The custom network, which was built by Virgin Media O2, will be used by British Sugar to implement next-generation manufacturing techniques at all four of its sites, spanning three counties.
The network will connect multiple IoT devices, allowing for a modernisation of the production process such as the ability use to AI systems; automated production lines; robotics, and drones. The firm believes the network will help it to increase productivity, boost efficiency and even improve health and safety on site.
Following a multi-million-pound investment, British Sugar will create four ‘factory of the future’ sites, automating the manufacturing process for sugar and other co-products.
Part of this will be relying on AI to monitor operations in real time and predict maintenance and potential downtime in advance. This reduces disruption, cuts down on wastage and can deliver cost and energy savings that help to avoid unnecessary emissions.
The firm added that...