In the past few decades, technological advancements have made significant changes across various industries. As a result, we have seen the inception of a lot of industries that are based solely on technology. However, when we think about food, technology is never the first thing that comes to mind. But you will be surprised to know how much the food industry has changed due to technology.
We all know that there is a trend of digital transformation across almost every industry in the market. In fact, the businesses serving in the food and hospitality industry are major ones to do it. But the question is – why would they do that?
Well, here are some answers:
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More improved supply and demand predictions:
Inventory is a major part of food processing operations, which requires a significant investment in purchasing and stockpiling necessary products. When the businesses have a clear idea of the demand beforehand, they get to maintain cash flow better and reduce risks. In addition, there is software with advanced analytics that allows businesses to better understand customer needs and predict the demand accurately.
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Lower risks of equipment breakage:
The use of smart sensors allows businesses in the food and beverages industry to identify any equipment anomalies early, helping the companies improve the life cycle of some machines and avoid downtime. Moreover, some supply chains deal with products and ingredients that need to be fresh all the time. With smart sensors, it is easier for businesses to identify any deviations in the temperature and humidity during the production process.
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Better customer experience:
The market is now overflowing with products and services. This is the reason why most brands are trying to transform their products into something bigger. With the technology innovations in the food industry, business owners can understand the customers better and offer them a little bit more than what they expect. It not only improves the income for the brands but also enhances their market reputation.
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The flexibility in changing circumstances:
Customer demands continue to change, and food manufacturers need to be prepared to adapt to that change. With digital recipe management tools, brands can be more flexible in this. It allows them to save more by spending less on possible changes. In fact, operations with several streams and products are now managed more efficiently.
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Safer production environment:
The digital transformation in the food industry concerns customers but also the workers who produce products for them. The workers can complete their tasks more effectively in a safe environment with the help of digital tools. For example, there is AR software with training simulators to help notice and calculate the working parameters of the machinery and offer necessary real-time data.
As you can see, the digital transformation has provided the businesses to improve their performances and made things a lot safer and more cost-effective.
How Is Technology Used in the Food Industry?
Now that you have a better understanding of why technological innovation is needed in the food industry, let us talk about those innovations that are revolutionizing the food industry.
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Eco-friendly waste and packaging:
With the growing population of woke people focused on sustainability and healthy meals, brands have found an opportunity to use this trend to their advantage. As we witness the latest tech developments, we are getting actual edible packaging with zero waste as well as micro packaging that involves the use of nanoparticles that can kill bacteria.
Technologies can also allow us to fight against product waste. For example, several apps connect shops and restaurants with a surplus of available food with non-profit organizations, which then send the excess food to the right people.
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Robotics:
There are several tech devices in practice that allows businesses to accelerate the food production process while ensuring safety. With advanced machines, it is possible to keep products and their ingredients in perfect conditions. Moreover, robots can help people in coping with their everyday tasks.
You may have heard about “robot butchers” first used by the meat processing company JBS in 2016. While cutting certain pieces of meat was challenging for human butchers, the robot butchers could do it more effortlessly.
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Sensors:
The biggest challenge, in this case, is to maintain stable temperatures. Smart sensors deployed in vehicles, refrigerators, and displays help avoid deviations.
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AI-based solutions:
. These numbers help you operate your production process properly. With the help of AI-powered solutions, you can now get accurate forecasts and real-time updates,
Author bio:
Patrick Bate is an associate editor at a reputed tech magazine based out of Australia. He is also a part of the team of experts at MyAssignmenthelp.co.uk, where he offers assistance to students as an online assignment provider