with Gabriel Borchio and Iuri Pinto
The food and beverage manufacturing industry is responsible for nearly two million jobs in the United States and comprises more than 15% of all manufacturing jobs there. Behind every snack, meal, and beverage we purchase and consume to nourish ourselves for health or joy, there is a supply chain leading to rigorous manufacturing process governed by significant regulatory compliance.
OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY THROUGH EAM
Because it is ingrained in our everyday lives, manufacturing food and beverages means a high demand for uptime, stringent quality and safety controls, traceability throughout the supply chain, and regular asset maintenance. Operational efficiency is directly tied to these strict demands, manufacturing standards, and regulatory compliance. Compliance with industry standards is of the highest importance for food and beverage manufacturing, as it affects consumer health and safety.
Many food and beverage manufacturers use technology, typically an enterprise asset management (EAM) solution, to reflect operational needs. Mills and plants have different uses and levels of EAM adoption depending on their digital maturity and operational needs.
ASSESSING DIGITAL MATURITY
Small food and beverage manufacturers may not take a digital approach to their operations at all, creating potential for more downtime and compliance issues, while others may be looking to migrate to more advanced digital solutions than their current systems. No matter the technological maturity of the operation, Timenow can evaluate how the manufacturer is currently operating and analyze various scenarios using EAM to determine the best solution.
It starts by assessing digital maturity and working to understand the goals of the manufacturer: How do they want to manage their operation? There is no “one size fits all” solution—a measured approach that uses data-driven results is the most successful route to operational efficiency.
STANDARDIZATION, DIGITIZATION, COMMUNICATION
To find the right solution for each manufacturer, Timenow analyzes processes, procedures, asset trees, person-hours, downtime, and other factors that inform a more streamlined system using high-quality data. Timenow has years of experience not only performing these audits, but also working within a similar structure, making it clear to our experts what the best next steps are for a more standardized, transparent, and efficient operation.
After an operational analysis is complete, Timenow can prioritize what each unique manufacturer needs to improve its operations. This starts with results. By showing manufacturers where they are now and comparing it to where they can be with better data quality and standardized systems, Timenow makes a simple but compelling case for EAM implementation and use.
These recommended improvements can include:
- Standardized operational procedures
- Defined roles and responsibilities across teams
- Templated work orders and asset trees
- Live dashboards with high-quality data
- Specific report creation for various needs
- One-click communication among teams and from employees to supervisors
- Mobile solutions for field workers
Timenow can also provide the support it takes to train employees in these systems, virtually or on site. Once in place with quality data inputs, these functions keep critical information updated and at your fingertips, saving time and cost.
STREAMLINING COMPLIANT MANUFACTURING
With everything connected, from the field to the team manager, food and beverage manufacturers will see operational efficiency elevated by standardization and quality data. With Timenow’s solution, they can even connect their EAM to other apps and systems they use for a streamlined value chain that helps ensure not only faster operations with less downtime and lower costs, but also improved product quality in compliance with regulations and governance.
No matter how simple or complex, manufacturers can decide what to standardize, what they need to track, how they input data and communicate it across teams, and improved asset management. They will be capable of streamlining procedures, more mature in their digitization journey, and ready for any compliance audits.
Are you ready to standardize your operations with connected data that keeps your organization compliant? Contact us today to learn how our expertise can analyze, train, and support your food and beverage operation with the digital tools to connect and elevate your asset management.
