The LINK to optimise yield

Hoteliers must realise that there are major savings from process analysis systems. We take a look at one such software solution - the LINK Process Analysis.

In today's environment, consumers are demanding high quality products that are safe, uniform in appearance and taste great. How are food processors able to meet these demands and improve their bottom line? The answer is to implement LINK Process Analysis - a software solution that increases the long-term productivity across the entire processing line.

LINK Process Analysis takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting. The system allows you to capture relevant process and product data in electronic format and securely store it in one central location, augmenting or replacing paper-based systems. Process data may include machine parameters such as belt speed, fryer oil temperature, oven infeed temperature and a forming machine's stroke rate; while product data includes specific product characteristics such as lot number, raw temperature, product form and discharge weight from an oven or freezer.

Improve product quality

By capturing relevant process and product information, LINK Process Analysis allows food processors to consistently produce to specification and eliminate major problems in processing, such as undercooking and overcooking. By using the system, food processors are able to recognise trouble before it occurs. You can set an alarm to sound when the equipment or a product parameter is reaching its out-of-specification limit.

Being pro-active instead of reactive reduces waste and downtime, which saves time and money. For example, a typical poultry processing line may run 5,000 pounds of poultry per hour. If the production line downtime is reduced by two per cent, savings could reach US$ 72,000. A 10 per cent reduction in waste provides US$ 18,000 in annual savings per line.

Optimise yield and throughput

LINK allows food processors to repeat favorable conditions that produce the best yield and throughput by using historical data where there was over one hour of 'smooth running'. Smooth running is when the product and equipment data points are within specification limits, and yield and throughput are maximised. Food processors can then set the target and specification limits in the product's recipe based on this historical information.

Optimising yield and throughput is guaranteed to save money. For instance, if a poultry line that processes 5,000 pounds per hour improves its yield by one per cent, it can achieve an estimated annual savings of up to US$ 360,000 per line. Furthermore, if a two per cent increase is realised in throughput, the result can provide an additional annual savings of US$ 72,000.

Trace products and processes

Traceability is an important factor in food safety and the food processing industry. With LINK Process Analysis, traceability is quick, easy and thorough. It enables the food processor to automatically document and query product and equipment parameters for certain lot numbers, product codes, time periods, product recipes, and operators, to name a few.

Traceability not only provides food processors with ease of mind, it also can save money as well. For example, if there is an average of four recalls per year, and that is reduced by 30 per cent because of accurately kept records, US$ 15,000 in annual savings can be achieved. Additionally, decreasing documentation and calculation errors provide substantial savings, possibly as much as US$ 50,000 per year.

The total solution

"LINK is a holistic solution for your entire processing line," said Thomas Lundqvist, LINK product line manager. "The system provides food processors with the opportunity to fully optimise the process, thereby improving product quality, increasing yield and throughput and providing traceability, all while saving money and improving your bottom line." For more information on how LINK Process Analysis can help your production line, please contact Angela Siem atangelam.siem@ fmcti.com.

Courtesy: Minett Media