Automation can improve the efficiency, safety, accuracy and speed of a process, but it also requires careful planning. There are many factors to consider and it can be difficult to know when a process should be automated. If you are wondering about automating a process at your food processing plant, manufacturing plant, or another facility,…
The ingredient feeder is responsible for metering the right amount of ingredients from the source into the next process. This part of the ingredient system is often overlooked, which can cause problems later on. Different materials, particularly fibrous, aeratable, abrasive and cohesive materials, can all create problems in the wrong feeder. If you’re struggling with…
In our previous post, we discussed the benefits automation equipment can have on business and on workers. One of the benefits of automation equipment and robots over humans is the machines’ ability to perform the same task continuously, consistently and reliably, without risk of injury and little risk of variation. However, this can only work…
The costs of keeping workers safe in dangerous manufacturing environments is high and will likely continue to rise as the need for PPE and appropriate workplace distancing increases. In these situations, automation not only presents an opportunity to reduce costs and improve efficiency, but also reduce the human costs—workplace injuries and illness. While automation has…
Recent events shed a light on the potential downside to setting up manufacturing in other countries in order to cut labor costs, and the instability that can occur without established links in the labor force. More and more companies are looking at the long-term costs to these operations, rather than just the direct labor costs. …
Inefficiencies in your operation aren’t always big problems like a machine break-down or product contamination. Though these are certainly concerns, many sources of lost time, energy and resources—and, ultimately, lost money—are a series of small things. These small inefficiencies add up and take their toll on production time. Consider these 9 inefficiencies in food processing.…
Safety and sanitation regulations in food processing are very strict, perhaps because the stakes are very high. Ineffective safety and sanitation procedures can put consumers at risk as well as workers. Maintaining high safety and sanitation standards is an ongoing and sometimes arduous process, but lax standards can mean liability, recalls, and big losses, both…
Preventing illness and contamination across the food supply chain is a challenging process, with many regulatory bodies involved. It can be difficult to know where the responsibilities of one group ends and another begins. The USDA and the FDA work closely together in different areas of the food supply chain to ensure sanitation and safety.…
Reducing costs in food manufacturing doesn’t have to mean reducing product quality. In many cases, solving problems that cause waste or lost time will not only save money but will also improve the overall process and product quality. Utilizing technology at critical points, implementing preventative maintenance, and other measures can all help to reduce costs…
Food processing plays an essential role in creating the majority of foods for both animals and humans. Ensuring that this process is safe and well-controlled can help to prevent costly and potentially dangerous recalls. Mitigating and preventing recalls in food processing means utilizing good manufacturing practices, safety measures, cleanliness, and careful, repeated testing. 6 Ways…
