Emerging technology can be leveraged to boost efficiencies and reduce food waste in baking manufacturing.
The latest Bake to the Future podcast from American Bakers Association spotlights how artificial intelligence in the manufacturing process can drive sustainability and advance business performance.
“When you optimize a production line, you can have a big impact on food waste and sustainability,” said Liran Akavia, Co-Founder and COO of technology company Seebo.
Akavia was interviewed by Katie Juhl, ABA’s Director, Marketing and Communications, and Hailey Blumenreich, Marketing and Communications Manager.
Growing Focus on Sustainability
Advancing sustainability is a topic of growing importance for consumers and the food industry — and an important element is reducing food waste. According to a report from the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, U.S. businesses and consumers together throw away 25% to 40% of food that is grown, processed, and transported annually. Food waste can occur at many points, including in the manufacturing process.
Connection to Manufacturing Processes
Seebo provides solutions to a range of industries that run complex, continuous manufacturing processes. The solutions are geared to improving efficiencies and reducing waste, said Akavia.
In baked goods manufacturing, it’s not uncommon for companies to discard batches of products coming off the line that don’t meet specifications. One example might be croissants that don’t have the right size, shape, or color.
“The goal is to manufacture products that are as close as possible to specs, so you don’t have to reject them,” he said.
Crucial Role of Data and Technology
Data and technology can be leveraged to improve accuracy and efficiencies. For example, data can be extracted from PLCs (programmable logic controllers) in the manufacturing process to analyze the causes of problems, Akavia said. Other data inputs can also be gathered, including from cameras on manufacturing lines and information from ingredient suppliers. Seebo aggregates the inputs and uses an AI algorithm to analyze the data, interpret findings, and helpline operators address problems in real time.
“This algorithm allows you to connect the dots to understand why process inefficiencies are happening,” he said. “For example, if croissants are too dark in color, the algorithm may indicate the need to add more water to the mix, reduce oven temperature, or maybe both.”
Relationship to Supply Chain Challenges
One advantage of leveraging advanced manufacturing technology is to overcome pressures from squeezed supply chains. Technology can help increase manufacturing capacity and efficiency in the face of supply challenges — such as those driven by the pandemic or the recent wave of ingredients shortages and price inflation. ABA recently spotlighted supply chain disruption and commodity price volatility in episodes of its podcast.
Connection to Labor Hurdles
Technology solutions that improve efficiencies can help bakers overcome the negative impacts of growing labor shortages,” Akavia said.
“At the moment it’s difficult to find the right people to work for you,” he said. “But companies still need extraordinary operations in their production lines.”
Opportunity to Advance the Industry
The ability to leverage emerging technology to boost sustainability will be further enhanced when the baking industry invests more widely in capabilities that enable data collection during the manufacturing process, Akavia said.
“That will help bakers to prevent losses before they happen,” he said
