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Ever notice how ChatGPT or CoPilot saves all your AI chats? While this can help solve future problems more quickly, private data accumulated from an OT system saved on the public internet is a disaster waiting to happen. Fortunately, in most cases AI is embedded in the process and data stays private and protected.

In an era where visibility and agility are becoming more essential, many food and beverage manufacturers are moving toward enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions that help create a single system of record.

Smart manufacturing technologies, such as digital tools and connected systems, can improve visibility, performance and decision-making on packaging lines.

Additive manufacturing can describe two technologies in food production — the more commonly known is 3D printing, which has been borrowed from 3D tool and parts making, but robotic work cells can also fit the definition of additive manufacturing.

Digital recorders and data management software ease recordkeeping and regulatory compliance — compared to traditional paper-based methods — increasing consumer safety and enhancing operational efficiency for processors.

While at times the number of food safety recalls seems to be rising, in most cases, the recalls are smaller in lot size and don’t progress very far through the supply chain because the tools stop most major potential outbreaks.

Through a combination of advanced automation, smart infrastructure and tailored financial solutions, Siemens helps DrinkPAK scale its operations, maintain reliability, maximize energy efficiency and enable sustainable decision-making.

In past years, customers have focused more on automation as part of broader sustainability or throughput goals. Now, the focus has shifted slightly, with more emphasis on how many operators can be reassigned or how much support a system will require post-install.

Gardner Pie Company turned to Benchmark Automation to develop a series of conveyors to support manufacturing and packaging of baked and frozen pies without damaging tender, flaky crusts.

Operator safety is becoming a critical lever for performance in food and beverage manufacturing. As workforce challenges intensify, processors are investing in automation, advanced HMI design and safer equipment to improve both retention and productivity.