Like every industry, the confectionery sector is facing major challenges. Due to high inflation, end customers are much more price-sensitive than they were two years ago. Cost efficiency and availability of products on the shelves are essential.

On the production side, reducing plant downtime is a major lever. In order to maximize smooth operation, trained personnel, regular maintenance, constant monitoring of machines and a coordinated strategy for operational optimization are challenging tasks for operators.

Optimization approaches often include the introduction of additional ERP/MES functions, complex integration projects to network the systems or individual stand-alone solutions from the various machine manufacturers. What all approaches have in common is that the integration effort for an end-to-end solution is difficult to manage and can rarely be scaled. A cross-machine manufacturer platform for linking existing machines and required functions can provide a remedy here.

SweetConnect was created to standardize the production of confectionery and combine the approaches of individual machine manufacturers on one digital platform. The benefits can be seen in the scenario of a malfunction occurring in a line.

Regardless of location, the line manager can see the status of the individual machines and lines, and can analyze the error pattern and the effects on neighboring lines. The operating data can be used to understand more precisely which error is involved, how often it occurs, how long the average downtime is, which sub-modules are affected and which spare parts may be required. This enables a rapid response to faults.

The platform represents the single point of truth for the documentation of the entire process system. The operator can access it ad hoc via a QR code on the machine. Linking the error to the knowledge database enables access to best practices for rapid troubleshooting.

If new spare or wear parts are required, they can be quickly identified in the digital spare parts catalog. Procurement can be initiated via the integrated marketplace without any media disruptions. The end-to-end digitalization of parts identification, inquiries, quotations, ordering and invoicing is handled efficiently.

Additional tools and services such as a cross-line maintenance manager, assistance systems or data-based optimization apps from machine manufacturers can be used to sustainably optimize system and line operation. A connected AppStore enables the individual digitalization of the line.

SweetConnect's range of services includes a modern IT infrastructure and data security architecture hosted on German servers, open interfaces (OPC UA & MQTT) and a gateway solution for connecting machines. The exchange of expertise, best practices and templates creates particular added value. Users do not have to worry about the operation, maintenance and support of the platform.

SweetConnect's vision is to digitize the entire confectionery industry. This can only be achieved together, because it „takes an entire industry to create a new industry standard."