The most common fear when approaching food factory optimisation and productivity is exploitation . Workers may fear they ’ ll be overworked and underpaid to achieve greater output or lose their jobs to automated processes . However , when productivity is done right , these apprehensions rarely materialise .
Automation and digital tools which assist boosting productivity rely on human-machine interactions to function and evolve . Predictive analytics and AI tools rely on feedback from humans to generate valuable data sets and information . In other words , optimisation cannot exist without human input .
In fact , a food factory focused on operational efficiency can actually experience greater employee engagement , championing further process improvements .
5 productivity-boosting benefits
Productivity establishes the important correlation between effort , efficiency , effectiveness and profit . By boosting efficiency of processes using productivityenhancing tools , less effort , money , labour , time and materials can go into producing higher output yields and increasing operational profits .
Here are several aspects of productivity that can benefit food manufacturers :
1 . Process optimisation plays a crucial role in minimising resource consumption , reducing food and packaging waste and lowering the environment impact of business operations . This is achieved by identifying and eliminating unnecessary steps and streamlining operations . For example , utilising automated food inspection technology , integrating equipment into a smallerfootprint single system , and introducing automatic testing .
2 . A connected , streamlined factory plays a huge role in increasing traceability and recall responsiveness . Additionally , process integration and networked communications provide seamless connectivity ,
80 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
The food chain plays a significant part in our economy . In 2022 , it accounted for approximately eight percent of the Gross Value Added of the UK non-financial business economy .
which can help to immediately highlight inefficiencies and potential bottlenecks in processes upstream , as well as minimising production line downtime . Here reliability more often than not requires simplicity .
3 . Implementing lean manufacturing principles has a significant impact on food safety , quality and competitiveness . By reducing complexity , there is less chance of errors or contaminants entering the production line ; an important consideration given that production and energy costs are still rising , while the prices paid by retailers and wholesalers for food are generally the same or falling . As there is no value in downtime , automating processes like product learning and machine recalibrations can save significant time , energy and product waste .
4 . Most people prefer to be productive with their time . However , more often than not it can be inefficient processes that compromise productivity . Research indicates that the average company loses more than 20 % of its productive capacity – more than a day each week – to organisational drag . However , employees report feeling more empowered and less overwhelmed when companies invest in well-considered tools and technologies that support processes that remove repetition and stress . The added benefit is a productive workplace fosters a positive work culture , innovation and continuous learning .
5 . Increased productivity encourages an innovative environment , with potential ideas transforming food safety and supporting the pursuit of food security . Productive employees have more time and mental capacity to explore new ideas and solutions , cultivating creativity when faced with challenges and inefficiencies .
“ Ultimately , the future of our food systems will be dependent on food companies finding innovative ways to tackle sustainability , while simultaneously generating greater output . Choosing reliable , productivity-enhancing equipment and systems is the first step ,” concludes Phil .
Fortress Technology ( Europe ) Ltd based in Oxfordshire is a wholly owned subsidiary of the privatelyowned Toronto based Fortress Technology Inc . Putting consumer safety first we ’ re trusted by thousands of domestic and global manufacturers to design , build , install and maintain inspection equipment that deliver exactly what they promise . From food to FMCG ; pharmaceutical to bulk ; SMEs to listed companies ; metal detectors to checkweighers ; x-ray to combination systems ; Fortress inspection systems are renowned for their speed , accuracy and simple operation . All designed to catch contaminants , slash waste , spot product defects , comply with weights legislation and reduce production downtime .
Fully customisable , for 20 + years we have offered the Fortress Never Obsolete guarantee . Ensuring future sustainability and compliance with HACCP and Codes of Practice . This guarantee now extends across all our new combination , x-ray and checkweighing systems . Fortress has manufacturing facilities in the UK , Canada and Brazil . Sales and service support is available globally both direct and through trusted distributors .
Technological advancements and advanced food safety equipment will be crucial in the pursuit to feed the entire world population by 2050 .