technologies have also been employed in automation solutions, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software – which can provide real-time monitoring and control of confectionery production processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime – and industrial robots and cobots. Modern robots, equipped with advanced sensors and AI capabilities, can perform tasks such as precise sorting, packaging, and quality inspection with high accuracy and speed. More recently collaborative robots (cobots) have been developed specifically to be able to work safely alongside human operators. Today the confectionery manufacturing sector is entering the digital era which sees a new breed of smart sensors and devices on production equipment being able to send data to servers or the cloud where it can be analysed and turned into actionable information that can help users gain greater insight into their production processes One of the biggest drivers for


Thanks to the use of electric


drives, a variety of flavour mixes of chocolate can be achieved without difficulty (image courtesy Festo).


digitalisation in confectionery is reducing the cost of labour and physical resources. it can also help speed up organisations sustainability agendas by providing the data needed to reduce energy consumption and remove waste from the production process. Today, digitalisation is pushing the boundaries of what is possible by removing uncertainty from processes, providing greater insight into the operation. The use of digital technologies can make it much clearer where inefficiencies lie and enables more precise adjustments to be made in areas of production that were previously wasteful.


Automated weighing: Automated weighing systems offer greater accuracy than manual weighing methods. As such, they can help reduce product waste and minimise costs and giveaway. Additionally, automated weighing systems can contribute to improved packaging efficiency. Packaging solutions: Early automated packaging systems streamlined the wrapping and boxing of confectionery products, significantly increasing output. Traditionally they relied on mechanical and electro- mechanical technologies to automate specific tasks, to ensure consistent product quality and increased production speeds. In recent years more advanced


KennedysConfection.com Keeping up


It is important that confectionery producers stay abreast of the latest automation technologies in order to keep up with, or gain an advantage over, their competitors. Yinrich, a Chinese machine manufacturer specialising in the confectionery industry, argued that automation allows for the streamlining of production processes, reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing the speed at which products can be manufactured. This can not only lead to higher output and faster turnaround times but can also result in cost savings. By adopting automation, confectionery businesses are able to produce more in less


Today the confectionery manufacturing


sector is entering the digital era which sees a new breed of smart sensors and devices on production equipment being able to send data to servers or the cloud where it can be analysed and turned into actionable information”


time, allowing them to meet the demands of a growing market without compromising on product quality.


Automation also helps minimise the risk of human error in the production process, leading to a more consistent and reliable end product. “By implementing automation in confectionery production lines, businesses can ensure that each product meets the same standards of quality,” says a spokesperson for Yinrich. Importantly, automation can also offer improvements in safety and compliance. It can help minimise the risk of workplace accidents and injuries by taking over tasks that are dangerous or physically demanding for human operators. Additionally, it can assist in maintaining compliance with fast-changing industry regulations and standards. With built-in monitoring and control systems, automation helps ensure that production processes adhere to safety, quality, and hygiene guidelines, reducing the risk of non-compliance. By automating critical control points in the production process, businesses are able to demonstrate their commitment to product safety and quality, building trust with consumers and regulatory bodies alike.


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