The Riga factory is highlighted as a model factory in more than one project. The aforementioned digitisation process is no exception. But – what does the digitisation process mean? What good will it do? What challenges will it bring? This will be best explained by the factory director Artūrs Ozoliņš.

First of all, we have to share the slogan of the digitisation process, the idea of which expresses the main essence of the process – From rock to track! (i.e. from stone to machine!). Therefore, the main goal is to digitise the factory and its processes in order to make the work as efficient as possible, thereby increasing quality, equalising the workload of employees, and promoting the economy of resources. There is no shortage of advantages as a result of the implementation of such a process, but of course it is not without challenges. It is planned that the first conclusions on the progress of the process are expected already in June of this year.

The digitisation process is divided into three main stages. The first stage – digitisation – includes arranging computer networks, reading and digitising all factory data, as well as creating a data processing and visualisation platform. It is based on the arrangement of IT (computer network) and OT (factory network), including the creation of a wireless network. “The wireless network, or wi-fi, will be a great support in the entire digitisation process, because we will be able to use the tablets anywhere in the factory where this wi-fi network will be established. What does it mean? Technical Service colleagues will be able to work with the tablets at the machines and immediately see their status and planned work in the SAP system, as well as order parts immediately at the production point, making work much more efficient,” explains Artūrs. It is also planned to replace all paper forms with digital data entry solutions and data entry equipment – computers, tablets.

The digitisation project currently includes the entire gypsum board production process – from gypsum stone extraction in the quarry to loading of gypsum board plates in cars. The project is divided into stages, which include data digitisation, process automation and robotisation, and it goes together with AI – artificial intelligence, which is so popular today. Its task will be to analyse the data, timely predict possible problems, as well as offer various possible solutions for problem prevention.

We will certainly follow the actualities of the process and inform you about its progress, results and further steps.