Web-based data provides actionable information to improve efficiencies, reduce operating costs, and inform wider-reaching strategic decisions   

TOMRA Sorting Recycling has launched a cloud-based data platform, TOMRA Insight, which unlocks valuable new opportunities for sorting equipment users. This data can transform sorting from an operational process into a strategic management tool for fact-based decision-making at every step of the value and production chain. 

TOMRA Insight turns sorting machines into connected devices that generate process data. The new platform collects this data in the cloud and turns it into actionable information accessible through a web interface.

The secure cloud-based data transmission and storage package, respecting all privacy requirements, is provided in partnership with the industry-leading cloud computing service Microsoft Azure. The monitoring and reporting functions of this new on-demand platform will complement, not replace, existing process control systems.

TOMRA Insight operates nearly in real-time and can be accessed via a secure connection and user-friendly interface on desktops and mobile devices anywhere at any time. As an immediate benefit, machine-users will have the freedom to remotely analyze performance metrics and to proactively manage machines for performance optimization and preventive maintenance.

Access to digital metrics will help equipment operators optimize sorting performance by analyzing data such as throughput, material and size distribution, acceptance and rejection rates, and much more. This information can help reduce downtime, direct efforts and interventions towards relevant actions, maximize throughput, sort to target quality, improve the efficiency of machine operators and internal service personnel, and reduce operating costs. Data analytics also has the potential, through personal reports and alarms, to help manage proactive and condition-based maintenance, parts ordering, and servicing.

Felix Flemming, Vice President and Head of Digital at TOMRA Sorting, commented: “We are proud to launch a functional and secure interface that will unlock the power of big data for our clients and enable them to monitor and optimize their sorting processes. Operational data from machines across the globe will also help us improve service and maintenance programs, predict parts’ lifetimes, and develop better machine set-ups, technologies and applications.”

As with TOMRA’s world-leading optical and sensor-based sorting solutions, TOMRA Insight will be subjected to continuous technical advancement. In future, advanced data analytics will further optimize processes by enabling the long-term aggregation of data, cross-machine and cross-plant analysis and benchmarking, and better integration into other lines of business.

As a gateway and accelerator for sorting optimization, TOMRA Insight will ultimately connect customers to an industry-wide movement. And as a digital hub for learning, improvement, best practice, and new developments in sorting technology, TOMRA will give customers access to a broader knowledge-base than ever before.