adopt the benefits of IoT Cloud technology . After testing and considering the functionality and cost of different platforms , they selected Unitronics ’ UniStream PLC + HMI controllers and UniCloud , Unitronics ’ end-to-end complete IIoT platform .
The results
The seamless integration of UniCloud and Unitronics controllers enables real-time monitoring and datadriven decision-making , fostering agile and adaptive development .
Using powerful UniStream PLC + HMI controllers to tightly control environment together with the UniCloud IIoT platform enables JFC to attain true data visibility and boost productivity — increasing their crop yield , while substantially reducing operating costs via :
Precision agriculture : JFC uses UniStream PLCs to automate their vertical farms , and UniCloud dashboards to monitor and view machine data . They use that data to precisely control and modify environmental factors in realtime – something they could not do without UniCloud .
Sensors placed throughout the farm collect data on environmental factors , all KPIs such as temperature , humidity , CO2 levels , light intensity , and soil moisture and transmit them directly to the cloud . JFC can then remotely adjust parameters to optimize plant growth .
For example , JFC uses UniCloud ’ s embedded BI tools , dashboard functionality and built-in drag & drop Table , Line Chart , and Gauge widgets to accurately track and display VPD ( Vapor Pressure Deficit ) and evaluate the impact of humidity on plant growth and development ; staff can then balance humidity in real-time via UniCloud .
Resource Management : Growing plants require CO2 for photosynthesis , but then release it during respiration . By retaining the CO2 naturally emitted from the plants , and injecting it all back into the system , JFC cuts energy costs for heat and CO2 production . They use UniCloud to monitor levels of heat , humidity , and energy use and communicate the real-time data to Unitronics PLCs that automatically control and adjust these parameters to optimize growing conditions . With UniCloud they can also track and calculate their energy cost saving from recycling CO2 .
Efficient water management is another important aspect of the company ’ s value – their unique water system allows each liter of water to be re-used up to 30x , reducing water usage by 90 % when compared to an outdoor farm . UniCloud ’ s IIoT technology enables the monitoring of water levels , leak detection , and automates irrigation systems that help conserve water and prevent over or under-watering of crops .
Data Visibility and Accessibility throughout the organization : engineers , growers , operators , and management , are fully informed of all indicators at all times . The centralization of all data in a single platform , coupled with the ability to display that data on customized dashboards , enables JFC to make and implement appropriate decisions based on real-time data .
Preventive Maintenance : JFC uses UniCloud ’ s secure Remote Access to service and maintain its vertical farms . By continuously monitoring equipment and sensors , they can detect anomalies or signs of malfunction early . If data begins to vary from set parameters , UniCloud immediately notifies relevant team members , who can remotely access the PLC to prevent potential issues from growing into real problems . Remote Access also ensures smooth operation ; for example , if nutrition irrigation is failing , technicians are notified in real-time and can intervene immediately .
Report Generation is another UniCloud feature that JFC uses to good advantage for legal purposes and record keeping . JFC records and backs up all application data , then selects which application data to include ; UniCloud generates detailed reports according to schedule or event and sends it to selected staff via email or text .
Controller to Cloud : Plug & Play Integration
Integrating the hardware elements of an application can be timeconsuming and linking it to the Cloud is highly complex — but in this case , it was hassle-free .
By using Unitronics PLCs and the UniCloud IIoT platform together , to control their farms , JFC benefits from powerful , multifunction controllers that can instantly connect to the Cloud . Communication between PLC and UniCloud is plug-and-play ; data is transported transparently , requiring no configuration or programming . The programmer simply authorizes which PLC tags are accessible to UniCloud for their data to be securely harvested and utilized by UniCloud in real time .
Summary
By leveraging IIoT technology with UniCloud , the Jones Food Company has enhanced their operations , optimized resource utilization , and has increased its contribution to sustainable and efficient food production .
The seamless integration of UniCloud and Unitronics controllers enables real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making , fostering agile and adaptive development .
“ With UniCloud and Unitronics controllers , we ’ ve made a strong choice . We are able to produce more than before at lower cost , greater efficiency , and with a smaller environmental footprint .”
James Lloyd-Jones , JCF CEO & founder
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