The confectionery industry is going through significant transformation as manufacturers increasingly adopt AI-driven smart factory systems for enhanced efficiency, precision, and sustainability. Besides streamlining production processes, the shift is enabling companies to be more successful in meeting consumer demands. We’ll investigate the integration and benefits of such technologies here.
Enhancing efficiency and productivity
Automation and AI are proving essential in the optimisation of production lines. 30% of confectionery manufacturers are now using AI to improve supply chain logistics, with inefficiencies being reduced and production volumes increased (Confectionery News, 2024). 48% of capital spending in the food and beverage sector is now focused on automation projects, with 70% of companies citing productivity as the top benefit (CRB Group, 2024).
Case studies show that the adoption of AI-powered robotics and predictive maintenance systems has cut downtime and increased throughput by up to 25% in mid-sized confectionery factories (McKinsey & Co., 2024). Real-time production analytics are also helping in the dynamic adjustment of smart factories, resulting in increased output and consistent quality standards (CRB Group, 2024). The introduction of advanced systems such as Ishida’s Sentinel 5.0 is making for further throughput improvements.
Precision and quality control
Increasing consumer demands and strict regulations are putting a focus on the importance of portioning precision and quality control. Ishida is meeting this demand, with the CCW AS (Advantage Series) of multi-head weighers ensuring accurate portioning with minimal giveaway and waste.
The introduction of self-learning inspection systems has reduced product defects by 40% in some smart factories. Enabling the scanning of thousands of products per minute, these systems are having a transformative impact on quality control and defect detection. Their integration has led to the reduction of product recalls and improved brand reputation (Confectionery News, 2024). Smart inspection systems have helped confectionery manufacturers in the UK to optimise ingredient ratios, ensuring consistency across every production batch (KatPro Tech, 2024).
The CCW AS has advanced self-learning capabilities, with its Auto Tuning and Optical Charge Control functions proactively optimising machine performance to deliver market-leading accuracy and efficiency. The Sentinel 5.0 enables the transfer of such learning between machines for the real-time optimisation of production.
Enhancing Sustainability
There’s a clear need to enhance the sustainability of confectionery production, with 77% of European consumers willing to pay more for sustainable products. Manufacturers are increasingly recognising the need to minimise waste, optimise energy use, and boost efficiency.
Again, Ishida’s advanced technologies are making a difference, with the Sentinel 5.0 smart factory system increasing efficiency by 15%. The integration of Ishida’s CCW-AS has also been found to reduce power consumption by 20% in comparison with the previous model.
Confectionery sector predictions
The integration of automation, AI and sustainable systems is having a transformative effect on confectionery manufacturing. This looks set to continue, with such technologies enabling manufacturers to gain an edge in the competitive confectionery market. Now is the ideal time to explore the range of advanced systems offered by Ishida.
