The food industry is undoubtedly one of the most important sectors in our economy. While this may be common knowledge for many—the industry is recognized as a necessity, after all—what isn’t as widely known are the basics of the manufacturing process, and the software and technologies used to ensure everything runs smoothly. For example, when a machine breaks down in a food processing plant, it can cost the manufacturer several hundred thousand dollars an hour.
Fortunately, Industry 4.0 and IoT have ushered in new ways to protect the process of making food for the masses. Food manufacturers use software that tracks the status of the machines and predict when repairs will be needed, while others check the quality of the food to make sure it’s safe for consumption. These are vital components within a food manufacturing plant, and IoT-focused solutions can help food manufacturers increase energy efficiency.