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Brewery

Practical and cost-effective automation solutions for small and medium-sized breweries

Practical and cost-effective automation solutions for small and medium-sized breweries

Have they waited too long, faced a massive backlog in investment, or simply failed to think ahead? Small and medium-sized breweries, in particular, are struggling with an enormous backlog in automation and plant technology. Much of this can no longer be retrofitted, and key scalability upgrades are simply impossible. Yet doing nothing is not an option. What matters now is setting clear priorities and then developing cost-effective solutions that ensure the survival of your processes while also capitalizing on the benefits of digitalization.

 

The most common problems

 

  • Outdated control technology that can no longer be upgraded (e.g., Dr. Anton)
  • Lack of transparency and a high rate of manual errors
  • Lack of scalability and flexibility when introducing new varieties or packaging sizes
  • Lack of communication between levels, often conflicting elements
  • Oversized applications
  • Automation features are only implemented as part of a complete overhaul of the mechanical system.

What used to be considered modern no longer reflects the current state of the art. We need to recognize that investment reserves for automation and mechanical systems are a must-have, especially today.

Our approach: Achieving maximum future-proofing and efficiency with minimal intervention.

Together with our brewery clients, we develop sustainable, practical automation solutions for a declining market. We’re happy to take a step-by-step approach with clear priorities. This way, we ensure reliability and keep your processes operational and cost-effective. It all starts with a detailed assessment of your current situation and a well-thought-out, joint automation strategy.

1

Stocktaking

There are no one-size-fits-all solutions. An initial stocktaking conducted with maximum transparency is the foundation for implementing the right measures. Where are the biggest vulnerabilities? What is systemically important, and what isn’t? Where does your greatest potential lie? Of course, always with an eye toward efficiency, security, and sustainability.
2

Automation strategy

Our joint automation strategy serves as a master plan with a clear focus on the most critical errors and system-critical issues. In doing so, we strive to utilize existing systems wherever possible and keep modifications to a minimum.
3

Implementation based on clear priorities

Based on a jointly agreed set of priorities, we systematically address key issues. We always maintain transparency and communicate all costs upfront. This way, we achieve tangible results step by step and keep your business on track.

”"Sometimes you have to break out the wire cutters to get rid of old control technology. It's worth it!"

Thomas BuxGeschäftsführer planemos

Solutions

Let’s get your continuous improvement process started: Step by step and always in a cost-effective manner.

Shiny stainless steel tanks, piping, and a control panel in a production facility.

Measurement technology

Upgrade sensors and actuators—such as pumps and valves—to the latest standards—the foundation for every next step.

A smiling brewer wearing an apron and holding a clipboard stands in front of large stainless steel tanks in a brewery.

Retrofit control technology

Replace outdated control systems (e.g., Dr. Anton, Stiftland & Co.) and switch to new Siemens S7 or 1500 series control systems with a CPU and Ethernet connection. Ideally, this should be done in conjunction with a new central Siemens industrial PC.

A row of stainless steel valves filling amber glass bottles in an industrial bottling plant.

Process control technology

With integrated visualization systems—such as SIMATIC WinCC—and planemos technology features, you’ll gain greater insight and enjoy intuitive operation.

MES

The planemos hub as an affordable entry point into MES

An MES system tailored to your needs is certainly possible and makes sense for small and medium-sized Breweries. With our cost-effective planemos hub MES, we have developed a particularly affordable and powerful solution that grows with your business and can be scaled gradually. Everything is tailored to you and your processes. For example, in the initial phase, you can implement a smaller set of features, such as order management and Batch Traceability, and then expand to include functions like OEE data or dashboards in the next step. It is precisely this combination of process control technology and MES functionalities that helps you identify critical errors early on and take corrective action.

Expandable features

Expand your MES with a range of features tailored to your needs, whenever you want.

Installation during flight

No downtime or disruptions—and so fast that you’ll be amazed.

Significantly more economical

Compared to conventional MES systems, they benefit from a feasible and manageable setup.

Up to 26% increase in efficiency

Take advantage of Detailed Planning that optimizes capacity utilization, setup times, and process and product quality.

Red beverage crates moving on a conveyor belt in an industrial bottling plant.

Minimal effort, maximum benefit!

Benefits for brewery operators and service staff

Greater efficiency in the process

Optimized processes with a higher degree of automation, traceability, and less manual effort.

Greater sustainability

A sustainable focus on long-term operation, supply security, process efficiency, and integrability.

Greater scalability

Implement new varieties, variants, or upgrades to plant technology quickly and efficiently.

Greater investment security

Further development of the beers, improved processes, error prevention, and energy savings.

Conclusion

Let’s get started with automation!

Those who invest consistently yet smartly today are not only securing their processes but also the future of their own Brewery. Based on a comprehensive assessment, we develop a joint master plan to continuously realign your Brewery automation and eliminate the most significant sources of error. With pragmatic and affordable solutions, we’ll make your brewing process efficient, fast, and future-proof. With that in mind: Let’s get started right away!

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