Proficy Optimises Cliffstar's Juice Production

Cliffstar has implemented GE Intelligent Platforms' Proficy software to increase the efficiency of production lines in its juice factories. Cliffstar is an independent grape, cranberry and prune-juice processor, and has more than 145 blends of juices. A year and a half ago, each Cliffstar plant had its own performance metrics and varied tools for tracking production activities. In a pilot programme, the company installed Proficy on one line in one plant in Dunkirk, New York, as the first step in bringing a common approach to performance measurement and continuous improvement.

Cliffstar was introduced to GE Intelligent Platforms by GE Capital and undertook a Smartstart implementation, in which users can realise real results from Proficy software solutions in a short amount of time. 'The pilot was successful,' said Robert Kapilevich, industrial engineering manager for Cliffstar. 'We were able to relieve some of the performance issues we were experiencing, so we are rolling out an additional five lines in Dunkirk. 'All six lines will be connected within 30 days. 'In the next six months we will roll out to all Cliffstar plants,' he added.

The company has also incorporated GE's data collection and web-based visualisation systems for monitoring and analysing performance information into the solution. The company, with five major bottling plants in the US (California, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin) began this process to increase yield and improve quality, gain visibility into real-time management operations, reduce line stoppages and solve flexibility issues as they add new equipment and build new lines. It also desired a system that required minimal support and development.

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