Miller Magazine Issue: 128 August 2020

68 ARTICLE MILLER / August 2020 THE MILL IN YOUR BACK POCKET As Otto Crienitz moves toward the next generation of mill, increasingly the system can be operated remotely. This has many benefits. “Our staff appreciate flexible working time. No one needs to be at the mill when there is nothing to do. This is valuable time that can be spent with the family at home,” says Scharf. “With operation data accessible via handheld devices you can access all the information you need remotely and at any time: I simply carry the mill in my back pocket.” Increasing automation also provides many benefits, hel- ping to maintain quality standards, reduce cost and facilitate cumbersome and error-prone processes so that trained staff can concentrate on working where they are really needed. Scharf’s view is clear: “A miller’s job is to control the overall quality and processes. All processes that can be performed by machines should be performed by machines,” he says. “And with fewer young people training to enter this industry, we have to deploy staff in the best and most efficient way.” SUSTAINABILITY, PARTNERSHIP, AND INNOVATION For Scharf, sustainability is a matter of common sense. “It makes sense to plan transport efficiently, to avoid waste and use resources carefully,” he says. This approach holds true: the team at Otto Crienitz plans deliveries carefully. As a business focused on local markets, routes do not exceed a 200-kilomet- re radius. Deploying up-to date technology such as the energy efficient Tubex Pro scales is as important. In the end, all these actions together lead to an improved carbon footprint. Successful partnerships can only bloom in a constructive, open and trust-filled relationship. Over the past two years the Otto Crienitz Mill has worked with Bühler on several successful projects. “After visiting the mill, Bühler consultants provided us with a complete assess- ment of the entire plant and made excellent suggestions for optimization that required no investment at all. That really convinced me that we were in good hands,” says Scharf. “The Bühler team understand the complete system rather than selling individual components. It is also a very innova- tive company – we enjoy discussing ideas collaboratively. This is how we develop new solutions for the mill together.” READY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION For the future, Scharf is convinced that concentration trends within the industry will continue. Specialization will also play an important role over the coming years. Otto Crienitz intends to keep up with the pace. This is only achievable with commitment and the best technology in place. The strong partnership with Bühler will help the mill move ahead towards a milling operation 4.0. “As long as we keep looking for the best solution, we will always find our place in the market,” says Scharf. Past performance proves his point. Over the decades the mill has gone from strength to strength. Today, two genera- tions of the family work together at the mill. Scharf has gre- at plans for the future and a dream: “I hope that the next generation of our family will want to work in the business too, and continue to develop the mill in the coming years,” he says. “That would be fantastic.” Yield Management System Dashboard