Symaga's new SGA and MES systems enhance warehouse efficiency, streamline inventory with DataMatrix codes, and improve quality control, earning an ACEI award. (Image source: Symaga)

Symaga has successfully implemented its new SGA and MES IT systems, significantly enhancing the efficiency of its raw material and finished product warehouse management 

The SGA system allows real-time execution of the raw material reception process, which is interconnected with Symaga's ERP system. This integration enables the immediate use of incoming materials, resulting in a more efficient storage system. Inventory management is streamlined using DataMatrix codes, facilitating the quick and accurate handling of large volumes of products.

Furthermore, the new SGA systems improve picking and loading operations by optimizing package allocation within the warehouse, thereby increasing efficiency and safety.

The MES system enhances product quality and manufacturing control by automating quality control processes and alerting operators when necessary checks are required. It provides real-time monitoring of all machines, recording and reporting incidents detected by operators, thereby improving production management. The MES system integration also facilitates order preparation from the factory, optimizes the creation of packing lists, and enhances order shipments through terminals equipped with code readers for real-time registration, reducing human errors.

Symaga has been awarded a Certificate in Technological Innovation by the Spanish Certification Agency ACEI for the design and development of this comprehensive system. This award recognizes Symaga's contribution to the digital transformation towards Industry 4.0 during the implementation of the SGA and MES systems.

The intelligent digital management of warehouses and production is enabling Symaga to increase efficiency and productivity. This leads to cost reductions and faster, more efficient deliveries of its silos, enhancing competitiveness and supporting the corporate vision of becoming the largest manufacturer of storage solutions worldwide.

The signing took place at the US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas. (Image source: AFC)

Africa's leading infrastructure solutions provider, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), is leading the commercial funding for a US$413mn package to finance the engineering, procurement and construction of 186 bridges and crucially needed enhancements to Angola’s road network

Initiated by the Ministry of Public Works, Urban Planning and Housing in Angola, the project aims to improve accessibility in remote areas and supports industrial and commercial activity, advancing prosperity by reducing transport costs and travel times, and easing poverty through job creation. The signing took place at the US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas, organised by the Corporate Council on Africa.

Improving road connectivity is particularly beneficial to the agricultural sector in producing and marketing much needed cereals for human food and animal feed and livestock, thereby providing a resolute response to increased food imports and fostering localisation of food chains.

“AFC is proud to work with the government and other partners on this landmark project which is set to transform the country’s road transportation infrastructure as Angola makes strides to diversify its economy away from oil,” said AFC board member and head of Financial Services, Sanjeev Gupta. “This project not only supports the country’s drive to make agriculture a foundation for economic growth, but it also prioritises the development of climate resilient infrastructure which contributes significantly to Angola’s climate adaptation plan.”

For more information, visit: https://www.africafc.org/ 

The most recent investment in Symaga's manufacturing site has strengthened the company's production process of the silo roof sectors. (Image source: Symaga)

Symaga's strong commitment to the preservation of its natural environment, has urged the company to increase the overall capacity of their solar plant from 200 kW up to 800 kW this year

Currently, 70% of all Symaga's manufacturing operations are being driven by their own generated green energy resources. The company is on the path to becoming more efficient, sustainable and competitive, with their medium-term goal being focused on shifting the entire production to their green supplies. 

The most recent investment in Symaga's manufacturing site has strengthened the company's production process of the silo roof sectors, resulting in a 30% increase in productivity within the cutting and bending section. Symaga has acquired two new flattening-cutting and bending lines equipped with stiffening rollers to improve both the flattening and structural quality of their roof sectors. In order to absorb the increase in their cuttiing operations, a new robot cell for bending and packing roof sectors has been implemented. 

This action is part of Symaga's Annual Investment Plan, which underlines their commitment to maintaining production and operational excellence, while also promoting environmental and occupational safety standards. These plans seek to improve the company's production capacity, a cornerstone of Symaga’s success, ensuring state of the art production supported by a team of 150 professionals, capable of handling projects from layout to after-sales.

For more information, visit:  https://www.symaga.com/en/

Global category director – Cherries at TOMRA Food, Benedetta Ricci Iamino. (Image source: TOMRA)

After one full season with TOMRA LUCAi, three cherry growers who installed the technology confirmed that they benefitted from higher productivity; enhanced quality selection with consequent higher margins for their customers; along with reduced food waste

In 2023, TOMRA Food was in the final stages of development of its AI-powered LUCAi platform, ready to trial its innovation with customers in different conditions and regions – from California to New Zealand. After the 2023 cherry season, Prima Frutta decided to install LUCAi on all of their machines, for a total of 132 lanes for their upcoming 2024 cherry season. 

Moreover, two long-standing customers–Dunstan Hills and Panmure Orchards–who have been running TOMRA equipment for almost 10 years, were also keen to implement the TOMRA LUCAi technology. The three cherry growers shared the challenge of meeting the growing demand, with consistent high-quality produce, in the short cherry season, which typically begins in mid-May and finishes at the end of June in California, while in New Zealand it runs from early to mid-December to late January. 

“With LUCAi we achieved better grading and increased throughput of around 10% – and it is easy to use,” said Ian Nicholls, operations manager at Dunstan Hills, after one full season with TOMRA LUCAi. 

LUCAi's user-friendly interface software makes it very easy for the customer’s operators to get the best sorting and grading performance from their processing line. Founder of Prima Frutta Packing, Tim Sambado explained that the technology not only allowed them to make changes, but also provided them with accurate data on how it was going to impact their grading before the change was applied. Nicholls also agreed that the technology made it significantly easier for the operator to refine decision-making and improve grading. This not only helps cherry packers deliver consistent quality and meet the specific requirements of their customers, but it also enables them to increase their productivity and address the short cherry season. 

The technology for the InVision2 cherry grading platform is unique unique in that it comes with vast amounts of data collected by TOMRA in different regions across the world, building pre-trained models using real images of cherries. This means that it is ready to deliver its superior sorting and grading performance as soon as it is installed. It uses TOMRA’s Deep Learning technology to identify with unparalleled accuracy an extensive range of defects – from edge cracks, Pacman cherries, open sutures, cosmetic blemishes and stem pulls, to spurs, cracks and all defects around the stem; from dehydration to apical splits; and it will recognise colours in the ripe phase with precision.  

Moreover, the platform also continues to evolve as it keeps learning from the data it collects while running in the customer’s operation, future-proofing their business. TOMRA’s service team remains at their side after installation, ready to proactively help them optimise their sorting and grading performance. 

“Thanks to LUCAi, the era of compromise is a thing of the past for our customers,” summarised global category director – Cherries at TOMRA Food, Benedetta Ricci Iamino. "The commitment is crystal clear – our customers can now confidently expect their best fruit, in prime condition, reaching optimal markets, all at highly competitive prices."

For more information, visit: www.tomra.com