Articles by Wayne Labs

Factors that diminish machine vision
Engineering R&D

Helping machines see more clearly

Machine vision systems work amazingly well, but high-speed cameras, along with intelligent lighting and enhanced software algorithms, make their sight even better.
Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor
Wayne Labs
January 25, 2016
When you pick up a plastic-wrapped package in a grocery store and can’t read everything on the label because of a reflection or crease, you probably turn or tilt the package until the lighting is just right. If only it were that easy for machine vision systems.
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Traditional palletizing cell robot
Tech Update: Collaborative Robots

Tech update: Don't fence them in

Some robots find new freedom as they become aware of their surroundings and act accordingly.
Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor
Wayne Labs
January 13, 2016
For good reasons, robots have been kept behind safety fences as they perform jobs that are potentially dangerous and back-breaking to humans.
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Heat and Control fryer with external support module
Protein Processing

Solving meaty challenges

Protein processors can have trouble meeting production demands, if they’re working with out-of-date manufacturing spaces and equipment.
Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor
Wayne Labs
January 6, 2016
While many protein processors need to speed up their operations, there are many stumbling blocks thwarting their efforts.
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Tracking systems use IoT technology
Tracking Systems

Where and how safe is your cargo?

Once your product leaves the shipping dock, what happens in the supply chain could negate all your efforts to make it food safe and the high-quality brand leader it is.
Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor
Wayne Labs
December 17, 2015

It’s 3:00 a.m. Do you know where your trailer of strawberries is?


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Starbucks operator works X-ray inspection system
Fabulous Food Plant

Starbucks brews up advanced technologies

Modern times call for modern processes, and Starbucks has invested in 21st-century facilities and equipment to produce a modern, soluble coffee that puts the old instants to shame.
Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor
Wayne Labs
December 17, 2015
When you think “instant coffee,” you may have memories that you’d like to forget.
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Operator using FactoryTalk software
Automation Series

Plant automation: Finding the right fit

Do what makes sense when installing automation in your facility, considering your budget and business goals. Understanding your application can help you fine-tune your equipment purchase.
Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor
Wayne Labs
November 19, 2015

While the trend for large manufacturers is to automate a new plant in its entirety, small and medium-sized food and beverage processors rarely have the funds to automate their plants, turning them into lights-out facilities. Even some tier-one processors may find areas in certain operations where it may not make sense to over-automate.


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Tyler Randolph
Engineering R&D

Engineering R&D: Trimming the fat

Controlling the fat content of meat means getting top dollar for each grade and keeping customers pleased that they’re getting what they expect for their money.
Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor
Wayne Labs
October 26, 2015

FPL Food (Augusta, GA) is one of the largest privately owned processors of fresh beef products and value-added meat selections in the US. It provides several brands of high-quality beef to retail and foodservice customers.


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ISO updates 14001 guidelines
TECH FLASH

ISO updates 14001 guidelines

It emphasizes strategic environmental management within strategic planning processes.
Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor
Wayne Labs
October 14, 2015

ISO, the International Standards Organization, has updated its ISO 14001 environmental management systems (EMS) guidelines to reflect the increased prominence of environmental management within strategic planning processes.


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3-A-certified flexible screw conveyor and hopper
Food Safety

3-A SSI and EHEDG: Yin & yang

For the last 20 years, 3-A SSI and EHEDG have been working together to create a synergistic set of hygienic design, testing and implementation standards for process equipment.
Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor
Wayne Labs
October 13, 2015

No one ever said 3-A Sanitary Standards Inc. (3-A SSI) and the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) guidelines were supposed to be compatible or directly interchangeable in an “apples to apples” sense. In fact, they were conceived at different times, in different parts of the world and with different needs in mind.


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