Meat&Poultry - June 2011 - 99

Handtmann Communication Unit

HCU

HCU evolution
“Since the first HCU software versions were launched approximately 10 years ago, we have simplified management oversight while also adding scales, more options and features, plus numerous software and interface upgrades, among other things,” Kittle says. “The pricing provides great value and payback is typically in months.” Processors can get a treasure trove of production details from the HCU. “One operator might be running the line more efficiently than the other,” Kittle says. “You don’t usually know that over the course of a shift, week or month. The HCU will drill right into your most efficient operators and show how others are doing so you can improve your overall plant efficiencies.” “You can see what operators are running: their speed and kilograms per hour,” Patel adds. “In the newest HCU, they’re adding the vacuum level as well as other information.” Another feature that drives value for HCU users is the system’s ability to monitor and ensure acceptable sausage-casing quality. “A processor may have different suppliers supplying different types of casings and there may be more breakage on one type compared to the other,” Kittle says. “HCU allows you to analyze and dive into that problem to really define it. The system knows the exact length of each casing so if the processor is buying hanks that are supposed to be so long, and it doesn’t meet that measurement, the processor has the HCU data to back it up.” The HCU is a critical control point in a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point program. “The HCU is an analysis tool that gives you the backup simply and efficiently,” he says. The HCU allows processors to determine if they are utilizing a machine to its fullest. “Could we knock this product out in one shift instead of two?’ Kittle asks. “HCU will tell you; it helps processors efficiently use their assets. If the machine stops for more than 60 sec-

stuffing department or plant manager will ultimately operate the HCU. “It takes a little time to analyze data, select what and why you want to compare, and it takes a little bit of getting used to the system,” Patel adds. During Handtmann’s first HCU system installation, Patel was at the plant for two weeks. “It was running by the second day,” he adds. “What took time was organizing their 200 articles. Each different product has different densities. To do a weight analysis, you need an individual program for each article. Each one cooks off differently; the final weight is different.”

“The HCU is a powerful system. It allows processors to take better control of the entire stuffing process while reducing giveaway.”
onds, the operator must input a reason as to why it stopped; you can set it up so they can’t run the system again until they select one response addressing the stoppage.” The power of that is not so much to track breaks, but it identifies key efficiency issues in the plant. “‘What’s going on with my supply? My casings are breaking.’ HCU captures all of that activity and brings it into a format that’s usable for a manager,” Kittle says.

Power of remote diagnostics
The HCU system allows Handtmann technicians to remotely work with a customer, operator or maintenance person to troubleshoot problems by using an Internet connection. Initially, system training is most effective when conducted on-site, in-plant at the customer’s facility. “We find it’s most efficient if somebody like Colin goes to a customer’s plant,” Kittle says. “But we offer monthly training in our Chicago office that could also involve HCU training. “The HCU is a powerful system,” Kittle iterates. “It allows processors to take better control of the entire stuffing process while reducing giveaway. This is huge.” For more information, contact the company at: Handtmann Inc. 1692 Barclay Blvd. Buffalo Grove, Ill. 60089-4253 Phone: (847) 808-1100 Fax: (847) 808-1175 www.handtmann.com

HCU operator
The ideal person to operate and monitor HCU during the initial setup is an in-house information technologist. “The IT staffer may be used during the initial setup and then maybe the first weeks or months and then to solve problems in the future,” Patel says. Ideally, the
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June 2011

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Handtmann HCU

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Meat&Poultry - June 2011

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