THE DRUM AS A CONTROL TOOL: BEYOND TRACEABILITY, THE REAL ADVANTAGE OF ERRETRE TECHNOLOGY

In the current context of the tanning industry, the challenges of traceability, digitisation and sustainability are becoming increasingly central. The implementation of advanced technologies for monitoring consumption, emissions and preventive maintenance is no longer just an option, but a necessity for companies that want to remain competitive in an ever-changing market. Industry 4.0 and the transition to Industry 5.0 impose increasingly stringent standards in terms of operational efficiency and reduced environmental impact. In this scenario, the solutions developed by Erretre, such as the Black Line drums, fit in perfectly by responding to these needs with an automated and data-driven approach, capable of guaranteeing constant quality and optimisation of production processes.

Erretre, a leader in technological innovation for the leather processing industry, has developed advanced solutions that transform the drum from a simple machine to a true intelligent control tool, capable of improving efficiency, quality and sustainability. Its commitment to automation and sustainability places it among the main players in the sector, with an offer that covers both the production of advanced drums and the digitisation of tanning processes.

THE COMPUTERISED DRUM: A NEW APPROACH TO LEATHER MAKING

Traditionally, the drum has been considered essentially a mechanical machine, whose main objective was the handling of hides to ensure certain characteristics of softness, finish or colour. Erretre has introduced a new generation of drums, equipped with advanced computerised production control and management systems that collect, analyse and interpret production data in real time, helping the operator with easily interpretable data and reports through highly intuitive interfaces.

Thanks to sophisticated sensor technology and dedicated software such as LCAS (Leather Crafting Automation Software) and M.O.Re (Milling Organisational Resources), Erretre drums not only record the operations performed, but offer dynamic control of key parameters, including humidity, temperature, rotation speed, product injection and energy consumption. This data provides insight into exactly how processing is taking place and, more importantly, how it can be improved.

FROM TRACEABILITY TO PROCESS OPTIMISATION

One of the most common misconceptions in the leather making sector is to consider traceability as an end rather than a means. Data collection, in fact, is not only useful to demonstrate compliance with quality and environmental standards, but is an opportunity to improve the production process.

For example, thanks to the data collected in real time by Erretre drums, an operator can:

• Detecting inefficiencies: if a parameter such as humidity is outside the ideal values, the software signals the anomaly, allowing immediate action to correct the process before it compromises the quality of the leather.

• Optimise energy consumption: by adjusting heating and cooling according to the data collected, consumption can be reduced without altering the end result.

• Improving repeatability: each batch of leather may have starting differences, but the continuous monitoring of parameters allows corrections to be applied in real time, ensuring a uniform result.

This analysis capability turns the drum into a decision-making tool, reducing dependence on the manual experience of operators and making production more predictable and standardised.

INTERPRETING DATA: HOW TO READ A GRAPH AND ACT ACCORDINGLY

A key aspect of the automation introduced by Erretre is the ability to provide readable and comprehensible data. Through LCAS and M.O.Re, operators can visualise intuitive graphical representations of production parameters, quickly understanding any deviations from ideal values.

By analysing the reactions of the drum to various scenarios, a considerable amount of information about the process can be extrapolated. For example, an over-cooling reaction in the drum may indicate an abnormality in the expulsion of hot air or a higher load of skins in the drum, while a higher injection of water into the drum (again compared to the standard) may indicate an imbalance in the starting moisture content of the leather or a lower quantity of skins. Correlations based on data already known and present, but not exploited to improve the process.

THE CASE OF THE BLACK LINE DRUMS: AN ADVANCED CONTROL MODEL

A concrete example of Erretre's approach is the Black Line: this range of drums has been designed to maximise the control of leather processes, thanks to advanced sensor technology that monitors humidity, temperature and the movement of the hides with extreme precision.

The moisture validation system, in particular, is a key innovation: Erretre has developed a self-validating moisture control system, which is essential for maintaining quality in the milling process. This system ensures the correctness of the moisture readings, which is particularly critical for obtaining the desired characteristics of the finished leather. Through the combination of multiple sensors and advanced analysis software, the drum is able to correct any moisture variations in real time, thus improving the final product quality and reducing the risk of defects.

PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES: SAVINGS AND IMPROVED QUALITY

The use of computerised drums is not just a matter of technological innovation, but brings concrete and measurable benefits:

• Reduction of waste: real-time control avoids errors that could compromise the quality of the finished product, thus reducing material waste.

• Energy saving: accurate monitoring allows optimisation of consumption, avoiding energy wastage during heating and cooling.

• Increased productivity: thanks to increased efficiency and reduced downtime, production volume can be increased without compromising on quality.

CONCLUSION: THE DRUM OF THE FUTURE IS AN ALLY OF THE TANNER

Erretre's vision goes beyond simple traceability. The company is redefining the role of the drum, transforming it from a mechanical tool into an intelligent production control centre. The integration of advanced software and state-of-the-art sensors enables tanneries not only to monitor, but also to optimise and continuously improve the production process.

In an industry where quality and efficiency are critical factors, Erretre demonstrates that the future of tanning passes through technology: it is not enough to know what is happening in the process, you need to be able to control and improve it in real time.