Roasting Intelligence (RI5) - Getting Started

This manual explains how to successfully perform your first roast with the Roasting Intelligence (RI5)

Your Roasting Intelligence (RI) needs to be successfully downloaded and configured, also your computer is directly connected to the roast machine before you start performing the actions outlined in this manual. 

If you need assistance installing the Roasting Intelligence (RI5) please check our Knowledge base or contact our Support Team. We are here for you. 

Please note, that if you are currently using RI4 Beta, you will not be able to switch to RI5 just yet. Our Integrations Team will be in touch with you once it will be possible to switch to RI5. 


Why use the Roasting Intelligence (RI5)?


With its newly improved features, the Roasting Intelligence (RI5) keeps increasing your efficiency, helps you to keep consistency in quality, and supports you in developing your products to the next level. 

Review the Release Notes for every version of RI5 to stay updated on the latest features and improvements.
💡 You can access the Release Notes directly within the Roasting Intelligence (RI5) by simply clicking on Help and selecting Release Notes.

Pre-roasting

Depending on the operating system you use, there are two options to find the Roasting Intelligence (RI) on your desktop:

  1. In case of using Windows: Check your program files and look for Cropster Roasting Intelligence.
  2. In case of using Mac: Check Cropster Roasting Intelligence in your applications. 

After completing the first steps of starting with Cropster Roast you are ready to perform your first roast by following the steps below:
Screenshot 2024-07-02 at 19.48.32

  1. Log in to the Roasting Intelligence (RI5).
  2. Prior to getting started with the Roasting Intelligence (RI5), we suggest taking a moment to explore the Help menu and select the Interface Tour option.
    This will familiarize you with the layout and functionalities of the software.

    Screenshot 2024-07-02 at 19.50.30
  3. To select the Roast technician, simply click on the Switch user button SwitchIcon next to Next roast at the top of the right side of the screen.
  4. Click on Synchronize SyncIcon@2x at the bottom of the left side of the page.
    💡 Tasks that are assigned to a roasting machine can also show up in RI if this option has been enabled by the task issuer.
  5. Set the Roasting Intelligence (RI5) Preferences
  6. Select a Profile.
    💡 By selecting a Profile, the Roasting Intelligence (RI) will automatically select the right Green Inventory and Start weight. When using pre-blend profiles, the "Next roast" values will be pre-filled, but you can also adjust the blend ratio for a particular batch without impacting the pre-blend profile.
  7. After completing steps 3-5, the Start button becomes active. You need to load the hopper with green coffee.
  8. Click on Start. Within 30 seconds of hitting the Start button, charge your roaster with beans and the roast will start.

By default, the automatic start and end detection are enabled, so you can start recording the roast first and then charge the coffee.
The Roasting Intelligence (RI) is designed to automatically detect temperature changes, signaling the beginning and end of the roast for optimal control and precision.

During roasting

You can see the following information on the roasting screen:
  1. Available temperature curves and their values on the right-hand side of the chart.
  2. When enabled, the Rate of Rise (RoR) for all temperature curves.
  3. Available machine inputs e.g. gas, pressures.
    💡 This feature depends on the machine and connection.
  4. Modulation chart on the bottom of the graph.
  5. Roast duration in the right corner of the screen.
  6. Modulation phase timer. 
  7. Event buttons.
    💡 You can click anywhere on the graph to open the comments field.
    📚 Learn how to set comments in the Roasting Intelligence (RI)  .
  8. The enable or disable option for the Predictions during roast by switching the toggle button on the top left side of the page. By using your mouse you can get the axis values of your chart. This will help you to more precisely detect any potential deviations from your reference curve. 
    Screenshot 2024-07-02 at 19.57.01

If you previously used RI4 you might have already noticed the change regarding the +/- signs of the Gas control bar which we would also like to draw attention to: 

In RI5 the -/+ buttons have a reversed position. The - is on the top left and the + is on the top right side of the control bars. 

Finish roasting

There are two ways to finish your roast: 

  1. Open the flap: 

    The Roasting Intelligence (RI) has an automatic start and end function. After opening the flap, the cool air will trigger the end of the roast. 
    💡 Automatic start and end detection must be activated to enable the Roasting Intelligence (RI) to perform this action. 

  2. Click on the Stop button and Confirm it within 3 seconds.
    Before saving your roast, you can adapt the Profile you've been roasting e.g. by adding the roast times, end weight, color readings, or notes. When you enter all the relevant information click on Save.

Setting a reference curve


Once you have developed your profiles, you can set your reference curve. 
📚 Learn how to add, edit and archive roast profiles.
💡We recommend to set a reference curve for each of your profiles to guide you during roasting. 

There are four different ways to set a reference curve.

By following the steps below you can set a reference curve in Roasting Intelligence (RI)

  1. Open the production bar by clicking the Production icon. 
  2. Select the roasted batch you would like to set as a reference and click the dots (...)
  3. Select Mark as reference.
    💡 Once you marked the roast as reference the changes will take immediate effect via the online platform C-sar as well. 

FAQs

Where do I find the keyboard shortcuts?

Click on Help  > Keyboard shortcuts and a new window will pop up with all the keyboard shortcuts 
💡 Our goal is to make the keyboard shortcuts easy to remember and conflict-free. We are also making space for other shortcuts coming soon.

How can I add my preferences?

There are three ways to add your preferences:

  1. Navigate to gear-png-2 Preferences on the bottom of the left side of the page.
    Screenshot 2024-07-02 at 20.02.04
  2. You can select between the following tabs:
    Screenshot 2024-07-02 at 20.03.29
  3. Use the respective Keyboard shortcut.

📚 Learn more about the Roasting Intelligence (RI5) Preferences.

Is there a way to maximize the efficiency of my screen while I am roasting?

Yes, there is. Either your screen is small and you are trying to maximize its efficiency or you work with two screens and want to keep some sidebars visible all the time, the Roasting Intelligence (RI5) perfectly adapts to your needs.

There are two ways of moving your sidebars: 

  • By clicking on the Detach sidebar SidebarDetachedIcon@2x button the sidebar can be moved into its own window.
    💡This function is not available in full-screen mode. 
  • By clicking on the Attach sidebar SidebarIcon@2x button, the window can be moved back into the extended state.

Contacting Customer Support 


You can submit a support ticket via the Roasting Intelligence (RI5) by following the steps below:

  1. Navigate to the Support menu on the left side of the page. 
  2. Provide the Subject* and the Description* of the issue you are experiencing.
    * is indicating mandatory fields.
  3. Click on Submit. 

Your log files will be automatically attached to provide additional technical information related directly to your feedback. 



Related content


Congratulations! You are now ready to perform your first roast with the Roasting Intelligence (RI5).

Your opinion matters. If you have further questions, feedback, or concerns, please feel free to reach out by submitting a support ticket directly from support.cropster.com