Appleby Creamery in the Lake District has embraced IoT technology to enhance cheese-making efficiency.
- The innovative system monitors energy usage and conditions, providing real-time alerts to prevent spoilage.
- Data from various equipment is now tracked, aiding in energy-saving decisions and renewable resource optimisation.
- Future enhancements include tracking fuel gas, and water consumption to boost sustainability efforts.
- The initiative is part of the Digital Dairy Chain, promoting digital transformation in the dairy industry.
Appleby Creamery, located in the picturesque Lake District, has taken a significant technological leap by adopting Internet of Things (IoT) technology to refine its cheese-making processes. This small-batch cheese producer is seeking to achieve greater efficiency through advanced monitoring systems.
The IoT system enables continuous monitoring of energy consumption and temperature at the Eden Valley site, crucially allowing the team to receive alerts every 15 minutes if any anomalies occur. This capability is instrumental in mitigating the risk of product spoilage and reduces the reliance on manual checks, ensuring consistent product quality.
The system comprehensively tracks energy usage from essential equipment such as fridges and pasteurisers. By displaying this data on a bespoke dashboard developed in collaboration with CENSIS, Appleby Creamery can make informed decisions to cut energy use and optimise its renewable energy sources. This approach not only supports economic efficiency but also aligns with sustainability goals.
In its pursuit of further advancements, the creamery plans to incorporate additional sensors to monitor fuel gas and the consumption of hot and cold water. Such steps are anticipated to further automate compliance reporting and contribute to cost reduction strategies, reinforcing the sustainability of their operations.
This forward-thinking initiative is part of the broader Digital Dairy Chain programme, supported by Scotland’s Rural College and backed by UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund. It serves as a model for the broader dairy industry, showcasing the potential of digital transformations. Rachael Wakefield from CENSIS noted, “Our aim is to inspire the broader dairy supply chain to embrace digital transformation.”
The integration of IoT technology at Appleby Creamery marks a significant stride towards increased efficiency and sustainability in cheese production.
