Appleby Creamery, located in the Lake District, has embraced IoT technology to revolutionize its cheese-making process.
- The new system monitors energy consumption and temperatures, aiding efficient production of brie, blue, and cheddar cheeses.
- Real-time alerts and a comprehensive dashboard support decision-making and sustainability initiatives.
- This technological advancement is part of a larger Digital Dairy Chain project, promoting digital transformation in the dairy industry.
- CENSIS, a digitalization group, is overseeing the implementation and tracking the creamery’s progress.
Appleby Creamery, situated in the serene Lake District, has implemented an innovative IoT-powered system to enhance the efficiency of its cheese production process. This advancement allows for meticulous monitoring of energy usage and temperature controls across its Eden Valley site, particularly benefiting the production of brie, blue, and cheddar varieties.
The IoT devices, installed in collaboration with CENSIS, provide real-time, 24/7 surveillance. Every 15 minutes, the system checks conditions and sends alerts for any anomalies, thereby minimizing the risk of spoilage and reducing the need for manual oversight. The data is visually represented on a dashboard, enabling the team to make informed decisions that enhance energy conservation and better use of renewable resources.
This system is poised to integrate additional sensors to monitor levels of fuel gas and hot and cold water consumption. The goal is to improve cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and compliance with reporting requirements through automation.
This initiative forms a branch of the Digital Dairy Chain, a broader project led by Scotland’s Rural College. It aims to spread digital innovation across the dairy sector, with funding from the UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund. CENSIS is crucial in this endeavor, guiding the creamery and tracking the longitudinal impacts of the new system.
Maurice Walton, the owner of Appleby Creamery, noted the significant improvements since the system’s installation. “We weren’t sure the site was big enough to benefit from this type of technology or what kind of data we would need. But it’s really been a turning point for us,” Walton expressed, reflecting on the advancements in quality and efficiency.
Rachael Wakefield from CENSIS articulated their mission to inspire the broader dairy supply chain to pursue digital evolution, especially entities similar to Appleby Creamery. “We’re thrilled to support Maurice and the team in demonstrating what’s possible,” she stated.
The IoT deployment at Appleby Creamery exemplifies the transformative potential of technology in traditional industries, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
