FGV improves mill operations with POMIS smart tech
In line with the development of IR4.0, technological integration is much needed in the palm oil industry which is traditionally known to be more labour extensive in its operations.
Syed Mahdhar Syed Hussain
KUALA LUMPUR: FGV Holdings Bhd (FGV), through its subsidiary and tech arm, FGV Prodata Systems Sdn Bhd (FGV Prodata), modernises traditional industrial practices through the implementation of the Palm Oil Mill Integrated System (POMIS).
In a press statement, it said, POMIS offers a total solution to monitor palm oil mills including plants, factories and refineries in an integrated automated system.
To date, 66 out of 67 FGV mills are currently using POMIS to further enhance their performances. POMIS utilises modern smart technology and sensors for increased automation and improved communication. This is to achieve better plant supervision, such as operational control and monitoring system.
FGV's Group Divisional Plantation Sector director Syed Mahdhar Syed Hussain said that the urgency to expedite Malaysia's IR4.0 journey is vital in increasing FGV's overall performance and productivity.
“In line with the development of IR4.0, technological integration is much needed in the palm oil industry which is traditionally known to be more labour extensive in its operations. Through POMIS, FGV's mills are able to achieve their rated capacity consistently and systematically, with improved day-to-day operations. This contributes to more sustainable practice,” said Syed Mahdhar.
POMIS enables better decisionmaking for managers through operational data analysis, which is generated daily. It also ensures a safer working environment as the system is equipped with safety features that help reduce work-related accidents.
POMIS also helps to reduce the dependency on human labour on mill operations by five percent due to automation. This has proven to be beneficial especially during the pandemic where mill operations are continuously in automatic mode and minimum workers are required to operate. The system also reduces fuel fibre consumption by 15 per cent for boilers, contributing to lesser emissions.
Automation control centre using POMIS at FGV's palm oil mill
Before the implementation of POMIS, mill processes such as sterilisation, steam boiler controls, motors and steam temperature are manually monitored on-site by operators.
With POMIS, the said processes can be done by monitoring the screen via real-time feed. The automation replaces the traditional manual checking by operators, thus greatly reducing the possibility of human errors.
POMIS features a Central Motor Control (CMC) System where it is able to detect the motor status such as run, stop, trip and overload from the linked mill's equipment and machinery.
Another feature is the Load Monitoring System which ensures smooth and uninterrupted operation of conveyor, to manage conveyor loading. This reduces the risk of mill downtime due to conveyor overload.
FGV Prodata designs, builds and installs the systems that work most efficiently within FGV's mill environment. FGV Prodata also provides consultative solutions based on needs and requirements, for both mill expansions and new establishments.