Güntensperger Käse AG, Bütschwil, Switzerland
Digitisation of cheese dairy
The challenge
The Güntensperger cheese dairy in Toggenburg stands for the highest art of cheese making, rooted in tradition and characterised by craftsmanship. But even in this traditional industry, demands are increasing. Traceability, quality assurance, efficiency and transparency are key issues today. At the same time, the shortage of skilled workers is posing additional challenges for many companies. In addition, relevant production and quality data is often available in different formats – such as PDF, Excel or paper – and in isolated data silos. This fragmentation makes it difficult to gain a holistic view of the processes and prevents efficient evaluations. How can these requirements be met without losing sight of the craft?
The implementation
Together with the Güntensperger cheese dairy, we have implemented a tailor-made solution based on the iDIP platform. The aim was to digitally record, evaluate and make usable all production data – from milk delivery to the finished cheese. The following main functions were implemented:
- Production control: Our solution enables production data to be recorded digitally via tablet directly on site. This simplifies documentation, increases accuracy and guides employees safely through all process steps.
- Test equipment inspection: To ensure measurement accuracy, pH meters and temperature sensors, for example, are checked regularly. Test results are recorded digitally on a tablet, time-stamped and archived in a traceable manner.
- Traceability: With just a few clicks, the origin of the milk, the batch data and the laboratory data of a product can be traced completely – quickly, precisely and transparently.
- Supplier evaluation: Laboratory results are automatically evaluated and assigned to the respective suppliers. This results in an objective, continuous assessment of raw material quality.
- Production planning: Integrated planning enables precise control of processes and improves communication in multi-shift operations.
- Laboratory: Laboratory data, including follow-up checks, are recorded digitally. Suppliers are automatically informed by text message in the event of anomalies or improvements.
- Quality management: Digitalisation reduces the evaluation effort to a few minutes. Quality data is centrally consolidated, problems are identified at an early stage and audit requirements are reliably met.
The result
The data silos have been completely dissolved so that all information is now bundled on one platform. Employees record production data directly on site using a tablet. The software guides them intuitively through the process, reminds them of checkpoints and documents everything automatically. This increases data quality and takes the pressure off the team on a day-to-day basis.
The integration of laboratory data offers particular added value. Abnormal values are recognised automatically and the relevant suppliers are informed. This results in transparent, continuous quality monitoring.
The result is more efficiency, more transparency and less effort — and a solution that not only fulfils the high requirements of the Güntensperger cheese dairy, but can also serve as a model for other companies.
Client
Güntensperger Käse AG
Plant type
Dairy
Project execution
2024 to 2025
Our services
- Concept design and consulting
- Creation of functional design specification
- Application development
- Commissioning
- Operator training
Technology applied
- iDIP platform
- Samsung Tab Active Pro
Contact
Marcel Fust, Head of Concept Design and Consulting, Schmid Automation AG
