Improving Food and Beverage Manufacturing with Automation

In recent years, industries from technology to healthcare have implemented automation in their manufacturing processes. But how does automation work in the food and beverage industry?  

Much like in other industries, automation in food and beverage production involves simplifying and enhancing the manufacturing process by using vision-guided robotic arms, automated guided vehicles, delta robots, and advanced inspection systems.  

7 Benefits of Automation in the Food and Beverage Industry 

Here are seven benefits businesses realize by utilizing automation in the food and beverage industry. 

Saving Money  

In the past, manufacturing methods required an entire assembly line of people. But with automation, much of that work can be done with fewer employees and in less time. 

Automation reduces the risk of human error, saving on costs that would be spent reproducing the product. Additionally, automation limits the need for employees to do machine handling or assembly work, thus saving on any costs associated with new hires and employee training.   

It is a major benefit as many companies struggle with a lack of labor resources. 

Better Quality Control  

Monitoring and tracking food quality is not an easy task. From food handling to delivery, there are many points of contact and multiple factors that could threaten the food quality. Over time, as human workers tire, they can also be prone to mistakes that are costly and risky in food and beverage manufacturing. 

The right automation system makes quality control significantly more manageable and efficient. It improves line efficiency, maximizes the use of ingredients, improves food safety, and reduces the risk of human error. Sensors and automated measuring and quality systems can record and track quality checks, including temperature and ingredient measures, without error and in moments, which is an improvement over a manual system. 

Protecting Employees 

Automation takes away the need for workers to perform tedious work that can cause injury. It also allows employees to focus on other tasks that aren’t as physically strenuous and yet are also vital for the business.  

Using automation can reduce operation and maintenance costs in the long run. New equipment and company change usually require additional employee training and safety equipment, which is an additional expense.  

Moreover, while people need rest, machines do not. Food and beverage manufacturers can increase efficiency and boost output rates by utilizing automation.  

Time Savings  

When new regulations are implemented in the workplace, businesses require employees to undergo training. Although necessary, this training requires employees to take away time that would be better spent completing other tasks.  

Automation in the food and beverage industry eliminates the need for employees to learn new processes and procedures. Programming and automated systems can handle work that employees were once trained to do, reducing the stress on your existing staff. 

Improved Traceability  

Automation significantly improves food safety by providing advanced traceability. Modern analytic tools can track products and goods in the supply chain cycle. This will allow you to isolate issues and stop contaminated food before it affects the wider public, thus protecting your company’s name.  

In addition, the data automation provides deeper analytics on areas needing improvement.   

More Flexibility  

As most businesses have realized, a major world event could affect the supply chain and product production at anytime. By investing in automation, food and beverage manufacturers can be more flexible and adaptable when changing timetables and meeting customer demands.  

Since automation allows any changes to be programmed into the automation software and implemented immediately, there is no need to notify employees of any changes or hire and lay off workers due to production halts.   

Reduced Waste  

One of the biggest reasons food and beverage manufacturers should utilize automation is to reduce waste and shrink their carbon footprints. Since the storage life for different foods varies, supply chain waste is always a concern, and overstocking leads to waste when perishables aren’t used promptly.  

An automated enterprise resource planning system (ERP) helps food manufacturers maintain inventory levels and reduce their carbon footprints by controlling the number of products traveling through the supply chain cycle.  

Automate Your Food and Beverage Manufacturing with OTC 

OTC can help your business improve productivity, save costs, and reduce waste by automating your food business. We know you have many questions, and we are here to guide you on how to start with automation. Talk to an expert today!