The use of EDI for sales order entry will
significantly reduce manual entry and
keying errors, while weighing systems
and scales can be connected to the ERP
system to directly confirm and record
weights.
Similarly, automatic temperature
loggers will capture data directly into
the system, and vision and inspection
systems can distinguish between good
and bad products for immediate action
to be taken.
While many food manufacturers
consider digitisation will have a huge role
to play in the future of the food sector,
CSB’s most recent industry survey found
that the majority still see a number of
hurdles that need to be overcome in
order to maximise the opportunity.
Working with a suitable IT partner is one way to
overcome this, said Mr Simpson, and he outlined
several projects undertaken by CSB that had
delivered tangible benefits to its customers.
Based at the University of Loughborough, the
Centre for SMART was established in 2004 to
develop new strategies, methodologies and
supportive technologies to deal with challenges in
sustainable production and consumption.
The IoFT was created by the Engineering and
Sciences Research Council to support and promote
research activity relating to food production and
manufacturing in the UK.
This latest seminar was devised to provide
attendees with the opportunity to learn from
companies and technology providers on best
practices to successfully implement current digital
technologies in food manufacturing, and to discuss
policy and regulatory changes to the uptake of
such technologies within the UK food sector.
A resulting briefing document, based on thoughts
brought forward during facilitated discussions
conducted throughout the day, will be published
and disseminated in June.
CSB System
www.csb.com
FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk 49