Grant GerkeGrant Gerke is Owner, Technical Editor, Writer, and Marketer at AC Consulting.Dry ProcessingBrewery Operations Extend Workforce and Improve SafetyHighland Brewery improves safety, reduces dry-hopping time, and supports production growth with a new hop cannon system and modern compressed air piping.August 26, 2026Automation & Digital TransformationThrough the Line Podcast: Scaling Innovation with State Ingredient Bans LurkingHow can food manufacturers scale innovation and reformulation efforts when a growing patchwork of state-level ingredient bans is reshaping what they can put on shelves?August 19, 2026Automation & Digital TransformationThrough the Line Podcast: Lean Principles in the Machine Learning EraWhat happens when decades-old lean manufacturing principles collide with today's machine learning push in food and beverage plants?August 12, 2026InspectionDelivering Context to Food Safety Data at the Machine LevelAs food processors connect machine-level data with contextualized analytics, retrofits, and AI tools, food safety programs are moving from isolated records toward real-time, risk-based decision-making.July 17, 2026SoftwareOperators Demand Real-Time Data to Increase UptimeProcessors are adopting real-time data tools for operators, and modern machine design is enabling flexible manufacturing approaches to increase uptime. In addition, advances in digital twin technology and automation are enabling flexible manufacturing in the plant.July 6, 2026RegulatoryFood 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, 2026Page 1 of 9Next Page
