Dialog Enterprise partners RRI to introduce IoT solution to rubber plantations

• Innovative solution developed with technical assistance from Dialog Moratuwa University Research Lab aims to enhance rubber drying process

Dialog Enterprise, the corporate ICT solution arm of Dialog Axiata PLC, in collaboration with the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka and Dialog University of Moratuwa Research Laboratory, has devised an IoT-led implementation to assist local rubber plantations with their drying process of crepe rubber, keeping abreast with the latest trends in digitalisation.

“The solution enables continuous real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity inside the drying chambers, ensuring that optimal conditions are maintained at all times for harnessing the best of the yield,” states Rubber Research Institute, Acting Director Dr. Susantha Siriwardena.

 “This helps us to identify operational deficiencies in the drying process and take proactive measures on time rendering multiple benefits such as shortening the drying period, assuring the quality of the product being dried, reduction of firewood used, etc.,” he explained further. “This IoT solution can be used as a very effective and low-cost tool to achieve higher drying efficiency in any hot air-drying system through online monitoring and supervision of the drying process, and is not just limited to rubber drying,” added Dr. Siriwardena. 

Employing the latest Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (Saas) solution operates on a centralised monitoring and administration platform, with customisable dashboards for displaying current status of environmental conditions. It also features graphical analysis with historical data and trend analytics for triggering instant alerts and notifications.  

“A milestone in our manufacturing process,” states Pussellawa Plantations Ltd. Chief Operating Officer – Rubber Manoj Udugampola. “Optimally controlled atmospheric conditions play a pivotal role in the manufacture of high-grade crepe rubber; and this solution that we have been presented by Dialog Enterprise enables us to remotely monitor the condition of the drying towers in real-time from anywhere.”  

Considered to be the purest form of rubber, crepe rubber is graded visually and is, therefore, produced under finely controlled conditions. Insufficient or prolonged drying during the final stage of the manufacturing process often causes mould growth while excessive temperatures may lead to tackiness. The rubber colour, which is the prime factor in the assessment of quality in visually graded crepe rubber, is prone to discoloration due to various chemical reactions if the recommended drying temperature and humidity levels are not maintained. Therefore, to ensure that optimal conditions are maintained throughout for achieving high quality (crepe rubber 1X percentages), the connected IoT sensors can be configured for specific actions in predetermined/envisioned situations such as switching On/Off an exhaust fan based on temperature and humidity readings. This also ensures eco-friendly pluses such as saving on firewood.

“Tapping into the best of technology, we are now provisioned with improved overall efficiency by optimising resource utilisation, increasing the quality of produce while reducing wastage and operational costs,” said Horana Plantation PLC CEO Johann Rodrigo, on the IoT solution implemented at their end.  

Constant and continuous monitoring paves for early detection and identification of anomalies and malpractices in the rubber drying process. As customisable real-time alerts can be configured to trigger when ideal conditions change, immediate remedial action can be taken proactively to avoid complications. Further, the availability of historical data for analysis helps in future planning of factory operations. The IoT implementation, therefore, improves the overall operational efficiency of the process as a whole while reducing the cost of firewood intake through reduced drying cycle time. 

Dialog-University of Moratuwa Mobile Communications Research Laboratory Director Prof. Dileeka Dias stated: “Having spent numerous years in the development of IoT systems at the Dialog-University of Moratuwa Mobile Communications Research Laboratory, I am delighted to witness how our technology is facilitating essential operations in the Sri Lankan plantation industry, one of the key mainstays in Sri Lankan economy.”

Dialog Enterprise IoT solutions play a crucial role in driving innovation and growth in the plantation industry,” says Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Officer – Dialog Enterprise Navin Pieris. “By providing real-time monitoring and insights, IoT technologies now enable rubber factories to operate more efficiently, sustainably and profitably. With the ability to optimise operations, reduce human intervention and increase precision in the manufacturing processes through real-time data insights, management can make informed decisions and respond quickly to changing conditions, improving their overall competitiveness and resilience.”

Dialog Enterprise, a digitalisation leader, offers an IoT of solution that offers significant advantages to almost every industry. With IoT technology, businesses can create new opportunities, improve efficiency, manage tasks, analyse opportunities, and securely transfer information. Dialog Enterprise has implemented IoT solutions in various industries, catering to their individual requirements and this will be extended to the tea plantation industry as well.