MINGLECONTROL x PLAATO
FERMENTATION AT THE NEXT LEVEL – Intelligent control meets real-time data analysis
Data as the key to Brewery 4.0 – in order to make industrial production fit for the future, it is facing a certain transformation. Processes are becoming increasingly digitalized, networked and data-driven. In this context, fermentation plays a key role as a decisive process step in breweries, but also in other companies in the beverage, food and biotechnology industries. With the aim of making fermentation processes smarter and more efficient, MINGLECONTROL is taking the next innovative step: as the official sales partner of the Norwegian company PLAATO in the DACH region, not only is the PLAATO Pro sensor being added to its own portfolio, but it can also be integrated directly into the MINGLECONTROL platform. A partnership with enormous potential.
PLAATO IN BRIEF
PLAATO AS was founded in Oslo in 2015 and has set itself the goal of revolutionizing processes in the fermentation industry. The innovative company has therefore specialized in the development of advanced sensors and associated apps for the brewing industry and companies with fermentation processes and has worked its way up to become a pioneer in this field in just a few years. PLAATO pursues a clear vision: to improve fermentation processes through precise, continuous data acquisition and smart analyses.
With a team of engineers, data analysts and brewing experts, PLAATO therefore developed the PLAATO Pro Sensor, which was initially used for hobby brewers. It offers clever solutions for fermentation monitoring and production optimization. The PLAATO Pro Sensor is now used in over 300 breweries worldwide.
The company won the Food Tech Challengers Award in 2023 for its developments, beating 400 other companies.
SMART DATA INSTEAD OF MANUAL SAMPLES
Traditional fermentation monitoring requires manual spindle samples, laboratory measurements and therefore a high level of personnel input. These methods are time-consuming, prone to errors and carry the risk of contamination – a problem that is a particular burden for small and medium-sized breweries. PLAATO offers a smart alternative here: with continuous data acquisition on CO₂ output, density and temperature, the PLAATO Pro Sensor replaces manual effort with reliable, automated monitoring. Critical points in the fermentation process, such as diacetyl resting or cold crashing, can be precisely controlled, which significantly improves consistency and quality.
Additional advantages for the brewer:
- No more product loss: With manual spindle sampling, the young beer removed must be discarded as it cannot be returned to the tank. With PLAATO, this loss is completely eliminated – a big plus point for micro and craft breweries.
- Automated fermentation curves: Instead of drawing the fermentation curves manually from the measured extract values, the integration of the PLAATO sensor in MINGLECONTROL provides up-to-date diagrams at all times, which are automatically archived and documented.
- Fewer manual measurements: Digital monitoring saves time and reduces the error rate.
- Push notifications: Stay informed about the status of your fermentation at all times – on your mobile device, tablet or PC.
- Batch optimization: Automated batch management for more efficient processes.
THE PLAATO PRO SENSOR
The company’s main product is the PLAATO Pro Sensor, which focuses on collecting and analyzing critical data. It is a wireless, battery-powered sensor that continuously measures relevant data from fermentation tanks. This enables breweries to monitor the fermentation process in real time and collect valuable data that helps to optimize production and ensure consistent quality.
In detail, the PLAATO Pro sensor continuously measures the fermentation activity, density (°Plato) and temperature of the beer during fermentation. This data is transmitted wirelessly to the PLAATO app or linked applications, such as MINGLECONTROL, giving brewers access to up-to-date information anytime, anywhere. By analyzing this data, breweries can optimize production processes, ensure the consistency of their products and make more efficient use of resources. This measurement data provides a complete history of each fermentation process, allows informed decisions to be made, reduces errors and enables precise control measures to be taken.
An outstanding feature of the PLAATO Pro sensor is its simple installation and integration into existing systems and plants. The sensor is compact, relatively lightweight, is connected directly to the fermentation tank and then immediately starts collecting data.
