Introduction
In the fast-paced world of industry and manufacturing, cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role in promoting efficiency, safety, and reliability. One company at the forefront of this technological transformation is Georgia-Pacific. Over the years, they have harnessed the potential of remote monitoring and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize their operations. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Georgia-Pacific successfully integrated over 62,000 sensors across their global sites and leveraged the power of AI to enhance their decision-making process and address critical challenges.
Georgia-Pacific’s journey with sensors began back in 2017, when they initially implemented a small number of sensors across their sites. Fast forward to 2020, and their sensor count had surged exponentially to a staggering 20,000. Now, three years later, they boast an impressive network of 62,000 sensors deployed across more than 100 sites worldwide.
From 100 to 62,000 Sensors
The Evolution of Georgia-Pacific
The Importance of Partnership in Deployment and Optimization
At such a large scale, Georgia-Pacific recognized the significance of having a reliable partner who could assist in deploying, optimizing, and continuously improving their sensor systems and networks. With the right partner, they were able to hone their operations and achieve a remarkable 50% reduction in unplanned events, ensuring enhanced safety and efficiency.
Remote Monitoring: A Game-Changer
The deployment of remote monitoring technologies proved to be a game-changer for Georgia-Pacific. By integrating the sea of sensors and adopting KCF Technology’s remote monitoring tools while utilizing the Georgia-Pacific CSC (Collaboration and Support Center), they gained a proactive approach to identifying issues and receiving crucial notifications. This shift from reactive to proactive maintenance allowed them to plan safe work practices and avoid critical failures, making their operations more efficient than ever.
Democratizing Data with AI and Analytics
While some may fear that Artificial Intelligence and analytics could replace human jobs, Georgia-Pacific demonstrated that the opposite is true. Instead of replacing jobs, AI created new opportunities for skilled analysts and rotating equipment experts. By processing vast amounts of data and offering valuable insights, AI empowered decision-makers on the ground to make better-informed choices, contributing to improved safety and overall operation efficiency.
Learning from Data: Scaling Solutions Across Sites
The vast database of vibration data collected from the sensors enabled Georgia-Pacific to draw invaluable insights. The ability to cross-reference data from various sites allowed them to identify systematic issues that affected multiple locations, providing opportunities to scale solutions and enhance reliability across their operations.
The partnership between Georgia-Pacific and KCF Technologies, proved to be instrumental in driving the success of this transformative journey. It showcased the willingness of both parties to embrace technological advancements and utilize the tools available to add value to their operations.
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