Why are digital systems crucial for food processors?

Accelerating opportunities

For food processors, the adoption of digital solutions has long been underway. With the expansion of smart solutions that utilize AI technology and industry specific software systems accelerate the rate of change. The advancing technology provides processors with new tools that support sustainable growth amongst market fluctuations, trade challenges, regulatory pressures, and a multitude of other industry challenges.

When faced with adopting new technology, for example, by integrating food processing software across your production line, the choice is about gaining a competitive edge, or risking your business being left behind.

To find true benefits and success from your digital journey, it is important to start with a clear vision and purpose, supported by in-depth expertise, although impulsively throwing technology into production lines may be tempting. Our JBT Marel Software team advises processors, “Be well-prepared before embarking on digital transformation and don’t underestimate it. Succeeding in this transformation takes clear objectives and well-thought-out planning.”

The idea of digitalization might seem daunting, but with a proper understanding of your company’s goals and the technology that can support them, your digital journey can bring enormous benefits, very quickly. An inherent part of the food processing industry means processors are experts at adapting, meaning they are ideally situated to take on the challenge of a digital journey and reap its rewards.

Take control with the power of real-time data

Raw data like raw materials is a precious resource, but only if you have the tools to make sense of it. Most processors are already collecting enormous amounts of data, but very few make good use of it. In an industry where details count, this is a missed opportunity.

Data-driven insights provide the power to optimize the use of raw materials, enhance food quality and safety, guarantee traceability and support continuous improvement. Using advanced digital solutions such as AXIN Software, processors receive real-time data on critical factors such as yield and throughput, use of raw materials, process statuses, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and much more. This allows managers and supervisors to make informed decisions when they are critical to production.

Reliable data analytics highlight opportunities and alert you to potential issues in real time, enabling you to maximize productivity and troubleshoot issues before they become serious problems. Without them, errors can go undetected for long periods, resulting in costly situations.

AXIN Software systems enable a centralized, accessible source of information. When everyone is working off the same data, and all systems are connected, you increase production control, remove the guess work of decision making, and gain true operational oversight. With the ability to automatically collect, analyze, contextualize, and convert production data into valuable insights, you can make optimizations that add up to huge cost savings and numerous other benefits.

Automation is vital

Processors are under constant pressure to produce food in greater amounts and variety, and it’s no secret that automated processes can perform tasks faster and more accurately than their manual counterparts. Plus, with food safety concerns greater than ever, minimizing human contact and human error in processing has substantial benefits for food hygiene.

Labor shortages and worker engagement are industry challenges that aren’t going away. Automated technology combines with software to play a pivotal role in filling this gap. Food producers benefit immensely from lower labor costs and immunity to labor shortages, and employees benefit from safer work environments, more options for remote work, and more fulfilling roles.

Connecting all automated processes in a processing line creates an integrated, centralized approach. Amplifying the benefits of process- and machine- level automation, to boost production, streamline processing, reduce waste, and ultimately support a better way of working.

Digital journey success

The process of starting a digital journey may seem daunting—digitalization projects are a large undertaking, and digital transformation can completely alter the status quo.

You need to consider not only the performance of your software solution, but also who the right software partner will be before, during, and after implementation.

As food processing specialists JBT Marel understands your industry, business and digital challenges. We offer the software solutions and support you need on your digital journey.

With a wide range of AXIN Process Solution software packages backed by a global service network of experts, you have access to powerful solutions that will enable your business to adopt or grow a digital system specifically suited to your business needs. From software that improves inventory management to an end-to-end solution that links equipment and processes across the entire factory. AXIN Software enables reliable data collection in a centralized system, providing real-time data insights, historical trends analysis reports, and full traceability throughout the production process.

Do you want to learn more about the potential of your business with a digital system? Our consultants are ready to advise you—no strings attached.