Serial interface and online logbook function improve functionality, operational reliability, ease of operation and flexibility.
S+S Separation and Sorting Technology GmbH of Schönberg, Bavaria has completely updated its SENSITY controller system. The new system will be relaunched at the forthcoming POWTECH exhibition in Nürnberg between 11 and 13 October 2005 (Hall 7, stand 7-237). In order to ensure its metal detection and separation systems are fully compliant with quality assurance standards in the food industry S+S has equipped the SENSITY control unit with an online logbook and serial interface.
Food manufacturers are legally required to protect consumers from the risks associated with contaminants found in products (product liability). EU guidelines emphasise the importance of traceability and the requirements of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and IFS (International Food Standard) become more and more stringent. Modern metal detection and separation systems have a range of functions far in excess of simply detecting metal particles. Control electronics have an important role to play in improving functionality, operational reliability, ease of operation and flexibility. The SENSITY control and evaluation system from S+S, normally used in relatively constant production conditions, is now equipped with serial interface and online logbook to provide a full record of the entire production process. It can be easily integrated into existing equipment and systems and is therefore particularly suitable for the food industry.
The addition of a serial interface enables the SENSITY control unit to be connected to a network. This means that logbook data can be viewed on any PC via a user’s own intranet. Any function that needs to be monitored can be viewed in its own window. The logbook will record various machine operations (eg product changes) and this information can then be viewed, filed or printed from any PC on the network.
A date and time module has been incorporated enabling logbook data to be viewed either in real time or at a later date. The comprehensive suite of data records allows a user-friendly, instantaneous view of process control or the post-production analysis of system performance and inspection records to support Quality Certification. The SENSITY provides flexible evaluation features. Specific events, such as metal detection or test routine results, can be viewed, filed and printed. Product changes and other operational tasks are password-protected to ensure security and an added feature is the ability to check data in advance enabling updated product parameters to be verified prior to confirming the change.
Expansion kits and software updates are available for SENSITY control units version 5 and later. From the end of September 2005 all SENSITY control units will be supplied with the software included; customers will then require only the expansion kit which can be easily and swiftly installed on site.
