The Preston-based dust collection specialist Nederman Ltd (www.nederman.co.uk) is focusing on the requirements of Industry 4.0 with its new Insight ‘platform’, which gives customers key data that helps them get more out of their filters with less effort — and at lower cost.

Nederman Insight puts information at the fingertips of the user wherever they may be, providing data on how well a filter is working and helping to build a broader understanding of the filtration system, its performance, maintenance needs, associated costs and potential improvements.

Insight technology incorporates a series of sensors that monitor conditions in the filtration system, and it securely uploads data to the ‘cloud’ via an Industry 4.0 gateway.

This data, which can be easily read and interpreted via the Nederman Insight Web-based user interface and ‘dashboard’, gives the user round-the-clock access to real-time and historical data that enables the optimisation of filtration systems and an understanding of how to maximise their capability.

There is also a risk-management alert feature that informs the user when action is required to prevent extended down-time and to keep the work-place safe.

This alert system ties in with maintenance schedules, while access to historical data and the on-going control of performance data will enable users to plan maintenance needs and to detect problems before they arise.

By resolving issues or replacing spare parts in good time, customers can avoid unplanned stops and the associated costs of unscheduled down-time.

Moreover, Nederman is continually developing Insight by adding modules that give further functionality and yet more data on an air filtration system’s performance.

For example, the Machine Learning algorithm will ‘use experience’ to automatically improve machine performance without being re-programmed, while the Workflow Engine module determines ‘defined processes and work-flows’ and decides what routines to carry out in case of an alert; it also automatically sets up e-mail notifications and contingency plans.