Food producers End of line packaging automation are constantly under pressure to maintain high production and low costs while fulfilling the high standards of retail customers and consumers.
The Food and Drink Federation estimates that by 2024, British manufacturers will need 140,000 minimum wage workers. To make matters worse, even if businesses can fill these roles, the prospect of rising personnel expenditures due to minimum wage laws is worrisome.
This is where automation may help
This blog will examine current trends in food manufacturing and how End of line packaging automation will play a larger role in the future. Why Automation Can Revolutionize The Food Industry And Your Plants
What is automated food processing?
Agriculture automation is inevitable as plants become more digital. It involves adding devices that can weigh, check, and provide real-time data. For food businesses, automation is an essential step to enhance output and reduce costs.
Already, the sector is realising the value of gathering, utilising, and analysing production data. As a result, more semi-automatic weighing machines with real-time data are being used.
In order to handle a wide range of applications, these machines must be very versatile. It is ideal for processing wet foods like meat, poultry, and fish, as well as delicate items like fruit and vegetables.
Manufacturers are becoming more aware of the benefits of automation, which allows them to monitor the entire production line and make adjustments without shutting it down. Automating the weighing procedure should pay for itself in six to twelve months.
Sensor networks, for example, can collect and aggregate data while communicating with electronic devices such as PCs, PDAs, and laptops. This means data can be viewed remotely.
Wireless sensor networks can be used to identify toxins in the food supply chain, which is still a big concern globally.
Automation also includes monitoring processing machinery with AI-driven prognostic algorithms to drive preventive maintenance plans, reduce downtime, and lower maintenance costs.
What now?
The food manufacturing industry has fallen behind other industries in terms of automation. The Food Standards Agency, a myriad of EU food safety legislation, and the BRC’s Global Standard for Food Safety, not to mention store and industry norms, are regularly mentioned as reasons for production adjustments.
As a result, food producers have become more cautious. However, there are evidence of a shift in attitudes.
Purchasing managers are becoming more aware of the ROI that End of line packaging automation may give, and the industry is agreeing that such investments are justified.
Whether repairing older machinery or inefficient motors to meet the EU’s Ecodesign Directive or investing in the latest generation of semi-automatic machines, energy efficiency and cost-cutting concerns drive practically every recent automation project.
Then there’s batch automation, which allows producers to be very precise with their materials and easily transition between creating different items on the same production line.
Batch automation offers for more control over ingredients, better quality control, flexibility, reduced waste, and better record keeping.
Automated final control components, VFD/servomotors, weigh scales, and analytical instruments are already used in food manufacturing lines. While running constantly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, these require minimal operator intervention. Obstacles to automation.
Automation impediments fall across five categories:
Buying and installing new automation technology in food manufacturing lines will boost initial costs. However, firms would likely consider automation as a long-term investment to stay competitive.
This is a big hurdle. “If it ain’t busted, don’t fix it,” exhausted bosses remark as they go around the production floor checking everything is operating. It’s understandable in a fast-paced industry where clients need immaculate products quickly. As a result of equipment failures and production line closures, a host of possible expenses and reputational issues arise.
The human touch Change often scares people. The new automated equipment may cause workers anxiety. So, before starting an automation programme for your plant, make sure your internal communications are in order. You must also assure proper training.
Another issue is hygr Unlike on packaging lines, washdowns are more common in processing areas. Clearly, avoid. Thankfully, automated machines and robots can now be washed.
Problems with fragile goods Previously, semi-automatic machines and robots struggled to handle fruits and vegetables safely. That is no longer the case. Semi-automatic devices now safely handle delicate meals.
Possibilities
Automation offers several benefits. Consider these ideas:
quality improvement
With so many processes, people, and touchpoints, it’s hard to keep track of what’s going on. This increases the risk of contamination in the food chain.
Automation can help reduce many of these concerns. Automated or semi-automated machinery allows you to spot flaws or quality issues sooner in the manufacturing process. As a result, fewer defective products will be sold. Even better, you can pinpoint the issue and remedy it.
Automation and analytics technologies can help decode this data, protecting food and goods along the supply chain.
Traceability
It’s vital to follow a product from conception to delivery. Automation and advanced analytics can follow items from conception to completion. Because Yamato systems and Yamato Stats are built to track and monitor, you can tap into information anywhere along the chain. This protects customer connections, your reputation, and most importantly, the consumer’s safety.
Ensure that the automated machinery you buy conforms with the numerous industry rules described above.
End-to-end traceability is becoming increasingly important among end users, therefore gathering data from automated machinery is critical. This will help you create a detailed profile of your manufacturing line and a forecasting method for future benefits.
worker protection
The utilization of automation technologies, artificial intelligence, and current robots is tremendously valuable. Automation shows your staff that you care about their safety and that you understand the monotony of hectic job. It also frees them up to handle more vital tasks.
Of course, improved worker safety and protection can help minimise long-term operation and maintenance expenses. It can also help your entire workforce adopt new rules and requirements more quickly. It used to mean more training, more equipment, or enhanced worker protection.
In the case of automation, you may simply update current hardware and software to be compliant, saving you the hassle of changing other items such as worker safety equipment.
Enhanced efficacy
When properly deployed and improved, automatic or semi-automatic equipment can accomplish tasks faster and better than human labor. That doesn’t mean modern technology will replace workers; they may help them work faster, more efficiently, and safely.
The human factor persists regardless of how much a plant is automated.
Future-proofing your factory
Process automation in food processing is unavoidable. Early adopters will stand out from competition by investing in the best equipment available.
We believe that producers who adopt new technologies will eliminate contamination and other product faults, ensure timely delivery, and priorities employee welfare Zebra partner in Pakistan. It will help them impress clients and gain new business in an increasingly competitive market.