Devan Pillay , Schneider Electric ’ s Cluster President : Anglophone Africa opened a conference discussing the latest trends and solutions in the food and beverage industry , a key aspect of the food cold chain from farm to consumer .
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
All photos © Eamonn Ryan – Cold Link Africa
Schneider Electric MEA talks the cold chain Written by Eamonn Ryan
Devan Pillay , Schneider Electric ’ s Cluster President : Anglophone Africa opened a conference discussing the latest trends and solutions in the food and beverage industry , a key aspect of the food cold chain from farm to consumer .
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At Schneider Electric , our mission is to be your digital partner for sustainability and efficiency . Two themes that resonate strongly with our region are bridging the gap and making the most of our energy and resources . We recognise the urgency of bridging the gap between providing access to electricity for the two billion people without it , while ensuring sustainable and carbon-neutral practices .
“ Our generation faces the challenge of climate change , but we are also the generation capable of addressing this crisis . As a global company with local presence , we understand the unique challenges and opportunities in Anglophone Africa . With key hubs in South Africa , East Africa ( Nairobi ), and West Africa ( Lagos ), we leverage local resources to effectively serve customers in different geographic regions ,” says Pillay .
Sustainability is not a luxury but an immediate call to action . Schneider Electric has aligned its long-term commitments with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals . “ In addition to our industry-specific expertise , I would like to emphasise the importance of understanding our customers and their challenges . Globally , we have a team of 3 000 application specialists who are well-versed in the realities and challenges of the industries they represent .
“ For example , in the food and beverage industry , we have application specialists who can provide insights and support throughout the entire cold chain .”
DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Clive Roberts , Schneider Electric CPG segment leader , says the company is “ dedicated to driving the digital transformation of industries in the region ”. He noted that its focus extends beyond the products and solutions it offers , by emphasising the importance of connectivity , data utilisation , efficiency , safety , security and sustainability .
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1 . Devan Pillay , Schneider Electric ’ s Cluster President : Anglophone Africa .
2 . Clive Roberts , Schneider Electric CPG segment leader .
“ In today ' s digital era , we understand the need for organisations to adapt and stay competitive . We enable this through our IoT-enabled platform called EcoStruxure , which connects and integrates various devices and sensors within plants through to enabling remote management and support services . This platform empowers operators at the edge to gather real-time data and make informed decisions . By leveraging the power of analytics , our customers gain actionable insights that allow them to optimise processes , reduce downtime , and increase efficiency .
Through EcoStruxure , solutions across different domains are offered :
• Operations and asset management : “ Our tools enable customers to optimise their processes , control variables , and enhance overall asset performance . By analysing historical data and predictive analytics , organisations can shift from reactive to proactive maintenance , resulting in cost savings and improved reliability .”
• Safety and security : “ With our Safety Instrumented Systems , we help ensure the well-being of the workforce and prevent adverse effects in industrial processes . Through monitoring and control , we create a secure environment for both humans and the process .”
• Sustainability and transformation : “ As custodians of the environment , we offer solutions that enable organisations to monitor and reduce their environmental impact . By measuring and managing critical elements of the process , companies can contribute to a sustainable future .”
Roberts adds : “ Our comprehensive ecosystem includes connected devices , software solutions , and end-to-end integration of the asset lifecycle . From the bottom layer of connected devices to the edge and beyond , our platform enables seamless connectivity and collaboration .
3 . Mohammed El Khateb , Schneider Electric regional segment leader MEA and India .
A crowd in attendance at the Schneider Electric food and beverage innovation day .
Operators , human resource personnel , and supply chain managers can access and utilise the network , working together to achieve common goals . Our platform provides a range of tools to enhance monitoring , decision-making , and overall performance . By harnessing the power of data and real-time insights , our customers can optimise operations , improve productivity , and achieve cost savings .”
• Mohammed El Khateb , Schneider Electric regional segment leader MEA and India , says : “ We have invested in our own manufacturing facilities and supply chain , deploying our solutions to drive efficiency and optimise operations across our global network of factories .”
• Its focus areas revolve around three critical aspects :
• Efficiency and sustainability : “ By leveraging data and analytics , we help businesses increase efficiency in their manufacturing processes . We address issues such as technician overload and energy consumption , enabling factories to achieve optimal performance and contribute to sustainability goals .”
• Integration and safety : “ We prioritise the integration of reliable and safe energy solutions into factory processes . By considering factors like greenhouse gas ( GHG ) reduction , we help organisations align with global trends and improve their supply chain performance .”
• Consumer delight and traceability : “ Understanding consumer behavior is key to delivering products that satisfy their needs and preferences . We provide traceability solutions that ensure quality from raw material sourcing to final product delivery . Real-time data and analytics enable organisations to enhance production and respond to market demands effectively .”
INDUSTRY OF THE FUTURE “ As we envision the factory of the future , our aim is to provide a comprehensive ecosystem that connects all aspects of the production process . By leveraging our infrastructure platform , organisations can achieve seamless connectivity , improved data utilisation , and enhanced production capabilities .
“ The first area is patient intelligence , which is crucial for your business . By listening attentively and providing the right solutions , we aim to maximise your return on investment . Through improved visibility and timely communication , we can enhance customer satisfaction ,” explains El Khateb .
“ The second area focuses on energy management systems . In South Africa , infrastructure concerns have been raised . With many factories having aging equipment , it is essential to increase the lifespan and ensure a robust cybersecurity system . A digital transformation journey should recognise that it is not just about products or software but understanding a company ’ s unique requirements .
“ We understand that industrial challenges are not isolated incidents but interconnected issues . Each organisation must design its digital transformation strategy , wherein identifying key challenges is crucial . Embarking on a digital transformation journey can be daunting , so starting small and gradually scaling up is a recommended approach , ensuring success and effective insights , to scale across the supply chain , from factory operations to technicians , fostering continuous improvement .
El Khateb adds that the company believes in the power of assessment . “ Currently , 5 % of our resources are dedicated to research and development , with a focus on developing innovative software solutions to drive efficiency and sustainability .” CLA
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