Plan to build an architecture that will grow with your needs.

You’ve automated your process and packaging and have computer-generated paper trails to show food safety and quality throughout your facility. Why wouldn’t you do the same with cleaning—wherever it’s practical? Granted, there are certain pieces of equipment you just have to take out of the process to clean manually, but for other components—like piping, some conveyor belting, certain pumps, mixers, tanks and other equipment—you can clean them in place (CIP) and have automated recordkeeping to show proof of cleaning and sanitation to regulating bodies when they ask.

The current supply chain is still reeling from instability caused by the pandemic, resulting in a shortage of transportation, materials and labor. Consequently, food and beverage companies are feeling the direct effects of supply chain issues when planning and constructing new facilities or expanding their existing plants.

An article discussing both steam generators and retorts may seem a little odd, but the connection is one of saving energy and sustainability, especially when fuel prices are rising. 

Increasing production speed while keeping rejects low and quality consistent—and maintaining food safety—is the goal of every food and beverage processor. Today, many food processors look toward automation to provide the solutions needed to attain the necessary throughput to be competitive.

If your food or beverage operation isn’t making widespread use of sensors to monitor your process, you can’t expect to remain competitive for long.