Grant GerkeGrant Gerke is Owner, Technical Editor, Writer, and Marketer at AC Consulting.RegulatoryFood Manufacturers Pursue Traceability in an Uncertain Regulatory EnvironmentFood manufacturers continue investing in advanced traceability equipment and technology as federal and state regulations shift. Customer requirements for lot tracking remain strong, data-standardization initiatives continue to gain traction, and companies are pursuing continuous improvement despite the uncertainty.June 19, 2026HomeProcessing and Formulation: Scaling Innovation with State Ingredient Bans LurkingA wave of potential state bans targeting ingredients and synthetic dyes is creating uncertainty across the industry, but investments in automation, machine learning, and digital tools are helping manufacturers protect margins and accelerate innovation.May 15, 2026BeverageThrough the Line Podcast: Water Reuse at Food and Dairy PlantsIs water recycling in food and dairy plants viable? Options for dairy and food plants include water reuse solutions through reverse osmosis and membrane bioreactors or monitoring offtake to water/wastewater facilities. Sustainability programs may have driven the first wave of these projects, but food producers are now leaning on data analytics tools to get more approvals.April 29, 2026RoboticsLean Principles in the Machine Learning EraWhile AI grabs headlines, machine learning, modeling and data standardization efforts are rooting out waste. Data in batch processing, lab databases, and production pose standardization challenges, and the ability to sync information across departments and identify waste.April 16, 2026RoboticsAutomation Crushes Coffee Maker’s Packaging InefficienciesNapco Brands automates its end-of-line palletizing across two packaging lines and extends its plant workforce while reducing turnover and safety risks by eliminating manual operations.April 8, 2026Processing InstrumentationFood Processors Implement New Quality Software Solutions and ApproachesSolutions are abundant for quality management in the food processing segment, and companies are evaluating new approaches with older facilities and data-first greenfield plants. Food processors juggle many priorities, but scaling production, traceability and managing reformulations are at the top of the list.March 16, 2026Plant Operations & EquipmentThrough the Line Podcast: Real-Time KPIs and the Evolution of Food Plant DataLightweight system solutions are creating flexibility for plant managers to set relevant KPIs and expand the workforce. Midsize companies see lightweight solutions as a good first step for KPIs that collect safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics, or overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) numbers.February 25, 2026SecurityOT Cybersecurity Looks to IT in 2026Companies are investing in threat detection services and performing OT asset inventory initiatives while bringing IT departments along for the ride.February 9, 2026SoftwareFormulation and Manufacturing Trends for Chocolate 2.0Chocolate manufacturers, like the broader food segment, are seeking higher volumes through digital manufacturing investments. Product development teams are reformulating recipes, and manufacturing operations are optimizing workforce technology to increase throughput and search for plant optimization.January 29, 2026Processing InstrumentationReal-Time KPIs and the Evolution of Food Plant DataHow different brands are approaching digital investments to improve manufacturing metrics and how they are addressing workforce challenges.January 14, 2026Page 1 of 8Next Page
