Articles Tagged with ''automation''

Forklifts have long been a staple in beverage warehouses. Yet, demand for new, sustainable technologies, like electric lift trucks, as well as the incorporation of the right combination of slotting and storage strategies to increase capacity and picking efficiency are driving the market.

Suppliers are expanding their portfolios and helping beverage-makers in their packaging and distribution operations by maintaining quality control and increasing uptime. At drinktec, Gerhard Schubert GmbH and KHS showcased the benefits of the Innopack-TLM block packaging system which can pack beverage crates, baskets, clusters and other cardboard packaging. Sacmi debuted a cross-process quadblock platform that combines stretch-blow molding with labeling and filling all in one machine. Other companies are releasing devices to test the purity of water, inspect aluminum cans and increase production on the beverage production line.

Although automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated guided carts (AGCs) have been in the market for more than 40 years, a renewed interest has emerged in “true robotic systems” that consistently and predictably transport loads of materials to places that might otherwise be serviced by manually driven forklift trucks, conveyors or manual cart transport, experts say. “Interest is soaring,” says Laura McConney, marketing coordinator at JBT Corp., Chalfont, Pa. “Customers no longer wonder whether they should install AGVs. They know they need them and just want to develop the best implementation plan. Customers are well beyond considering beta site testing and have moved onto enterprise-wide deployments.

The supply chain always is a topic of conversation because virtually every industrial operation machine designer constantly is attempting to thoroughly understand operating conditions and create the most efficient, timely and economical manufacturing environment that can be used for converting raw materials into product, producing packaged products and delivering finished products to the consumer. This is especially true in all segments of the beverage industry.

Suppliers released several new innovations to streamline beverage operations, including the patented variable position turner technology to maximize speed and flexibility for in-line, high-speed palletizing. Several companies also will showcase new beverage innovations at drinktec, including aseptic blow fill solutions for fruit juice, milk, wine and beer production.

Beauty magazines regularly offer advice and tips to help consumers avoid smudging their makeup. However, for consumer packaged goods manufacturers (CPG), a smudge is more serious than an unflattering photo that won’t get posted on social media.

As automation within beverage operations becomes ever more prevalent, inspection equipment suppliers have recognized the need to streamline the equipment involved in the essential process while ensuring packaging maintains its aesthetic appeal and quality standards.

Entrusting a project to an architect-led, proven process limits the time and effort required of the client. It allows owners to focus on their core activities and to be assured that the project is being handled in the most professional way possible while reducing risk and exposure.

In the beverage, supply chain and packaging markets, tradeshow season is in full swing. I recently attended ProMat and ProFood Tech at McCormick Place in Chicago, and will be heading to Las Vegas later this month to attend the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting & Food Expo, which will take place June 26-28.

Whether its craft beer, imported bottled water, cold-pressed juices or any of the other premium beverages gaining traction, market analysts have highlighted that consumers are willing to pay a premium price if they feel they are getting value-added benefits from a product.