Automation in the Food and Beverage Sector

Ryan Davis, Manager, Automation Technology, General Mills

Companies can use automation and modern analytical tools to screen products and goods from start to finish.

Automation is storming many industries, and it is time for food and beverage firms to jump aboard. Using additional labor and machines will help increase the amount, but it comes at a tremendous expense, one that could be shaved with the right procedure and system upgrades. Adopting sophisticated automation technologies, robots, and processes operated by computer or software is the solution.

But how is the technology being adopted or introduced in the food industry, and how can businesses benefit from introducing those systems?

Enhanced Worker Safety   

Automation, AI, and advanced robotics systems are mostly used to monitor rote, routine, and sometimes even dangerous activities. In this way, one can rescue human laborers from the risks of a single activity, or even from the monotony of busywork. It frees them from critical requirements, which is another advantage.

Indeed, improved safety and security for the committed employees will also minimize operational or repair costs in the long term. It will lead to quicker and more universal implementation of new standards and legislation for the vast workforce. Traditionally, such a move can entail extra preparation, new tools, or even improved staff security. In the case of automation, one can easily upgrade current hardware and software to be compatible and save the hassle of managing everything else, like upgrading the staff's protective devices, which will no longer be required.

End-To-End Traceability

Companies can use automation and modern analytical tools to screen products and goods from start to finish. Since the devices in question are configured to track and control their own with little or no feedback, one can tap anywhere along the chain to find the required information. Businesses can use the modern analytics and automation software at the disposal to find out where they are being delivered or headed. This way, firms can get away with a significant health issue before it even starts.    

The factor will help mitigate compliance costs and stressors and enhance the supply chain's overall efficiency and the various main processes. End-to-end traceability and all the evidence that comes with it is more than merely looking at where food comes from, where it is treated and where it goes. Enterprises can use the data generated to create an accurate profile and predictive framework for potential benefits.