Smart Automation at Scale: Actemium Transforms FrieslandCampina’s Milk Reception

Actemium, the right partner for the project

Previously, the milk reception was located on the factory premises, which meant that trucks had to find their way between the production activities. FrieslandCampina decided, among other things to minimize logistical inconvenience, to purchase a site on the other side of the water and to realize a fully automated milk reception there. A smart move, allowing the unloading of milk to take place completely without human intervention, which increased both safety and process effiency.
With the design already largely defined, FrieslandCampina looked for a partner who could realize the entire project. Actemium was selected because of its in-depth knowledge of industrial automation and experience with similar projects. In addition to the automation, we supplied all technical installations, such as fire alarms, extinguishing gas, lighting, networks, cameras and site lighting, as well as the complete process installations. This included everything from engineering to the delivery of distributors, sub-distributors, MCCs and RIO panels.

From registration column to thermistor

The new system uses an advanced license plate recognition and registration system that is linked to FrieslandCampina’s ERP system. Upon arrival, the driver reports via a registration column, where badges and trip numbers are validated with the ERP. Trucks are then automatically assigned to one of the seven unloading or two loading places. The unloading place depends on the type of milk: regular, VLOG, pasture milk, organic milk or PlanetProof milk. Thanks to a track-and-trace application, each type of milk is tracked from receipt to final processing into cheese products. In addition to unloading, trucks can also load cream or feed whey. In this case, they are guided to the correct loading place, depending on the product to be loaded.
The LED screens show exactly which loading or unloading spot is reserved for the truck. The driver receives clear instructions via an HMI interface about the actions to be performed during loading or unloading, such as the correct coupling and uncoupling of hoses. Statuses can also be followed in real time in the driver’s canteen on an LED display that shows the SCADA system. This screen shows the loading and unloading spots and shows, among other things, the remaining time per process step.

A new CIP set has also been realised. After unloading, drivers can choose to have their truck cleaned, with each cleaning being accurately logged and processed in a CIP certificate. All relevant data is recorded and there is a reporting option for the reception of the milk. The new CIP set also cleans four thermisors in the existing factory. Thanks to this innovation, the new milk reception can process more than four million litres of milk per day.

Overcoming challenges together

As with any major project, there were challenges. The impact of COVID on the supply chain resulted in longer delivery times, which put pressure on the planning. Thanks to intensive collaboration between FrieslandCampina and Actemium, creative solutions were found.
The new milk reception is a textbook example of how smart technology can improve safety and efficiency. Trucks no longer have to drive around the busy factory site, which significantly reduces risks. At the same time, the process is more efficient than ever: up to three million litres of milk can be processed per day, which equates to around 110 trucks per day. Because the system is fully automated, processing is not only faster, but also more accurate.
This complex project shows the importance of close cooperation and flexibility. The ability to quickly switch to unforeseen circumstances is crucial. For this, the cooperation must be good.

This project has shown how important it is to be able to respond quickly to changes and to support each other well. Thanks to the good cooperation, we were able to solve all challenges effectively.

Bram Koenders, Client Manager at Actemium Netherlands

With the successful realization of this advanced milk reception, FrieslandCampina has laid a solid foundation for further innovation. Actemium remains involved through a Service Level Agreement (SLA) to provide support and maintenance. This project proves that technology and collaboration go hand in hand to realize a safer, more efficient and more sustainable future in the dairy industry.