Digitalization of production processes can be challenging, but some companies have demonstrated how to overcome the barriers.

At the GCE NODE Digitalization Forum in Kristiansand Wednesday, three leading tech partners – Egde, Ignos, and ONCE – shared practical insights from successful use cases.

EGDE AND ELKEM
“Start small, then scale what works,” said Helene Holte, Head of Consultants at Egde.

She reflected on Egde’s successful AI collaboration with Elkem. A structured pilot project evolved into a company specific and scalable platform that brought AI closer to core production.

Holte encourage companies to align their AI Initiatives with company goals, to ensure high-quality data, and to educate personnel and engage users for a smooth adaptation.

“Have the courage to challenge your gut instincts when real-time insights offer better answers,” said Rolf Thu, Chief Technology Officer at Ignos.

IGNOS AND FRAMO
Her message was echoed by Rolf Thu, Chief Technology Officer at Ignos, who promoted the use of digital assistants that help factories become more efficient and resilient.

“Start with what you have, involve your people, and choose skilled partners,” said Thu.

“You need to trust your data, and to have the courage to challenge your gut instincts when real-time insights offer better answers. Still, AI is merely an assistant – humans should always make the final decision,” said Thu.

He highlighted how Ignos helped Framo increase machine utilization by 30 per cent in just nine months. Earlier this year, Framo was named Norway’s Smartest Industrial Company.

Øivind Sæbø (right), CEO at ONCE, makes productions processes more efficient for client Blu Electro. Left: Tom Fidjeland, CEO of Umoe Mandal.

ONCE AND BLU ELECTRO
Øivind Sæbø, CEO at ONCE, focused on how their software can simplify work processes and improve data quality. He went on to show how their client Blu Electro had benefitted from this.

“ONCE provides traceability and quality in Blu Electro projects and saves them time by making production processes more efficient,” said Sæbø.

The Digitalization Forum was hosted by GCE NODE, ONCE, Egde and Ignos/WalkTheTalk.

Left-right: Alf Fredvik (NOV) and Jan Helge Viste (GCE NODE).

Artificial intelligence was the topic for a NODE Eyde Women (NEW) event at the University of Agder in Grimstad last week.

The event spotlighted the implementation of digitalization and artificial intelligence in industry with practical examples from the Agder region. The gathering welcomed professionals from diverse companies and disciplines represented by the NODE and Eyde Clusters and emphasized inclusion and gender diversity.

Solveig Steinsland from Vianode opened with insights into building graphite production facilities, highlighting the role of structured data, digital twins, and advanced process control.

Marius Askildsen of CapGemini followed, stressing the importance of data quality in AI adoption and illustrating how businesses can evolve with AI agents.

Hanne Swatland Gunnarsson from NOV shared her experience implementing ChatGPT Enterprise, encouraging participants to treat AI as a helpful colleague.

The day concluded with a tour of Mechatronic Innovation Lab, featuring robotics, sensors, and 3D printing.

MORE: Full story in Norwegian from NEW

A tour of Mechatronics Innovation Lab in Grimstad included a meet and greet with famous robot SPOT, operated by Karianne Ormseth.
Solveig Steinsland from Vianode.

A two-day aquaculture course held in Agder this week offered participants a deep dive into the future of fish farming.

Developed by GCE NODE, Innakva KLYNGE, and NIVA – and supported by Agder County, the program aimed to foster innovation and knowledge transfer between the region’s offshore industries and the national aquaculture sector.

Project Manager at GCE NODE, Erlend Moksness, highlighted the value of the hands-on experience: “We started in Farsund with a visit to Baring’s land-based facility. Their strategy and operational transparency gave participants a detailed understanding of post-smolt production, that is fish weighing around one kilo,” says Moksness.

The group continued to Mowi’s site in Flekkefjord, where they explored the Abildsnes facility. “It was a brilliant setup,” said Moksness. “Seeing both land- and sea-based operations up close gave participants a real grasp of how modern aquaculture works.”

The course concluded at Utsikten Resort Hotel in Kvinesdal with lectures on aquaculture history, fish health, disease management, and emerging technologies.

Left-right: Frank Dale, Maria Roaldsnes, Øyvind Tangen Ødegaard, Marit Kleven, Eliann Lilleøygard and Tom Einar Jacobsen.
Left-rught: Frank Dale, Marit Kleven, Maria Roaldsnes, Tom Einar Jacobsen and Bjarte Sævareid (Production Manager at Baring).