Being in a consumer-demand market, food and beverage manufacturers are balancing cost, performance, and productivity. Manufacturers in this industry started their digital transformation based on two focal points: operations and customer-centric points.
These views of using technology in the industry drive changes in the supply chain and distribution of food and beverages.
So far, those manufacturers who made their investments in technology have seen the biggest impact on productivity and cost-efficiency which in turn, provided the desired ROI.
The most common digital success metric lies in the industry’s new revenue and margin improvement measured by 49% of the food and beverage industry. So far, technology has been successful in transforming digital success rates.
Providing Safer & Healthier Food
As consumer demand directs food production, safer and healthier food is sometimes compromised. The high quality of food production is the key factor that drives the F & B sector. This is why more regulations are placed on manufacturers to ensure safer and healthier food.
Recent data from ING shows that technology helps food and beverage production and efficiently addresses the growing population of the world. Through technology, the highest level of food quality is ensured while the brand’s imaging is maintained.
So far, the latest trends in tech have offered the best solutions for this. For example, the use of robotics has been the most tangible example of food tech. People can expect healthier options and eco-friendly products from the F & B sector.
Creating Sustainability
As the world progresses, the planet has been facing the repercussions of humanity’s actions. Now more than ever, people have been choosing plant-based diets and eco-friendly products that in turn, improve the world’s well-being.
As such, we can now expect sustainable production from manufacturers. Many manufacturers are incorporating tech to go greener than ever. By using robotics, a food’s shelf life is extended and in turn, this reduces food waste and creates sustainability.
Forecasting Accurate Demand & Supply of Food
It is an established fact that consumers drive the food and beverage industry. There is this interdependent relationship between supply and demand. As consumer demands surge, the same goes for the supply of food.
The F & B industry has constantly dealt with these complex and fluctuating changes. Now, through the use of technology, manufacturers have a clearer path in forecasting the supply and demand of food.
By using software technology with accurate data analytics, manufacturers can now use this data to know the demand beforehand. Also, NetSuite consulting offers software solutions for manufacturers opting to integrate software tech into their companies. In turn, this reduces costly production and the risks of overproduction. Now, companies can keep up with the seasonal demands and changes in the F & B industry.
Ensuring Good Customer Experience
Technological innovations in the food and beverage industry have helped manufacturers to better understand the needs of their consumers. Over time, products become services which then leads to customer experience.
The F &B industry aims to create impressive customer service through the products they manufacture. For example, software for quality management allows manufacturers to track low-quality products and prevent these from being sold in the market. As a result, this ensures a positive consumer experience and increases the company’s reputation.
Adapting to Changing Conditions
While the industry faces fluctuating changes, it is vital that the F & B sector should be able to keep up with these fluctuating conditions. Essentially, using tech improves the process of packaging has been effective in improving the safety and shelf-life condition of food.
By using tech, manufacturers can now opt for edible packaging or micro packaging. Technology expedites the process of packaging food which in turn, produces food and beverage products at a much faster rate.
Making a Safer Work Environment
One of the transformative changes brought by tech in the F & B industry is it makes a safer work environment for all. Safety issues in the job are reduced by using robotic machines.
Some companies rolled out robots to do the work of cutting meat products. This strategy has lessened work-related injuries within the manufacturing company.