Industry 4.0 is rapidly transforming factories, and at Qualtech , we firmly believe that technologies must be accessible, scalable, and truly useful on the floor. This is why we integrated Spark IoT into our own processes and now recommend it to our clients. The industrial IoT solution Spark IoT helps manufacturers improve equipment performance, optimize processes, and make informed, data-driven decisions. Why has IoT become essential? The Internet of Things connects industrial equipment to create a direct link between physical operations and their digital representation. This technology helps factories to: Monitor equipment behavior, performance, and consumption in real time Document and analyze production processes Ensure constant quality control Maintain full product traceability Detect failures quickly Reduce unplanned downtime with predictive maintenance Optimize resources and processes Support data-driven decision-making Foster continuous improvement At Qualtech, IoT also allows us to accelerate startups, enhance technical support, and open new avenues in R&D. Spark IoT is a complete solution that includes: Real-time data acquisition and analysis Performance dashboards Production reports and archiving Quality control tools Traceability Monitoring and optimization tools Why Qualtech trusts Spark IoT Before recommending it, we used it ourselves. Spark IoT is now part of our internal tools to: Monitor system performance at client sites Document and optimize startups Support engineers in process analysis and improvement Provide clients with reliable operational data This hands-on experience allows us to confirm that Spark is a solid, effective, and industry-ready solution. A solution already adopted across the industry About a dozen plants use Spark IoT daily Another dozen integrate it during our startups New modules are under development Partnerships are emerging in other industrial sectors Spark IoT is now used beyond dairy and food processing thanks to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. A shared vision: supporting factories in their digital transformation Our mission is clear: support manufacturers in their 4.0 journey with solutions that are not only innovative but also accessible, practical, and adapted to real-world conditions.

After several years of research and development, the process optimization team resumed work on the cheddaring system in May 2022. Our main mandate was to take charge of the vessel project, continue its development, and bring the system to market. In March 2024, Qualtech reached an important milestone: the sale of the very first project integrating this system. How Our Cheese Processing Cheddaring System Works? 1. Drainage Conveyor: controlling moisture from the start The first step is draining whey from the curd. The conveyor uses a specially perforated belt to accelerate this process.The adjustable speed allows precise control of the moisture percentage at the outlet—an essential parameter for ensuring final cheese quality.Fully enclosed, the conveyor prevents contamination and maintains optimal temperature.This technology replaces manual operations typically carried out in a finishing table, reducing variability and improving hygiene. 2. The vessel: structuring, heating, and preparing the mixture The curd then enters a vertical vessel where it slowly descends for about the required time. This configuration ensures a uniform and controlled transformation.The vessel is equipped with a double wall to maintain the ideal temperature and quickly reach the desired pH. An integrated pH probe indicates the exact moment when the mixture is ready for extrusion.When the required parameters are reached, the cheese is extracted from the vessel, giving it its characteristic fibrous structure.This step replaces several manual movements such as flipping and stacking while improving product consistency. 3. Laminating Conveyor: giving the final shape and texture Once extruded, the cheese is cut into slabs using an integrated guillotine and placed onto the laminating conveyor. Depending on the type of cheese desired, different pressing actions are applied to obtain the final texture.The slabs are then sent to a mill where they are cut, refined, and salted. This conveyor ensures a continuous flow and eliminates much of the traditional manual labor. A complete and coherent solution Together, these three pieces of equipment create an automated, hygienic, and precise production line. They reduce human handling, improve consistency, and allow cheese factories to increase capacity while maintaining superior quality. Two Key Benefits: reduce physical handling and ensure controlled transformation 1. Eliminating difficult manual tasks Cheese production normally involves physically demanding tasks such as flipping or stacking blocks. With our automated equipment: ·       Less labor is needed for heavy tasks ·       Workplace quality of life improves by reducing repetitive or strenuous motions ·       Risks of accidents and injuries decrease significantly 2. A closed and controlled environment Full control of the environment ensures consistent, safe, high-quality cheese: ·       Reduced loss and better production flow ·       Increased yield thanks to continuous control of pH, temperature, and humidity ·       Consistent product, batch after batch A true source of pride It is a real point of pride for Qualtech to offer such an innovative solution.Beyond financial gains, the system reduces the impact of labor shortages by eliminating physically demanding tasks.This innovative technology is a genuine game changer for our customers. Demonstrations in several cheese plants using the prototype have generated positive reactions, and we are confident this type of project will become a standard in our future orders.