A long list of concerns continues to keep businesses in the food processing industry on their toes. Inflation. Supply chain issues. Hiring challenges. The pandemic. However, a connective thread runs through these four: automation.

At a glance, it might seem that most conveyors are doing their job as long as they shuttle items from one point to another. However, a number of other elements must be present for a conveyor to be efficient and productive in a food-processing environment, like hygienic design, cleanability, versatility, updated technology and more.

Based on reader views, we compiled a list of the top 20 web articles of 2021. We hope you enjoy looking back through these pieces.

Data is valuable because it helps manufacturers make better decisions. But there’s a big difference between collecting data and being able to actually use it. If you don’t have a system in place to be able to understand what the data is telling you, then you’re going to be overwhelmed by it.

GEA has launched Batch2Flow, a solution that secures the food production process, saves energy and water and significantly reduces the use of cleaning chemicals.

With a market that is expected to reach $10.3 billion by 2027, food and beverage companies need to know the benefits and challenges of implementing AS/RS.

If you have old equipment, there is hope that you can keep what works and modernize it by pulling worthwhile information from it with instrumentation and controls.

Other industries have long been ahead of food and beverage in areas such as automation, but processors are drawing on that knowledge to modernize their own operations.

How processors are visualizing production to help meet output and efficiency targets. 

A closer look at loading dock safety trends and what solutions are available for operators.