Two Leading Innovations in Food and Beverage Manufacturing
By: Aimee Sukol, JD/MA/MS Ed.
Introduction:
Domestic food and beverage manufacturing is key to ensuring a steady food supply especially during global conflict and economic uncertainty. Most recently COVID’s impact on food & beverage led to a short labor supply as workers perform duties in minimally ventilated facilities positioned in hard to reach rural areas. In light of food production’s importance and the industry’s heavy reliance on labor, this article explores two primary innovations: equipment and labor.
Equipment:
Introducing technology to food and beverage production has increased productivity, precision, and safety and reduces reliance on manual labor to perform basic functions. For example, IoT (Internet of Things) is used to provide workers with concrete goals and monitor the production floor with sensors so issues can be addressed in real time. Automation and AI robots can perform manually intensive, rote work with increased efficiency and fewer mistakes or accidents.
A few pitfalls of automation include access to capital and skilled workers able to manage and repair expensive machines. Strategic financial planning is necessary for gradual automation so companies can forecast loan repayments (if applicable) and cost savings over time. Strategic business planning allows companies to consider higher skilled worker recruitment and retention so that advanced technology is properly operated and maintained. Hence, automation can have a net positive impact on food and beverage processing provided companies strategically implement transitions and procedures.
Labor:
Food and beverage manufacturing specialists point to workplace culture as an industry innovation. First, not all food and beverage manufacturing is the same. People who build AI robotics for food processing operate in different environments than food processors who work with raw consumable goods. For purposes of this article, I am referring to the latter and its relationship to tech innovations within their workplace.
First, I’ve discussed in previous articles the need for workplace innovation in the manufacturing sector. While 21st century workers place emphasis on compensation, they also value workplace culture. Construction and manufacturing struggle to reach workers who aren’t interested in a trailer or factory work environment. Moreover food and beverage manufacturing jobs are lower than the industry’s average by a few dollars per hour ($15-$21/hour is the industry’s 2022 average) and like construction, work is physically demanding and poses serious risks of injury. Unlike construction, however, manufacturing facilities are better positioned to improve conditions that attract workers.
Ways that companies have innovated their workplaces (CRS Wire):
- Lounge areas for workers to eat and relax on their breaks
- Adding windows and natural light
- Incorporating ergonomics that reduce physical strain, such as standing for long periods of time
When companies purchase expensive equipment they make sure machines are operated properly and maintained, but the same approach is not always applied to human labor, which has been perceived to be replaceable. With regard to labor shortages due to COVID, one article stated:
The situation led to high tensions, especially in the early stages of the pandemic, as companies struggled to figure out protective measures. In one high-profile case, Tyson Foods had to fire several managers at its plant in Waterloo, Iowa, after allegations surfaced that they had organized bets around how many workers at the plant would contract COVID.
The above cynicism and callousness towards employees exists across industries, however, manufacturing processes do present unique challenges that require thoughtful workplace culture and planning to reduce illness and injuries. As we’re seeing with labor shortages, workers are selecting more flexible jobs with less physical demand for the same wage, thus innovating the way companies view and treat labor will impact/benefit productivity and worker recruitment.
Conclusion:
Two major innovations in food and beverage manufacturing include automation/technology and healthier workplace conditions. Automation and technology increase precision, productivity, and safety, but require capital investments and a labor pool with skills necessary to repair and maintain equipment. At the same time, food and beverage manufacturing also relies on human capital to perform production floor and automation duties. A company that values its machines more than the people who operate them will see higher turnover and workplace injuries than those that invest in working conditions. Those innovations focus on workers’ experience in an 8 hour day, such as spaces to sit down and natural light.
I hope the above offers insight into the food and beverage manufacturing industry and ways it can and has been innovating. Please feel free to reach out for more information and add discussion on ways your facility has implemented innovative processes or equipment. To learn more about Meta Fab’s full service sheet metal fabrication, you can contact sales@metafab.com.