Whether it's food or beverage manufacturing, production systems are under greater pressure from the supply chain to perform predictably. The lead time to get finished goods ready for shipment is being shortened as companies reduce storage of finished goods, push inventory further into the supply chain and try to reduce inventory risk and maximize working capital. The challenge, however, is that production lines are not always capable of producing to the new management objectives.

In today's world of food and beverage manufacturing, more product variations, more packaging changes equal more profit-or at least that's what manufacturers and processors hope. The market is moving rapidly from a supply driven to an increasingly regulated demand- and service-driven market.

Processors must assume responsibility for creating safety in robotic workspaces.

Network architectures that integrate machinery components and synchronize production lines are rapidly replacing traditional hardwired solutions.