How process control and automation systems are adapting to produce more products at a faster rate and what companies are implementing quicker automotive controls.
In the world of confectionery production, automotive systems and process controls are becoming more influential in the market. As production companies are continuing to adapt their production lines, more automotive systems and advanced process control techniques are being adopted into the confectionery line. Two main innovations that are hitting the automation and process control industry are the need to make these systems faster and more productive. By innovating the machines in this manner, the idea is that these systems will become even more consistent and better in quality. There are many reasons as to why the demand for faster and more productive technologies on the production lines, which this exclusive feature wishes to uncover. This feature will also look at the innovations that certain companies are undertaking to ensure that the production lines meet their clients’ demands.
What is process control and automation?
With regards to industrial processes, process control can be defined as the disciplined continuous production process that uses industrial control systems to achieve a production level of consistency, economy and safety which is unable to be achieved with human intervention and manual control. This type of process is used widely across many sectors such as the mining, oil refining and chemical processing industries. In the last couple of years, it has also been adopted by the confectionery market to increase throughput.
Automation on the other hand can be defined as the extensive range of technologies that also reduce human intervention. It is the use or introduction of equipment in a manufacturing or processing facility. Automation can refer to production systems, packaging innovations, turnkey solutions and even the robotics sector. Similar to process control systems, this implementation will lead to a more consistent product and remove the issue of human error.
Subsequently, process control and automation are systems that go hand in hand that are impactful in changing the production line for the better. Many confectionery giants have required that their machines include these processing systems in order to meet the growing consumer demand that the pandemic and other factors have caused. Automated systems and process control can be applied to any confectionery sector such as the chocolate production sector, gummy production or biscuits. With that being said, let’s assess the benefits of process control and automation systems.
The benefits of process control and automation
There are a plethora of advantages to confectionery companies using automation and process control. It is believed that computerised production allows to improve the efficiency and productivity, reduces safety risks as well as optimising the management of resources. The automated technologies can also cope with changing consumer preferences. Consumer demands have especially changed drastically. The pandemic there was seemingly a rise in emotional eating due to stress with a noted, “47% of adults saying they ate more confectionery snacks during the height of the pandemic.” This rising demand has been so extreme that meeting that demand has been tough. Therefore, automotive systems have been able to meet the needs of the public and confectionery companies.
Read more of this article in our latest edition here: March 2022 Single Issue form – International Confectionery Magazine (in-confectionery.com)
Media contact
Roshini Bains,
Editor, International Confectionery
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: editor@in-confectionery.com
