In industrial automation and system integration, efficiently handling bulk materials is a pivotal factor for success. Magnum Systems' podcast series, AIM, is a must-listen for professionals and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of this complex industry. Hosted by Magnum's knowledgeable Mike Abare, the podcast dives into key areas—Automation, Integration and Manufacturing—to explore the challenges and solutions brought about by the modernization of industrial plants.
In our latest episode, we discussed the experiences of plant engineer turned Magnum applications engineer Ben Adwell. With his rich background in process engineering and maintenance management across diverse sectors, Adwell's boots-on-ground approach offers unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within bulk material handling.
The Value of Integrated Systems in Industrial Applications
According to Adwell, "planning for future growth" and "optimizing processes" are crucial for project design and execution.
His firsthand experience as a process engineer and maintenance manager provides invaluable insights into the practicalities of ensuring efficient, future-proof and resilient plant operations. This perspective is especially relevant as industries steadily move toward more automated and integrated systems to enhance efficiency and output.
Arguably, the linchpin of Adwell's discussion revolves around the trio of reliability, serviceability and redundancy.
His hard-earned lesson is one that many in the industry will recognize, "I learned, time and time again, that the process of having to shut down, including the downtime and the associated costs, that it was far better to take the equipment down early when it was not a big issue, rather than wait until there was a catastrophic issue."
For Adwell, having additional equipment on standby allows you to do service on one piece of equipment without shutting down the process.
“Downtime is more costly when forced upon you,” he adds.
The Role of a Systems Integrator in Enhancing Operational Efficiency
As highlighted by Adwell, Magnum Systems serves not just as a manufacturer but as a systems integrator, bringing together dissimilar elements of manufacturing and processing operations into a cohesive, efficient whole. This integration is vital in mitigating downtime and facilitating continuous improvement, which are critical concerns for any plant focused on uptime and output.
“You always want more output from your processes, more output for increased sales and capacity," Adwell notes, emphasizing the significance of planning for scalability and data analysis in optimizing operations.
Seeking Synergy from Suppliers
When Abare shifts the conversation toward supplier relations, Adwell underscores the significance of technical support and beyond-the-sale engagement. It's about understanding what a supplier can offer and the value in those added services often discovered through earnest partnerships.
"Knowing what they [suppliers] have available to them—I think that's what Magnum does," he says, highlighting the beneficial nature of transparency between vendors and plant personnel.
Key Considerations for Project Success
ROI and safety considerations are typically at the forefront of project approval discussions. Still, Adwell doesn't shy away from addressing the 'intangibles' like worker's safety and the human aspect of the operations—factors just as crucial in decision-making.
“If I can place my equipment in areas that allow access, or if I can add in an overhead beam to allow them to put a hoist or something overhead to move it safely, I will fight for that,” he says. “I don't want anybody to get hurt. Ultimately, the people are what we really care about.”
The Push Toward Technological Advancement and Automation
One of the standout points of the conversation revolves around the push for automation and technological advancement within the bulk material handling sector. According to Adwell, Magnum's and the industry's future growth lies in harnessing technology, from advanced pneumatic conveying systems to AI-driven analytics for predictive maintenance. The goal is to make operations more efficient and more adaptive to the rapid pace of industrial innovation.
"I think the largest amount of growth is in automation. Technology is becoming easier to access and increasingly advanced," says Adwell, underscoring the critical pace of innovation in the bulk material handling industry.
Follow the Magnum Systems podcast series, AIM, to stay current on the dynamic changes in manufacturing, integrated systems, packaging and pneumatic conveying. Don't miss an episode – you never know which one holds the key to your next breakthrough.
Magnum Systems podcast series, AIM!
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