"Technology is fueling the future of the food industry" is often said, but what does that mean for a process operator? Technology can solve many of today's challenges, but not everything. For that, you really need people with the right knowledge and experience. How does technology actually impact food industry workers?
The demand for automation solutions is growing rapidly and this has a direct impact on operations. Routine work is increasingly falling by the wayside as a result. This offers opportunities, but also requires new knowledge and skills from employees.
Many applications incorporate new technologies; one example is Vision AI. Vision AI makes quality control in the food industry more reliable and efficient. And it contributes to consistent productivity and optimizes production value. These are obvious benefits for the manufacturer, but what does it mean for the process operator?
The less fun and challenging tasks in the process are decreasing, such as manual sorting. The focus on applying AI systems and analyzing data is increasing. In addition to upskilling, this also requires willingness and adaptability on the part of employees.
Automation does not mean the loss of jobs; rather, it is an opportunity to grow your employees. By giving your employees the opportunity for personal development with the advent of new technologies, you offer them perspective and the chance to do more challenging work. This can also ultimately lead to a better salary. It's a win-win: companies benefit from more efficient processes and employees get more satisfaction and better career opportunities.
By offering these opportunities, employees feel more valued and engaged with the company.
Adaptability of employees is crucial, people make innovation possible and successful. When employees are open to developments and changes, the success rate of an innovation will increase significantly. Therefore, good cooperation between management, employees and technology is the basis. Without sufficient support, you will not achieve the desired results as a food producer.
You get the most valuable information from the employees who deal with the products and the process on a daily basis. Management does well to actively involve employees in the process from the early stages. Transparency in the process can help reduce resistance, and employees are then more likely to accept the changes.
Wondering how to get all the noses in the same direction and keep everyone motivated during an innovation journey?
We are happy to organize an innovation session with you and your team. This session will give you insight into the current situation and the possibilities. Want to know more about this? Then get in touch with us!