Automating A Centuries-old Process

摘要

Winemaking is a craft rich in tradition, built on techniques and knowledge passed down through the ages. But in the 21st century marketplace, consumer demands, increasing competition and margins thinner than a Pinot Noir grape skin have forced wineries to evolve and more critically evaluate their production processes.rnClos du Bois, a super-premium winery in Sonoma County, Calif., integrated the automation systems of disparate processes to create an insightful window into the wine-making process. The result was more production flexibility, increased throughput and better business decisions that have enhanced its position.rnIn November 2004 - 30 years after bottling its first vintage - Clos du Bois reviewed its manual production processes to identify the areas that had the greatest impact on overall production in terms of throughput and efficiency. The highspeed bottling line was a system that had a significant influence on overall production and yield, yet was experiencing unplanned bottlenecks and stoppages and running at a mere 65 percent efficiency.