DATA-DRIVEN MANUFACTURING


Implementation challenges Deploying data-driven systems in food manufacturing environments is not without its challenges. Experts note that common obstacles include: • Resistance to change on the factory floor • Difficulties integrating with legacy IT infrastructure


• Compliance concerns during transitions • The need for highly tailored solutions rather than off-the-shelf software


Andea’s consultants, like those at other firms specialising in digital transformation, are often tasked not just with configuring software, but also with navigating organisational change. According to the company, its teams offer a “full spectrum” of services, from conducting readiness assessments to building global-scale implementation roadmaps. Consultants typically bring a mix of industry


knowledge and systems expertise, which is critical for ensuring that the technology aligns with real-world production needs. In Andea’s case, years of experience in complex manufacturing environments have given their teams the ability to support both strategy and execution, particularly in highly regulated sectors like confectionery.


Broader industry implications While Andea is just one player in a growing field, their projects illustrate broader trends shaping the food manufacturing landscape. A 2024 industry report by the Food and


Beverage Manufacturers Association (FBMA) noted that more than 60% of surveyed companies are planning to invest in real-time data analytics and digital manufacturing platforms within the next two years. The same report highlighted that those who had already implemented such systems saw improvements in compliance, faster response to market changes, and measurable reductions in operating costs.


The pressure to adapt is also being fueled by


global developments in food safety standards, environmental regulations, and consumer activism — all of which demand more visibility and control throughout the production chain. The adoption of data-driven manufacturing in


the food and confectionery sector is a strategic pivot that’s quickly becoming essential. As companies grapple with increasingly complex operational, regulatory, and consumer landscapes, the need for integrated, intelligent systems becomes more urgent. Firms like Andea — with


Core benefits emerging from this shift


Interviews with technology consultants and manufacturing experts suggest that companies making the shift to data-driven processes are typically seeking benefits in six main areas:


1. Efficiency Gains – Real-time monitoring of production lines helps minimize downtime and optimize resource allocation.


2. Product Quality – Continuous data collection enables better quality control, reducing variability and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.


3. Traceability – Full end-to-end tracking of ingredients and processes supports faster responses to recalls or audits.


4. Sustainability – By analyzing usage patterns, companies can reduce energy consumption, packaging waste, and spoilage.


5. Agility in Product Innovation – Integrated systems allow for quicker rollouts of new products or formulations in response to market trends.


6. Supply Chain Resilience – Improved forecasting and inventory management tools help mitigate disruptions in a volatile global market.


7. Many of these capabilities rely on the integration of MOM and APS systems with enterprise resource planning (ERP), quality management, and warehouse management platforms. This level of integration is complex and often requires domain-specific expertise — something firms like Andea have developed over years of focused work in the manufacturing sector.


expertise in implementing MOM and APS solutions — are playing an important role in enabling this shift. Through a mix of technology implementation, process integration, and industry-specific consulting, they are helping manufacturers build smarter, more resilient operations. While the path to digital transformation


is rarely straightforward, early adopters are already seeing the value. As data becomes a central asset in manufacturing decision-making, those equipped to manage and act on it in real time will be best positioned to thrive.


JULY 2025 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 31


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