Advancements in technology and the development of AI have enabled the brewery industry to make changes to the way it operates. In doing so, breweries can innovate and improve efficiencies within the sector, improve safety for workers, and increase the quality of their beer.
In 2022, 81% of businesses reported increased production costs. However, demand for beer also increased. This presents an opportunity for the further development and implementation of technology to have industry-wide benefits.
Food Hygiene Safety
Food safety and regulations are critical in all steps of the brewing industry. Advancements in technologies have allowed breweries to have even more control over their food safety and hygiene.
Meeting food and beverage safety regulations is crucial, according to Paul Taylor, Product Manager at FPE Seals, an industry expert in sealing solutions for food and beverage processing.
“Where you’re producing food or beverages machinery can be tricky to find, and they must show compatibility and durability against a range of different food types and ingredients, such as sugar, fats, acids and oils.
Across the food and beverage industry machinery is widely used, and whatever the machine, ensuring smooth running and compliance with FDA regulations is imperative. A specialist can help you look after machinery, including providing components such as seal kits and gaskets.”
Compliance with food manufacturing regulations is essential for businesses in the industry. Failure to meet standards can have serious consequences for an organisation, and digital technologies can help to ensure compliance.
Automation and AI
There are many reasons why the development of AI can benefit the brewery industry and streamline a number of processes to enable greater efficiencies across the beer production line. One key role that technology and automation can play is in administrative tasks.
Manufacturers are increasingly replacing outdated technologies to address disruptions and supply chain problems. This includes implementing automated systems to handle many administrative tasks that are essential to the business but time-consuming for employees.
In addition to the above, responding to customer demand is crucial. Too much produce can spoil and go unsold, while too little produce will not allow you to keep up with demand and miss out on important sales. AI can help brands and manufacturers predict the buying habits of existing and potential customers, which can lead to a more efficient supply and demand process.
Technology can help companies streamline processes and implement stricter food hygiene protocols. For example, smart apps can be used to store checklists and documentation digitally. This can help to improve efficiency and traceability, which can lead to better food safety.
Technology can be used to create and share checklists, digitally timestamp, and store everything in one place. This can help brands to reduce administrative tasks and manual processes, and it can also help to reduce the risk of documents being lost.
Robotics
The implementation of robotics allows for the efficient production of beer at each stage of the process from malting to fermentation, something which is a very important requirement for increasing beer production.
To keep up with demand and customer expectations, businesses across all the majority of sectors are increasingly turning to technology. Robotics can be used to enhance, rather than replace, the human input on a production line, while also increasing production levels.
Crucially, the real benefit will come from integrating robotic technology into the overall production, though they can provide benefit as a standalone machine. The benefit, aside from increased efficiency as the robots can perform the tasks faster, comes from increased safety to human workers. These workers can then be utilised in other, less risky areas of the production cycle. This element of technology is also used in customer facing areas of the industry, in kitchens to assist with butchery and even food preparation.
Sources:
https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2023/07/10/how-many-breweries-are-in-the-uk
AI in the Food Industry is Transforming the Business (clickworker.com)
5 Technology Trends In The Food And Beverage Industry That CIOs Need To Know (panorama-consulting.com)
The State of Food Manufacturing in 2022 | Food Engineering (foodengineeringmag.com)
https://www.fpeseals.com/seal-kits_5
