The benefits of automation in food and beverage manufacturing are numerous, including the ability to mitigate risks associated with labour shortages.
Post COVID, industries have had to face and deal with the issue of staff shortages, none greater than the meat and food manufacturing industry.
This had led to industry looking to automation solutions to combine the lack of skilled labour and staff shortages to keep up with domestic consumer demand.
A key player in this field, LUMIX Procut, specialises in providing automation systems designed to meet the needs of food and beverage manufacturers, and to en-sure products move smoothly down the line without delays.
The company offers a range of solutions through its various distribution partnerships, which enhance production process, including automatic skewering and filleting machines, and process automation in cutting, mixing and packaging steps.
This focus on automation not only provides solutions in staff shortages but also boosts efficiency and product quality improvement in the process.
The industry is grappling with labour shortages – with some manufacturers finding it difficult to acquire enough skilled and qualified workers – which has promoted many companies to seek out automation solutions.
And as the need for efficiency grows, so does the demand for smarter technology to streamline operations.
The team at LUMIX Procut are actively provide feedback to their manufacturing partners, such as EBAKI, MHS, EMSENS, and LAKIDIS, on these pressing issues.
As a result, the team at LUMIX Procut are well placed to provide the right solutions for the issue at hand.
One standout example of the solutions offered by LUMIX is EBAKI’s horizontal filleting machine, which has already been successfully implemented for several medium-sized food manufacturing customers across the country.
This machine, which cuts boneless meat horizontally, has transformed the workflow of these customers, being able to put out a week’s worth of cuts in a matter of hours.
Previously, one customer relied on two skilled butchers who worked 38 hours a week to fillet chicken breasts for skin sales.
Now, with the EBAKI solution, the process has been revolutionised. The compact machine, capable of producing up to 400 kilograms of product per hour, allowed the customer overhaul and streamline its production tasks.
“Our solutions allow qualified butchers to spend more time honing their craft,” said Anton Novopashin, partner, and director at LUMIX Procut.
“They can focus on making sausages or preparing special cuts of steak, as that’s their expertise.”
By doing so, the customer could also expect a quick return on investment through efficiency and output than prior to the solution’s application.
The implementing of automation also means businesses can shift their skilled workforce from manual jobs to more specialised tasks, ultimately enhancing product quality.
Another meat producer invested millions in a new chicken schnitzel line, but it struggled with the portion
sizes required.
In response, and in collaboration with LAKIDIS, LUMIX Procut provided the meat producer with an ideal solution.
However, the transition to automation isn’t without its challenges.
Many companies find that using unskilled labour in a highly automated environment is not effective.
The need for complete solutions that ensure proper input and output when using machines is critical. While automation can speed up production, integrating it thoughtfully into existing workflows is also essential for success.
“EBAKI’s machines can produce up to 6000 kilograms of product per hour, so it’s crucial to ensure that we can handle that output effectively,” said Novopashin.
“We need to make sure that products move smoothly down the line
without delays.”
Currently, collaborations with key brands in the poultry sector highlight this ongoing effort.
“For example, EMSENS produces the skewers found in supermarkets, and every poultry manufacturer is now utilising these machines,” said Novopashin.
“While automation can significantly streamline the production process, logistical hurdles remain, such as the time it takes to load and unload boxes.”
The importance of collaboration is evident in these solutions, with manufacturers eager to receive feedback to improve their processes.
Meanwhile, in terms of safety, MHS machines offer portion-cutting solutions that address some of the industry’s biggest concerns.
“Many medium-sized businesses currently use bone saw machines, which can be unsafe because operators have their hands close to the blade,”
said Novopashin.
In contrast, MHS machines come equipped with a computer-based screen, allowing users to set desired thickness and weight for cuts while maintaining a safe distance from the blade.
This automation not only enhances safety, by keeping hands further away from blades, but also allows companies to reallocate labour effectively.
“Staff shortages are a common issue across all industries, so if someone doesn’t show up, having automation in place means you have the flexibility to adapt,” said Novopashin.
The positive impact of automation can also be seen in the bakery sector, where a customer supplying the food service industry has experienced the benefits firsthand.
Manual cutting often leads to inconsistencies in thickness, which can affect cooking and product quality.
“When butchers cut by hand, the blade can flex, leading to uneven thickness,” said Novopashin.
“In contrast, with automation, the blade remains rigid throughout the process, ensuring uniformity and improved cooking results.”
The feedback from customers who have embraced these automated solutions has been positive. Many were initially hesitant about making such an investment, but the results speak for themselves.
“What used to take a week now only takes a few hours,” said Novopashin, highlighting how automation has freed staff to focus on other essential tasks.
To ensure a smooth transition for new users, the company has established a test kitchen where customers can experience the machinery firsthand.
“We conduct all the trials here to give them the confidence to use the machines on their own,” said Novopashin.
After installation, training is provided to help customers troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
All of LUMIX Procut’s equipment solutions are also manufactured in Europe, ensuring high quality and compliance with stringent safety regulations that meet, and in most cases, exceed those in Australia.
“Everything is certified to meet European and Australian safety standards,” said Novopashin.
The need for reliable and effective solutions is underscored by specific customer experiences.
Ultimately, the journey toward automation is not just about enhancing production efficiency; it’s about revolutionising the way food is processed.
With a focus on optimising production lines and addressing the labour shortage, businesses are embracing technology that not only streamlines operations but also elevates the quality of the end product.
