The Three Critical Ingredients for Automation Success in the Fresh Produce Industry
In the ever-evolving world of fresh produce, it's crucial for businesses to stay ahead of the curve by embracing new technologies and automation. At OAL, we specialise in helping fresh produce businesses automate their packhouses to ensure right-first-time, efficient production. From correct labelling, date and country of origin coding to real-time production data, we help keep your business in sync.
With 30 years of experience helping food companies automate, we have identified three key ingredients for success: starting with the end in mind, building internal capability with time to play and test technology, and choosing a software platform over a product.
#1 Start with the End in Mind
Drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey, it's essential to have a clear vision of the final outcome in any automation project. By defining objectives such as productivity, changeover and downtime reduction, and what sets you apart, you can focus your automation efforts on supporting your overall business goals. For instance, if longer term you want to drive your packhouse from data in your ERP, it’s important to factor this in from the outset. Starting with the end in mind ensures a more focused and successful automation plan.
#2 Build Internal Capability with Time to Play and Test Technology
Begin your automation journey by engaging team members and key stakeholders right from the start. Their valuable production knowledge and insights will be instrumental in crafting a more efficient and effective automation strategy. Take a methodical approach by testing technology and different methods on a single production line first, allowing for "low-cost" mistakes to be made. These proof of concept trials will ultimately lead to a faster and smoother roll-out of new technologies across your entire business with demonstrated paybacks and benefits. By fostering collaboration and leveraging stakeholder expertise, you'll set the stage for a successful automation project.
#3 Choose a Software Platform Over a Product
Building applications on an established platform like the Ignition SCADA platform, rather than from scratch, provides:
Greater scalability: A platform approach allows you to scale your automation projects more effectively as your business grows. cohesive platform integrates better with existing systems, offering a unified data management solution that promotes better decision-making and efficiency.
Adaptability: As the fresh produce industry evolves, a software platform enables you to adapt more quickly to changes in technology, regulations, and market demands.
Cyber security: Entrusting critical cybersecurity and IT management tasks to a platform owner with a large, dedicated team offers significant advantages compared to relying on limited resources within a small organization. The cybersecurity teams at industry giants like Microsoft and AWS are equipped with extensive expertise and resources, which can provide superior protection and support when compared to a smaller, bespoke software business.
Conclusion
Automation success in the fresh produce industry depends on a clear vision of the desired outcome, building internal capability, and selecting a robust software platform. By focusing on these three critical ingredients, fresh produce businesses can overcome complexity, ensure right-first-time production, and stay ahead in the competitive market.
