FOOD & BEVERAGE
A combination of Digimarc’s digital watermarks and OMRON’s machine vision technology have helped modernise industrial automation
With so much to consider in the shift from traditional to modern manufacturing, it can be difficult to know where to start. One of the most significant challenges our customers face is bridging the gap between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). These two domains often operate in silos, speaking different “languages”, and few companies have personnel who fully understand both sides. On top of that, the volume of data generated by today’s production systems can be overwhelming. Without the right expertise, it’s difficult to distinguish valuable insights from background noise.
©Digimarc Corporation
STEPS TO A SMARTER FUTURE D
igital enablement is using technology to improve the performance, flexibility, and intelligence of systems, equipment,
or processes.
In simple terms, it means making factories smarter and more connected – by transforming traditional equipment into tools that help manufacturers run more efficiently, adapt quickly, and reduce waste and downtime.
In food and drink production, it involves collecting data from machines and sensors, sharing that data with other systems, like cloud platforms or business software, and using those insights to make better decisions, fix problems faster, and improve performance. So, why does digital enablement matter in food and drink manufacturing? Food production lines require a high level of precision, speed, and hygiene to operate efficiently. Even a small issue, such as a slightly misaligned belt or a process temperature being a few degrees out, can halt production or spoil an entire batch.
Smart factories can help prevent such problems. Operators can deploy technology, for example, to identify machine defects early, before they cause major disruptions, or flag production bottlenecks that could be impeding productivity. They can use systems that enable end-to-end traceability, to meet consumer and regulatory demands, or spot
20 JANUARY 2026 | PROCESS & CONTROL
defective products before they are even shipped out.
The almost limitless potential of smart factories can make them seem extremely complex. Yet in reality, they are built on three key technologies. The first is sensors, which can check anything from whether a package is full to if a piece of equipment is working within safe temperature parameters. They are easy to install and are connected to the machine’s control system via an IO-Link.
A machine network, such as EtherCAT, can handle high-speed communication between different parts of the line in real time. It ensures, for instance, that robotic arms, cutters, or sealers move at exactly the right moment. This provides fast and accurate motion control, perfect timing for tasks like labelling and sealing.
The last piece in the jigsaw is a data connection, which allow machines to talk directly to cloud platforms or company systems.
This is important for remote monitoring and updates, being able to review machine performance remotely, and sending data to systems like enterprise resource planning (ERP). With this kind of cloud connectivity, manufacturers can fix problems faster, compare performance across different sites, and make evidence-based business decisions.
Another hurdle is ensuring that data gets where it needs to go: whether that’s dashboards, compliance reports, or ERP. Many legacy systems were never designed to work together, and integration is rarely an out-of-the-box experience. In many cases, custom development is required just to
OMRON explains more about the hot topic of digital enablement, what it means and the best place for food processors to start
establish basic data flows.
What’s more, smaller manufacturers in particular often express concerns about return on investment, and resistance to change within organisations can slow progress. However, these challenges are far from insurmountable. Expert application engineers, for example, can help integrate systems, develop tailored tools, and guide teams through the process, alleviating much of the pressure.
A smart approach is to start small. Focusing on a specific use case, such as traceability of a single product or predictive maintenance on one line, provides a manageable proof of concept to build upon.
Often, manufacturers can begin with the hardware they already have, deploying simple digital solutions before expanding as efficiencies and confidence grow. Application engineering support adds value here too, by ensuring the solutions you implement today are ready to adapt to tomorrow’s needs. People are just as important as the technology, and securing buy-in from the team is essential. Clearly communicating the benefits, providing the necessary training, and encouraging collaboration between IT and OT teams can make the difference between success and failure.
OMRON
industrial.omron.co.uk
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