Miller Magazine Issue: 122 February 2020

51 COVER STORY MILLER / FEBRUARY 2020 VS: This requires a software solution which accomplishes all this. The key element of our “Smart Workflow” is the Brabender MetaBridge which is a network concept that we have developed for our laboratory devic- es which makes the workflow quick and se- cure both for multitasking in the laborato-ry and linking to all levels where product-relat- ed decisions are to be made. What makes the MetaBridge software from Brabender “smart”? VS: Not only does our MetaBridge link the Brabender devices with their measurement results, but it also links their users: within a company, across different geographical locations, or optionally even with suppliers and clients. What is really intelligent about the MetaBridge software is its web-based and therefore platform- and location-inde- pendent user architecture. This means you have access to your data via PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone — no matter where you are. SJ: This makes the workflow twice as smart in real-world laboratories: On the one hand, a laborato-ry employee can control multiple devices from his computer workstation simultaneously, control their workflows, and keep an eye on their measurement results. On the other hand, multiple users can also log in simultaneously, for example in order to track a running farinogram across various end devices, such as tablets or smartphones. One more important aspect for research and development is that the model simulation of parameters makes it possible to test alternative processing procedures, for example the effect of recipe specifications on dough development during kneading, which you can observe in real time on the screen. What are the advantages of such a feature? VS: This "multi-access" creates direct added value for the client, because he saves time thanks to the continuous sharing of information between the involved laboratory employees or when making quality management decisions. Human resources are not only costintensive, but also cur- rently limited at a time when specialists are hard to find. That is why it makes sense to free up existing, trusted labo- ratory personnel to do other tasks: The timeintensive evalu- ation, recording, and saving of test workflows, results, and comparisons can all be handled by the software! SJ: Our devices automatically recognize each other in the network. Not only does this simplify laboratory operations, but the direct observation of measurement workflows is a significant step towards the online monitoring of processes; this is a dream come true for quality assurance person-nel. In order to make measurements not only quick but also error-free, MetaBridge offers an intra-system quality as- surance feature for preventing errors. And data transfer between the devices, which is also automatic, creates short workflows and greater security. Here is a practical example: The MT-CA reports the moisture content of a sample to your Farinograph, which then automatically calculates and outputs a sam- ple with the right weight — with no risk of any conversion, transfer, or operational er- rors. Documenting results is becoming in- creasingly important — how does this get done in the “Smart Workflow”? SJ: This is where we need to talk about the "sacred cow," in other words, the laboratory journal: Naturally, it too will become digital. Within the laboratory, you now benefit from the fact that all results from rheological test workflows from all devices can be accessed and documented simultaneously. Pre-select- ed measurement ranges for standard con- figurations improve reproducibility. To stay Older Brabender devices are also ready for the "Smart Workflow" concept: The Brabender MetaBridge Controller allows an upgrade to the MetaBridge software. Prerequisite: a USB port. Predict water absorp- tion (< 5 min.) GlutoPeak: Evaluation results are automat- ically transmitted to the Farinograph-TS. Determine kneading properties Farinograph-TS: Optimized test parameters via data received.