The UK’s leading trade event for the food and drink processing, packaging, and logistics industries, FoodEx Manufacturing Solutions, recently took place at Birmingham’s NEC after a five-year hiatus. The event showcased the latest innovations in technology and automation, providing ‘food for thought’ for attendees.
Technology and Automation: the Biggest Opportunities
In the wake of Covid-19, disruption has proven to be a silver lining for the industry’s ability to be agile and flexible as highlighted by Infor in an interview with Food Manufacture. Technology has played a fundamental role in facilitating elasticity in the sector, and its role in addressing labor shortages were made clear at the event. The greatest opportunity in the industry lies in digitization, encompassing AI, automation, and robotics, according to Jon Poole, a leadership coach and consultant at Step Change. However, he explained that plugging the current skills gap in the industry is a prerequisite for realizing the full potential of these technologies, saying, “If we do that, we’re going to improve quality, and we’re going to have better supply chain integrity. It’s going to revolutionize the industry.”
The experts at ULMA agreed, noting that the potential for automation is significant. With many businesses experiencing labor shortages, automation provides a way to alleviate staffing issues, particularly for those that are finding it challenging to get workers to man production lines. ULMA provides some suitable automation solutions for all packing media, from flow-packing to tray sealing and vertical bagging, which automate both the feeding and backend automation and enable loading into pallets.
Sustainability Targets and Fuelled by Technology Innovation
Fulton Boilers’ says that the most significant opportunity in the industry presently is reaching Net Zero, which has been made possible through innovative technology. They’re working with clients to move to electrification of boilers to help them accomplish this goal. Along with that, Fulton Boilers is assisting clients in improving their steam systems to make them more energy-efficient by surveying steam traps, reducing demand side usage, and decreasing energy costs.
DDK also emphasized “sustainability construction” in reducing carbon footprints as a significant opportunity. To deliver lasting sustainability, the firm works collaboratively with clients to create a digital twin of their facilities. This virtual facility enables them to identify where they can make improvements and maximize efficiency within their buildings. The technology works by using a VR headset and a point-and-click function operated by two joysticks, providing clients with a next-generation immersive experience.
In conclusion, the FoodEx Manufacturing Solutions event made clear that technology is the biggest opportunity for the industry, enabling greater agility, better supply chain integrity, and lasting sustainability. However, a prerequisite for realizing the full potential of these technologies is plugging the current skills gap in the industry. By doing so, the industry will revolutionize, attract more people into the sector, and improve the quality of products while reducing energy costs.
