As with any business, it’s essential to lower operational costs in the food industry. But reducing costs doesn’t mean sacrificing product quality. In most cases, planning can help save money and improve the overall food manufacturing process and product quality in the long run.
Here’s how the food industry can save money with forward planning.
1. Make Eco Friendly Packaging Decisions and Make Money Back on Press Coverage
Studies show that most customers, especially millennials, who have more spending power, do not want to support any company that harms the environment. So, aside from helping preserve the environment, making eco-friendly packaging decisions could mean earning more money since most customers will likely choose you over your competitors.
There are many ways you can make money from going eco-friendly. It gives your business an instant good image from press coverage. Most customers today want to associate with eco-minded enterprises because they are now more aware of environmental advocacies and causes. By using eco-friendly packages, you will gain more press coverage, and customers who are passionate about saving the planet will help spread the word about your company.
Promoting your environmentally friendly practices through press coverage can set your food business apart from your competitors and attract new customers who only want to associate with environment-friendly companies. Your customers will feel a sense of charitable fulfilment each time they buy from you and inspire others to do the same. As such, you will gain more loyal clientele, which means more revenue for your business.
2. Automate Systems
The food and beverage industry is one of those industries that can benefit from automation, especially in food manufacturing and packaging. Most food products distributed in the market are manufactured, processed, or packaged. By automating these processes, companies will not only save time but save money as well.
Automation in the food and beverage industry involves using robotics to handle and package food materials. Many companies are still using manual methods in packaging, such as hiring human workers. However, companies can automate these processes by using complex machines throughout the food packaging’s assembly line. Automation comes with many benefits. Aside from increasing productivity, it saves money by not having to hire many workers to do the job.
Automation also minimises the odds of error, which is another way to save money. Human workers can get distracted easily and become disorganised, which is why they are prone to committing mistakes. Although machines are not 100% reliable, their chance of committing errors is lower. In addition, since automation frees up some of your employees’ time, it gives them more room to deal with errors should they occur.
3. Keep Manufacturing Equipment Maintained
Indeed, integrating automation in the food industry can benefit companies in many ways. However, this can also mean more complications if something goes wrong or breaks down. Therefore, companies that utilise modern food processing equipment should consider hiring electronics engineers who can institute proper preventive maintenance strategies to ensure the machines will work effectively and mitigate the risk of a breakdown.
There are many reasons why companies should keep manufacturing equipment maintained. By making sure the equipment is clean, has better calibration, and has fresh lubricant, it can perform with utmost operational efficiency. In addition, a well-maintained machine can ensure consistent cooking time and temperature, which results in excellent quality and consistency of the food being processed or produced.
Food safety is another reason why companies should regularly maintain food processing machinery. Better-maintained equipment means higher safety standards for food processing. If the equipment is poorly maintained, it will be more prone to breaking down, compromising the quality and taste of food. Regular maintenance can also save money in the same way that changing the oil in your car can save you on costly repairs. Maintaining the food processing equipment on schedule can help you make the most out of the money you invested in automation.
4. Use Analytics to see What Works and Scrap What Doesn’t
More and more businesses are recognising the benefits of big data in today’s business world, and companies in the food and beverage industry can tap into this to save money. Powerful analytics tools work by crunching figures faster than anyone could. As long as you have reliable data, analytics can be a reliable tool for companies in the food industry.
A good ERP can help companies in the food industry by offering analytical functions, including visualisations and historical trends while ensuring accurate information. Offering valuable insights for swift decision-making and an in-depth understanding of what’s working, and which are not, analytics allows staff to intervene and rectify issues as soon as they arise.
Data analytics can also help food and beverage manufacturers take control of their food quality parameters. It offers a way to figure out what elements affect food products the most and understand how these factors could influence quality and taste. Analytics can be applied in real-time to adjust the manufacturing processes and account for deviations to maintain consistent quality.
5. Avoid Hygiene Safety Fines and Bad Press
Companies in the food industry need to maintain the highest hygienic standards in handling and processing food products. A high level of hygiene in the food industry will benefit the company in many ways. Unable to meet hygiene and safety standards can lead to hefty fines and bad press that could severely damage the company’s reputation.
Food hygiene and safety are critical for food businesses since they help protect consumers from food poisoning and food-borne illnesses, which can happen when viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens get into food, making those who consume them very sick. To prevent this, companies have to establish a set of guidelines in food processing to protect the public from food-borne illnesses.
Companies should ensure adequate food hygiene training and quality checking to achieve a higher level of food hygiene and safety. They should implement a system to ensure that hazards are controlled at an acceptable level. It should cover all kinds of food hazards and must indicate proper corrective measures, monitoring, and steps to maintain safe operations.
