurement based on the differential pressure measurement used in tank level measurement. For this too
We use a Siemens measuring instrument, which significantly shortened the installation and programming time, and also results in stable operation and measurement. We also preferred factory solutions from Siemens in software processing, thus standardizing certain procedures, which guarantee that the given process will work the same regardless of the system integrator.
What is the most recent, major technical project that was implemented at the brewery and what results did it bring?
One of our priority projects was the complete automation and renovation of our larger capacity filter line. During the renovation, we preferred Siemens tools and solutions. Accordingly, the S7-1500 series central unit and the ET200SP external I/O devices connected to it have been integrated into the control. In addition to all this, the other devices (magnetic switches, circuit breakers, electronic power supply voltage distributors, etc.) were also selected from the Siemens portfolio, and the line is monitored by a SCADA system running on a Siemens IPC. The other major project recently was the renovation of the factory’s industrial IT backbone network. During the planning process, we received help from Siemens Zrt., so after selecting the appropriate devices, we managed to build a redundant network with a ring topology, all elements of which are Siemens devices. The magnitude of the work shows that approx. 4.5 km of optical cable was pulled out and 16 new RACK cabinets were installed. The connection to the sewage plant, located 1.5 km from the factory, is provided by Siemens wireless devices. The monitoring and management of the new network was implemented with the SINEC NMS system. Thanks to this system, it is possible to follow the behavior of the network and its elements in real time, and this provides a great help in discovering and eliminating possible errors.
How does NIS2 compliance affect the Borsodi brewery?
Preparations are underway to successfully complete the NIS2 audit in 2025. For years, we have placed great emphasis on the protection of the industrial network in order to make it as resistant as possible to cyber attacks. Accordingly, the replacement and purchase of the necessary equipment has already begun. The previously mentioned backbone network is an integral part of the plan. Siemens tools and solutions contribute greatly to reducing our vulnerability. However, as in everyday life, the human factor is the most critical point here, so the right one is important
education.
Which Siemens devices help you in your everyday production work?
The Borsodi Brewery is a dedicated user of Siemens solutions. At the lowest level of control, there are devices such as motor protection, circuit breakers, contactors, drives and through PLCs and related devices, and at the higher level, IPCs, HMIs and SCADA systems help the reliable operation of the machines. Here we would like to note that the Borsodi Brewery, together with all machine manufacturers and system integrator companies, strives to install Siemens control and switching equipment
in the machines and controls delivered to us.
How does environmental sustainability appear in production and the supply chain?
In the spirit of sustainability, several investments supporting energy efficiency and producing green energy have been made in the past period. Outstanding among these is our solar park put into operation at the beginning of April. In the coming years, we plan our investments in line with Molson Coors’ Net Zero strategy. The electrification of freight transport is just knocking on our door.
We have partners who already have such vehicles, but due to the nature of our transport tasks and destinations, electric vehicles are not yet optimal
for us. Primarily, we plan to introduce electric drive devices in internal logistics tasks.
Source: www.technokrata.hu
