ReadyKit – for consistent IT interlinkage of your filling lines

Cost-efficient and effective: the IT solution for line optimisation

Transparency in the filling operations. This is what every beverage producer wants – not least for his existing lines. Krones shows how by means of ReadyKit your filling line can be cost-efficiently and effectively interfaced. The latest product developed by the group’s own software specialists at Syskron facilitates the inclusion of new, old and third-party machines in the production data acquisition function. Which explains the name: ReadyKit gets machines ready for digital processes.

 

ReadyKit: what’s behind the name?

ReadyKit now provides a system for consistent IT interlinkage of your filling lines that procures raw data from production machines and creates information from them. ReadyKit enables both new machines and existing ones of older construction from any manufacturer, plus machines with a restricted communication interface or none at all, to be integrated into central data acquisition. In addition, ReadyKit provides an option for calculating key statistics and compensating for missing information on the basis of measured and acquired values. Elaborate retrofit work on the machine’s control system is not required. ReadyKit has been designed so that it can use highly disparate data sources for acquiring raw data. The first of these are the interfaces to the machines’ control systems, in order to acquire signals and values directly from the control system itself. Secondly, different sensors can be linked up and read out in order to acquire missing data, e.g. on the basis of photo-cells. For a comprehensive database, both options can be combined. The algorithms here retrieve the values acquired over variable time periods. The accuracy of the information will depend on the volume of the basic data concerned, and rises with the size of the period under review.

Thanks to the minimised outlay for implementation, and the lean concept involved, clients can very quickly and easily benefit from ReadyKit, optimise their processes, and thus save on costs.

So much for the general functioning of this new IT tool. I should now like to go into a bit more detail on how ReadyKit actually works.

What data are processed and generated?

When it comes to processing the data, a distinction is drawn between the following information objects:

Measured values

These are values that are read from the data source and made available without any significant time-delay via ReadyKit’s interfaces (quasi as live data). At the same time, they are the basis for calculating key statistics and interpreting other values and information.

Machine status

For calculating the OEE-specific key statistics, the machine status is of fundamental importance. If the operating status is not available, ReadyKit can use the integrated algorithms to interpret the machine status on the basis of the measured values accessible. The accuracy will here depend on the number of data on which the interpretation is based. The machine status is available as a measured value with a rough accuracy, and also as a key statistic with a high level of accuracy.

Key statistics

These are calculated values that are generated in the context of a defined time period, and are made available via ReadyKit’s interfaces at the end of the period under review. As the time period for calculation, shift and day are supported. The calculation is performed at the end of the relevant time period on the basis of all raw data acquired in the time period concerned. Taking the entire time period into due account, together with the high acquisition density provided, enables a high level of meaningful content to be achieved for interpreted values as well.

The time periods on which the calculation is based are set during the installation routine. The key statistics are made available for further use in a one-off package at the end of the time period concerned.

Always up to date with the ReadyKit Data Center

The secure link to the ReadyKit Data Center enables updates and patches to be downloaded at any time, so that ReadyKit is always represented by its latest version. Automated monitoring of the system’s functions ensures increased availability and stability. The innovative device management enables ReadyKit’s entire life-cycle to be administered.

How are the calculated data made available to the client?

The client is provided with two applications for visualising the key statistics provided by ReadyKit. Firstly, SitePilot Line Diagnostics, which is installed on a local server in the client’s network. Secondly, modules (apps) that are made available within the Cloud-based Share2Act platform. For both these applicational cases, ReadyKit provides the requisite interfaces.

 In the shape of the SitePilot Line Diagnostics product, Krones has created a solution that guarantees the user the same look and feel in terms of evaluation and handling – both when used in new lines and in existing ones. I’ve already posted a report on the blog about SitePilot Line Diagnostics; you will find the text here.

Alternatively, as already mentioned, the Share2Act collaboration platform can be used as a front-end for analysing the data. In this case, the information is edited in a role-based approach tailored to the user concerned, and thanks to the cloud-based 24/7 concept can be made available on all devices and at all facilities, and automatically updated. You will find more information on the Share2Act platform, too, in one of my blog articles.

Within the context of an individual development project, additional systems can also be linked up; just get in touch with us directly.

Do you still have any questions or would you like some more details on ReadyKit? Then simply leave a comment under the article – I’ll then get back to you as soon as possible with more information.