Ongoing developments in digital technology, both at factory floor and control room level, are offering expanded possibilities for aluminum producers to gather, analyze, and utilize their production data. The wider adoption of sensors using Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology has increased the scope for collecting and relaying a broad range of data that can be used to monitor production performance in real-time.
By using the expanded analytical possibilities offered by edge and cloud computing, this data offers opportunities to optimize production and streamline maintenance by enabling advance identification of potential production issues before they can escalate.
At the control room level, the latest generation of Distributed Control Systems (DCS) such as ABB Ability™ System 800xA® is also offering new possibilities for operators to collect, access and view their production data. Increased functionality enabled by OPC/UA technology, for example, is enabling seamless integration with IIoT and AI technologies that empower operators to make informed decisions that can ensure optimum production conditions.
“Digitalization will play an increasing role in helping to minimize the risk of errors that can impact on quality and generate excessive waste during aluminum production,” said Tarun Mathur, Global Portfolio and Sales Manager Digital, Metals industry, ABB Process Industries. “When coupled with the analytical capabilities offered by edge and cloud technologies, producers will increasingly benefit from the use of big data to spot problem areas and optimize production and sustainability through reduced waste and improved energy performance.”
By enabling operators to do more with their data with less effort, developments in sensing and control technologies can also help producers address the problem of a growing skills shortage caused by experienced workers retiring faster than they can be replaced.