Responding To the ‘New Normal’
Adaptation and Flexibility Are Key To Success
The food and drink industry is facing
an unprecedented situation which has
caused disruption, huge shifts in demand
for certain products and forced companies
at all stages of the supply chain to alter
how they operate.
Mike Bradley, Head of Global Sales
for Metal Detection at Mettler-Toledo
Product Inspection has over 30 years’
industry experience. We interviewed Mike
to understand how manufacturers are
adapting to the ‘new normal’ to support
their customers and navigate through
today’s unique situation.
What has been the most fundamental
change since the lockdown started?
As a manufacturer, we have had to change
our approach to how we support our
customers. Prior to lockdown, we were
able to take our demo vehicles direct to
customer sites to provide an opportunity
to test the equipment hands-on. We
could meet face to face at exhibitions, and
attend meetings on-site with customers.
With the lockdown and social distancing
measures in place, none of this is possible
right now so we have had to step up to
the challenge and adapt our approach.
We have embraced technology to harness
its benefits. Mettler-Toledo Product
Inspection now offer eDemos on a wide
range of equipment - either as live or
recorded presentations.
From 1st-5th June, we are hosting a
Virtual Trade Show, where guests can
see the latest innovations in product
inspection technology, hear keynote
speakers discuss industry hot topics, and
learn more about the technology that
supports smart factories and Industry 4.0.
Using video conferencing technology
such as MS Teams makes it possible to
easily connect with customers. We’re
8 FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk
able to deliver remote training and
seminars, discuss opportunities and
provide support from a huge team of
experts around the globe.
How can technology help food and
drink manufacturers adapt to this new
normal?
Social distancing need not be a barrier
to visibility and control of the production
line. For example, with ProdX software, it
is possible to access product inspection
equipment data remotely - meaning
QA staff don’t need to be on the shop
floor. Remote data monitoring provides
efficient business continuity.
Embracing the latest technology can also
help manufacturers to meet productivity
requirements and make do with less
resources. Innovations such as our
Automatic Test System (ATS) can help to
reduce the number of operators required
to perform routine testing in vertical
inspection applications by 50 percent,
while Reduced Test Mode allows for a
significant reduction in the frequency of
these tests. Both can enhance efficiency
of resources in addition to supporting
quality processes.
How can people find out more about
these innovations?
We would encourage anyone involved in
food and beverage manufacturing to join
us at our Virtual Trade Show where they
can chat with our experts not just about
product inspection technology, but
also the full range of solutions Mettler-
Toledo offers - from static scales to
laboratory and testing equipment to
truck scales.
At the event, we will be showcasing our
latest innovations that complement our
existing portfolio. Join us to discover new
checkweighing wash-down solutions,
our new GC Series conveyor systems
which deliver future-proof flexibility, and
our new product data check solution for
label inspection.
We’re also hosting a number of live
seminars with interactive Q&A sessions
to give customers the opportunity to
learn more without having to leave their
desk - be it from their home office, or
their manufacturing site.
To register for the Virtual Trade Show,
visit www.mt.com/pi-vfair