Remote support, a winning strategy in today's new normal

Meccanica 2P, a company that has been supplying technology to the brick industry for over 40 years, has successfully started up and tested a number of lines remotely in recent months using digital plant engineering solutions

At a time when mobility is restricted and in many cases entirely prohibited due to the Covid-19 pandemic, remote support is a strategic tool for ensuring the continuity of plant start-up and testing activities on overseas customers’ production sites. Meccanica 2P, a company that has been supplying technology to the brick industry for over 40 years, has successfully started up and tested a number of lines remotely in recent months using digital plant engineering solutions designed to reach even the most distant locations, confirming its natural propensity for innovation and Industry 4.0 applications.

• Italy-Colombia: overcoming distances with remote assistance

The effectiveness of Meccanica 2P’s digital solutions has been demonstrated by the work carried out for two leading Colombian brick producers, both based in Medellín. A continuous cutting line for block production and a system for handling and loading blocks on a rapid dryer have been installed at the production site of Ladrillera Delta, while a line for handling and loading blocks on a rapid dryer has been started up at Ladrillera Altavista. The companies received support with logistics and installation of the machines, which were set up on site directly by the customers’ engineers following meticulous design and dry run testing at the Meccanica 2P factory. Plant start-up was managed by means of a remote assistance service using 24-hour video cameras and a direct connection with the software that guided and supported the Colombian engineers during the start-up and testing phases. This system gave the programmers in Italy a complete overview of the plant and allowed them to interact with the machine set-up software and provide direct support to on-site engineers during testing.

The operations were successfully completed on schedule and within the contractual timeframe and met with the client’s full satisfaction. The remote support system also allows for continuous verification and control of maintenance and rapid assistance in the event of problems or plant malfunctions.

• A focus on innovation

Meccanica 2P continues to invest in R&D in order to develop cutting-edge technological solutions with innovative materials and a strong focus on the environment and energy saving. One of its latest achievements is the installation of a cutting line for block production in a major Moroccan brick factory. Thanks to its ease of use, the machine is able to cut a wide range of products while minimising changeover times. The company also supplied two innovative cutting lines designed for the production of porcelain body products (extruded ventilated facades and large step pieces) for the Spanish market. These lines, which have already been installed and started up, guarantee high production rates and stand out for their high mechanical strength, low maintenance and ease of installation.

• A year packed with projects and opportunities

Despite the complicated global situation, Meccanica 2P is open to new challenges and is increasingly focused on the international market. 2021 promises to be a year packed with projects, in part due to the close collaboration with Venezuelan company Saracco & Cia. Upcoming projects include the imminent supply of components for rapid chain dryers and two green product handling lines to the Colombian and Peruvian markets.