Most processes in the food industry are repetitive and monotonous. Automation engineering may offer solutions to cut costs and improve inefficiencies. For a long time, robots were out of reach for small businesses in the beverage and dairy industry. In this article, we’ll look at the recent trends in automation in the food manufacturing sector.
Accessibility to Advanced Technology
In the past, robotics and automation tools were the preserve of big businesses. The capital outlay was too high for small businesses.
But today, technology has not only become more affordable but also easily accessible. Organizations in the food processing industry are using different types of control systems to manage their supply chain. Automated systems employ features such as machine vision for picking, packing, and quality control tasks.
Demand for Processed Foods
Another advantage of automation is eliminating errors and waste in the beverage, food, and dairy industry. Also, consumers are increasingly demanding specialty products. They range from vegan spreads to unique coffee merchandise. Automation can improve efficiency and uphold the quality of output.
Quality assurance is attainable in the competitive dairy industry through sophisticated controls that can capture errors in real-time. By using robotics, small businesses can meet market demands and cut down the turn-around time.
Meeting Safety Regulations
The food and dairy industry is subject to ever-changing regulations. Current rules emphasize maintaining hygiene and minimizing contact in the food industry.
Traditional robotics do not have the flexibility to adapt in the face of changing regulations. However, manufacturers are adopting a modular industrial construction approach to allow for flexibility. Therefore, it is cost-effective for SMEs to modify their food processing plant design when the need arises.
Saving Space with Robotics
Automation engineering is also becoming a viable solution for addressing warehouse challenges, especially for packing applications. An assembly may consist of a ceiling mount robot arm whose aim is to save space. It can place and pick parts from a moving conveyor.
Machine vision can identify foreign objects inside a package by analyzing specific characteristics of the product in the supply. The system has proven to be more efficient when integrated with management warehouse applications. By reducing the need for personnel on the industrial floor, businesses in the dairy industry can save time, money, and space.
Intuitive Systems
The lockdown has, in recent times, raised hygiene and safety concerns in the food and dairy industry. One of the main problems technology seeks to solve is the presence of staff members in the food processing plant. These developments have compelled organizations to seek effective automation solutions.
Companies want intuitive robotics that can integrate seamlessly into their existing supply chain applications. They also want to understand the impact their investment in technology will have on ROI. There is a need for comprehensive automation engineering solutions that are also cost-effective and easy to deploy.
The industrial flooring sector has reported a 3.85% increase in dollars and 3.2% in volume. Automation has had the most significant impact on manufacturing in recent years. There are a lot of opportunities for businesses in the food and dairy industry. However, each case is different and needs to be analyzed independently to attain optimal results.
Pamela began her professional career in the broadcast industry while attending Tarleton State University. After graduating with a B.S. in Speech Communication in 1997, she worked at several radio stations in management roles focusing on continuity, music and production as well as serving as an on-air talent continuously for more than ten years. In 2010, Pamela accepted a position as the Assistant Marketing and Development Director for the Eisemann Center in Richardson, TX. Helping to promote, market and develop the City of Richardson’s performing arts center, she succeeded in implementing and managing all social media marketing as well as creating and directing a first-ever student art exhibit, further strengthening her marketing and organizational talents.
Jason Krueger is the Director of Ranch and Real Estate Development for The Project Group Consulting, LLC. Jason has been managing and developing ranches for greater than 14 years, and has extensive sales management experience in the construction industry dating back to the late 90s. He is also a Wildlife Biologist/Ecologist with a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Texas A&M University in College Station.
Bryant began his career at Crepaco warehouse in parts distribution and pump assembly. Then he progressed to field installation for process and ammonia systems where he oversaw welding and fitting both sanitary tubing and ammonia piping systems.He then moved to San Antonio, spent a year as a contract fabricator with H-E-B Foods working for Sanitary Welding Services. At the end of his contract he returned to the DFW area with Alloy Equipment doing installation, crew management, and scheduling. There he remained through the buyout by Statco Fabrication and Engineering, which resulted in his 25 combined years with them moving into engineering and sales departments.
With more than 25 years in the food and beverage industry and extensive experience as a project manager, Tony has planned and led multi-million dollar projects relating to system upgrades, equipment installation, water quality, validations and process improvements. Some of his areas of expertise include project planning, quality assurance, process analysis, manufacturing systems, process design and problem resolution.
Tim is an electrical and control systems engineer with more than ten years of experience in a wide variety of industries. Project experience includes working with clients in the water/wastewater fields, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food and beverage industries. Prior to his engineering work, Tim was a licensed water treatment plant operator in Texas. Tim’s strengths are process engineering, control system design, conveyor system design, and project management. He received his B. S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. In his spare time, Tim enjoys working on cars, golfing, and billiards.
Michael has thirty-five years of diversified experience in project management and engineering, equipment and systems design, and manufacturing and production. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University.