Among the many manufacturing sectors that provide relatively high employability globally, the spud processing industry is one of the most important sectors. The efficient manufacturing, storage, and packing of both fresh and processed potato products depend heavily on the labor force. Owing to human participation, this industry occasionally struggles to keep up with market demand and food safety standards.

Software and hardware integration is one of the greatest ways to address these problems in the industry. Deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms serve as the foundation for this strategy. The potato processing and distribution processes may be handled effectively and operational competency can be improved by utilizing an AI-based system.

Packaging might be greatly enhanced by AI, which could also extend shelf life, combine menu items using AI algorithms, and improve food safety by creating a more transparent supply chain management system. Drones, robotic farming, and smart farming are the mainstays of the potato processing sector of the future, thanks to AI and ML.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly change the food processing business in the future by producing more reasonable and healthier productivity for both clients and staff. By reducing human error in production and, to a lesser extent, wasteful product leftovers, the use of AI and ML in the food production and restaurant industries is already propelling the industry forward. It allows for reduced packing and shipping costs, an increase in customer satisfaction, quick services, voice searching, and more customized purchases. Large food industries can also profit from these business advantages, which will ultimately be advantageous.

Developing an Automation Solution to Address PepsiCo’s Rojana Storage Facility

With its recent partnership with Dematic to integrate automation as a core feature of its enlarged manufacturing and logistics facilities in Rojana, Thailand, PepsiCo has achieved a significant milestone in its vision of a digitized future.

The Rojana plant of PepsiCo is an important regional center that generates a range of goods. PepsiCo realized it needed to expand its production and logistical capabilities in Thailand due to the country’s increasing demand for its products.

“Rojana is one of our biggest plants, and it also has several different product platforms. We have potato chips, we have Stax-brand chips, and we have Fry Pack in extruded products as well. Those products are made at Rojana and are not only distributed nationally across Thailand but also internationally to Vietnam and other neighboring countries,” Colin Matthews, Supply Chain Senior Director – Indochina Foods, PepsiCo, said.

Dematic collaborated closely with PepsiCo to design an automated system that would meet their needs for storage, throughput capacity, and productivity in their logistics operations. This solution would support PepsiCo’s growth while addressing space limits and labor problems. The main component of the system is an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) that is directly connected to the order fulfillment and production departments.

“We foresee a manpower shortage being a major challenge for our local operations in Thailand. Automation, therefore, is the perfect solution to take on this challenge, whilst also improving our facility operations across the board,” Charan Techapattaraporn, Logistics Manager, PepsiCo, mentioned.

You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary e-copy of Issue 2 of Potato Business Dossier 2024, which you can access by clicking here.