INDUSTRy 4.0 / SMART FACTORIES
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onsumers today are demanding more sustainable products, whilst shareholders are also pushing
organisations for higher profit margins. Couple this balancing act with a shift in consumption trends, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, food and drink manufacturers have been forced to pivot quickly, reassess product lines and scale up production in certain areas. That is why many have turned to data and software tools, enhancing cost efficiencies and operational productivity by helping manufacturers produce more in less time and with fewer materials. In fact, McKinsey has estimated the value of
increased productivity linked to Industry 4.0 in manufacturing and the supply chain at $3.7tn by 2025. But it is not just profitability that data is supporting with. Manufacturers are also recognising its benefits in driving more sustainable practices, reducing wastage and being smarter about material usage.
Putting sustainability at the centre of business strategy Despite huge advances in innovation and sustainability across the food and drinks industry over the last decade, the global food supply chain still represents more than a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. Organisations can no longer ignore the critical threat of climate change and the role that the industry plays – namely in the burning of fossil fuels, food wastage and the use of plastic in packaging. But it should not be down to one individual to fight the fight. A company’s sustainability agenda must be driven by the leadership team in a top-down approach. Simply articulating high level CSR commitments or a 2050 strategy won’t always filter through to every department. The good news is that increased
digitisation is improving collaboration within manufacturing firms, meaning sustainability goals can be communicated from the C-suite right through to the factory floor. This ensures that everyone knows what their role is in driving sustainability initiatives forwards as well as understanding how these align to wider business objectives. Empowering the workforce by arming them with this information means they can make effective decisions, work productively as a team and collaborate on solutions that are both good for business and the planet.
in this article, Dean griffin, senior service solutions advisor at tetra Pak, explains how industry 4.0 is as much about driving sustainability as it is about profit.
18 MAy 2021 | FACTORy&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
helPing manufacturers to see the bigger Picture It is this enhanced collaboration which is helping manufacturers re-strategise and streamline product portfolios. For example, by embedding data analytics tools such as Power BI or Tableau, firms can start looking at the SKU (product) level detail and analysing which products are making money, have the highest carbon footprint or
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