How Fishery Automation & Optimization Led to Higher Growth
INDUSTRY:
Sea food, Marine, Fisheries
TYPE OF WORK:
Machine Vision, SCADA Implementation, Sea food process optimization
Our experience with Enginuity was very good – they were knowledgeable, easy to work with, and well-organized. What sets them apart is their broad and deep knowledge in fisheries automation, bringing together experts from various backgrounds for quick project execution.
Jules LeBlanc
President, Ocean Pride Fisheries Ltd.
About the Client
Ocean Pride Fisheries Ltd.
Established in 1986, Ocean Pride Fisheries Ltd. is a pioneering Canadian company specializing in processing underutilized fish species. They are a renowned leader in the export and market development of North Atlantic sea cucumbers. Operating the largest vertically integrated sea cucumber business in North America, Ocean Pride Fisheries boasts direct access to 3,200 tonnes of sea cucumber, which they process into a dry, market-ready line of products.
Understanding the Problem
The Challenge
Due to Ocean Pride Fisheries’ significant growth and expansion over the past few years, their supply and production have increased substantially. This growth made it challenging to meet the current market demand using traditional, labor-intensive processes. Early in the discovery process, our engineering team identified the importance of implementing smart fisheries automation for sorting and grading to remain competitive.
The primary bottleneck identified was the grading of dried sea cucumbers. The existing process was subjective, with accuracy varying based on the individual performing the grading, time of day, and other uncontrollable factors. Additionally, training new employees in the manual grading sea-cucumber was both time-consuming and inconsistent.
This approach aligns with the broader trend of automation in the seafood industry, where optimizing production processes is crucial for competitive advantage.
Step 01: Initial Prototype Testing
We conducted initial prototype testing to identify and resolve any issues early. This step ensures the system functions as intended, reducing future risks.
Step 02: CAD Modelling Design for Prototype
Using CAD modeling, we created detailed designs to validate the concept. This step helps visualize the system and make necessary adjustments before prototype development.
Step 03: Final Prototype Build
After successful testing, we built the final prototype. This step solidifies the design and prepares the system for the final implementation phase.
Step 04: Machine Vision Design
We integrated advanced machine vision technology to enhance accuracy and consistency in grading. This step is crucial for optimizing the system's performance.
Step 05: Final Product Delivery to Client
The completed system was delivered to the client, ready for deployment. This step ensures the client receives a fully operational and efficient automated grading system.
Solving the Challenge
The Solution
Ocean Pride Fisheries collaborated with Enginuity’s Industry 4.0 team to implement sea-cucumber automated grading system. This system uses advanced vision grading technology to ensure consistent and accurate grading. By automating the grading process, the company optimized labor resources and improved throughput.
The new system also facilitated a more sustainable training process, as employees were trained to operate the automated grading machines instead of manual grading. This implementation significantly enhanced the overall efficiency and consistency of their operations.
Summarizing the Outcome
The Conclusion
The integration of automation in the seafood industry allowed Ocean Pride Fisheries to overcome their primary challenges and maintain their market leadership. The automated sea cucumber grading system ensured consistent product quality and optimized labor resources, leading to increased production efficiency.
This advancement not only addressed current market demands but also positioned the company for future growth. Ocean Pride Fisheries demonstrated their commitment to innovation and operational excellence by leveraging our smart fisheries automation services.
Key Takeaways
Advanced Fish Grading System
Implementing an automated vision grading system streamlined the grading process, ensuring accuracy and consistency in sea cucumber quality.
Fishery Automation
Enginuity’s Industry 4.0 team enhanced Ocean Pride Fisheries’ operations with smart fisheries solutions, boosting efficiency and labor resource optimization.
Sustainable Training
Transitioning from manual to machine-operated grading improved training sustainability, making it easier to onboard new employees and maintain high standards.
Transforming the Future of Seafood Automation
The success of Ocean Pride Fisheries in automating their sea cucumber grading process highlights our expertise in seafood industry automation. This experience can be replicated across various applications, enabling the automation of grading processes for sea urchins, clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, scallops, crabs, and lobster.
Fish plants and seafood processors face significant challenges, including maintaining consistent quality, accessing a regular labor force, and optimizing workflows. Our advanced automation solutions address these issues by implementing sorting and grading systems that ensure uniform quality and efficiency. Additionally, our technologies streamline the harvesting process, boosting productivity and improving operational efficiency.
By integrating state-of-the-art automation, we help seafood processors achieve higher yields and superior product quality. Our tailored solutions meet the unique needs of each operation, whether it’s grading shellfish, optimizing fish processing workflows, or enhancing overall plant efficiency. With our expertise, you can achieve seamless automation in every aspect of seafood processing, from initial harvest to final packaging, ensuring a more productive and cost-effective operation.
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