At a leading event for the livestock industry in Rennes, Christophe Cellier of Andritz discussed a solution designed to change how companies approach maintenance. The technology uses sensor-based data to predict issues before they lead to costly, unplanned downtime, ensuring continuous operation and enhanced efficiency for feed producers.
Christophe Cellier
Sales Manager at Andritz
In an era where digital transformation and operational efficiency are paramount, companies are increasingly turning to smart technology to gain a competitive edge. At SPACE in Rennes, France, a prominent annual event for the livestock industry, the key to this evolution lay in discussions around data and how it can be used to move beyond traditional maintenance practices. In a conversation with Feed Planet on the fairgrounds, Christophe Cellier, Sales Manager at Andritz, shed light on how his company is leading this shift with their innovative solution, Metris VibePro.
Could you start by telling us about your new solution?
Of course. One of our solutions is called Metris VibePro, a sensor-based technology. These sensors monitor the vibration and temperature of machines. The collected data is analyzed to anticipate maintenance needs. This allows users to receive alerts before a breakdown occurs, so they can take action in advance. With this tool, maintenance becomes predictive and proactive.
Can these sensors only be used with Andritz machines?
Not at all. The sensors can be installed on any machine, regardless of brand. Customers purchase a license to access data analysis and alerts. Notifications can also be sent directly to their phones, meaning they no longer have to wait for failures—they can detect and fix issues ahead of time.
What concrete benefits does the system bring to companies?
The most important benefit is eliminating unplanned downtime. The system can warn operators about potential problems up to a week in advance. This gives the maintenance team enough time to act and fix the issue. As a result, factories can operate 24/7 without interruption. In addition, overall production efficiency increases.
What about energy efficiency?
Yes, that’s another advantage. The sensors don’t just prevent failures, they also help to optimize energy consumption. By ensuring that machines run at the right level, unnecessary energy losses are avoided. This way, companies can safely operate at maximum capacity instead of staying 15% below.
Is the installation complicated?
Not at all. It’s very easy—just a few screws to attach the sensor to the machine. For example, in a mill you might need two sensors for the fan, one for each motor, and one for the main drive. With just three sensors you already get a lot of valuable information about the machine’s condition. The system also tells you practical actions—like when to add grease or adjust the belts.
Do operators need special training?
During installation, our team supports the customer. The data itself belongs to the customer, but the analysis is performed through our licensed software. This makes it very straightforward for operators to interpret the results.
Who is currently using Metris VibePro?
Right now, the system is running in the Netherlands and Denmark. It’s also being applied in other industries outside food and feed—such as the energy and separation sectors. Feedback has been very positive: maintenance teams are calmer and more efficient because they know exactly where to intervene and how to solve problems before they escalate.
Are you targeting specific regions?
The product is designed for global use, but Southeast Asia is especially important for us. We are working to expand Metris VibePro worldwide.
When was the product launched?
It has been on the market for about five years, with successful applications across different industries.
Finally, how do you position this technology within the broader industrial context?
Today, everyone is talking about AI and digitalization. We are part of that movement. Without data, there is no digital transformation. Metris VibePro is a concrete product that enables this shift—helping industries move towards smarter, more efficient, and sustainable operations.