Technological advancement brings opportunities for developing competencies in high-value areas

Skaza has taken a decisive step towards digitalization by completing the Skaza 5.0 project, which was co-financed with €1.9 million from the NextGenerationEU fund. The project, worth €4.3 million, ran from April 2022 to March 2024 and includes a comprehensive digital transformation of Skaza’s value chain. This project represents a significant milestone on our path to Industry 5.0, where we integrate people and advanced technology to create more efficient and sustainable business processes.

Key Achievements of the Project

• AGV Autonomous Transport Line: Designed to transport up to 450 pallets of finished products per day. The processing time for each pallet has been reduced from 5 minutes to 1 minute, saving 200 hours of manual labor per month.
• Collaborative Robots: Two UR10 robots work in synergy with operators. In the first project, the robot packs 4000 items per shift, while the operator manages quality and changes packaging elements. In the second project, the collaborative robot operates autonomously for packing items and applying protective film, reducing the need for an additional operator.
• MES System: Provides real-time monitoring and optimization of production processes. It connects production assets in a network, enabling timely detection of issues and optimization of planning, task management, resource allocation, product quality, and real-time inventory analysis.
• Digital Product Passport: Enhances product traceability throughout its lifecycle, boosts brand trust, ensures better compliance with regulations, and reduces the need for manual work.
• Digital Twin: Allows simulation and optimization of production processes, increasing competitiveness and reducing costs.
• AI Vision System: Six AI cameras improve quality control and link production processes with injection molding parameters and QR codes.
• Energy Management System (EMS): Optimizes energy consumption and reduces electrical power peaks.
• HRast Platform: Digitizes HR processes for better organization, early talent identification, and reduced paperwork.

Advantages and Benefits

By developing and adopting new digital knowledge and artificial intelligence, we enable rapid detection of deviations, monitoring market trends, making informed decisions, and adapting to changes. Automation increases production efficiency and allows the development of skills that enable employees and the company to focus on areas with higher added value. Our advanced digital tools provide the fastest error notifications, allowing quicker problem resolution.

Project Partners and Their Impact

The Skaza 5.0 project was carried out in collaboration with five key partners, who played a significant role in its success:

• Itelis: ERP system upgrade.
• Alset: Energy management and collaborative workstations.
• INEA: Machine vision and MES system in production.
• Netis: Specialist in NFT certification, blockchain technology, and digital product passport.
• Zlatorog: Automated cells for wrapping and connecting final pallets.
• Siemens: Creation of a comprehensive digital strategy and future solutions.
• Blubit: Experts in manufacturing automation and collaborative robots.

Vision for the Future

The Skaza 5.0 project places employees at the heart of production by improving workplace ergonomics and transitioning from operational to supervisory roles. Our long-term vision is that employees will focus on managing the automated production process in the future, which will allow them to advance to higher value-added positions.

Skaza Plastics exports 95% of its products, with the largest share going to the European Union. We are present in over 56 markets, where we ensure precision, top quality, and comprehensive support throughout the project, which confirms the trust of global multinationals. In the Slovenian market, we strengthen our presence with our own brand.

Join us and create magic together: www.skaza.com