THE TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
📏 Measuring principle: vibrating fork technology for precise density analysis
🎯 Accuracy: ±0.5 °Plato / ±0.002 SG
⏲️ Measuring intervals: Every 30 minutes, 48 measurements per day
💪🏼 Installation: In less than 5 minutes via 1.5″ Tri-Clamp connection
🔋 Battery operation: runtime up to 6 months
🌐 Connectivity: WiFi (2.4 GHz), range up to 200 meters
🧩 Integration: API-based connection to third-party platforms
Another benefit!
The sensors can be used flexibly and are also suitable for smaller tanks – ideal for owner-managed businesses. MINGLECONTROL brings this digitalization to where it provides the greatest benefit: to small and medium-sized breweries, which benefit from intuitive operation and seamless integration. The result is a strong digital foundation that reduces workload and increases competitiveness at the same time – without requiring any prior technical knowledge.
MINGLECONTROL x PLAATO -
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN!
The collaboration between MINGLECONTROL and PLAATO takes digitalization and automation in the brewing industry to the next level. As the main sales partner for the DACH region, MINGLECONTROL not only distributes the PLAATO Pro sensors, but also ensures their intelligent integration into existing brewery processes – without any isolated solutions or manual intermediate processes.
The direct connection of the PLAATO Pro sensor to the MINGLECONTROL process control software enables unprecedented process intelligence in the field of fermentation. The fermentation data obtained is visible in real time – wherever it is needed: on the PC in the office, on the tablet in production or even via push message on your smartphone wherever you are. Brewers no longer have to rely on manual spindle measurements, but can see at a glance how far the fermentation process has progressed and whether any interventions are necessary.
In this case, digitalization means that data is not only collected, but also brought together, analysed and visualized in a meaningful way. In addition to the PLAATO values, MINGLECONTROL also brings together other process-relevant information such as temperature curves, tank occupancy and batch status. The result is a holistic picture that enables brewers to make informed decisions – both to optimize individual processes and to improve quality in the long term.
Automation begins where routine work can be replaced by intelligent systems and employees can be relieved. With the help of PLAATO sensor technology and MINGLECONTROL, for example, the ideal time for filling is automatically recognized – without manual checks or unnecessary waiting times. This precise process control enables production schedules to be adhered to more reliably and resources to be used more efficiently. This not only saves time and money, but also increases the stability and predictability of the production process.
THE ADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE
CENTRALIZED DATA PLATFORM
PLAATO data is visualized directly in MINGLECONTROL – without a separate app or manual exports.
AUTOMATED NOTIFICATIONS
Early indications when fermentation stops or target value is reached.
LINK WITH PROCESS AUTOMATION
Control of valves, pumps or refrigeration systems depending on the fermentation process.
BATCH DOCUMENTATION
All fermentation data is automatically assigned to the production orders.
GOLDEN BATCH FERMENTATION CURVE
Analysis of historical data to visualize perfect fermentation area.
TRACEABILITY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
Seamless batch tracking for audits and certifications.
ON THE DIRECT PATH TO INTELLIGENT BREWING PROCESSES
As the exclusive sales partner for PLAATO in the DACH region, MINGLECONTROL not only ensures that the integration runs smoothly – we also advise you on your requirements, analyze your needs and find the perfect solution to make your brewing processes more efficient. Of course, we also provide professional support afterwards to optimize your production in the long term. Breweries not only benefit from state-of-the-art sensor technology and intelligent process control, but also from a reliable partner who speaks their language and understands the needs of the industry.
MORE THAN JUST A SENSOR
The combination of MINGLECONTROL and PLAATO is more than the sum of two technologies – it is the next step towards intelligent, self-learning production. Thanks to precise fermentation data, seamless integration and automated processes, companies can improve their production quality, reduce costs and develop their innovative strength.
In short, MINGLECONTROL x PLAATO gives breweries the digital clarity they need to focus on what really matters – brewing great beer.
