Data is valuable because it helps manufacturers make better decisions. But there’s a big difference between collecting data and being able to actually use it. If you don’t have a system in place to be able to understand what the data is telling you, then you’re going to be overwhelmed by it.

When it comes to maintenance in food and beverage processing facilities, we’ve come a long way. 

The term First Time Fix Rate (FTFR) indicates the percentage of the time that a system manufacturer is able to correct a customer’s equipment issue on the first visit, without the need for a return visit after obtaining additional expertise, information, or parts. For a company with a downed printer that is holding up production, the ability of a supplier to solve the problem quickly is a primary driver of customer satisfaction. As a result, FTFR is an important measurement of the quality of an equipment manufacturer’s service capability, which can in turn be a strong selling point for the company’s systems.

While not every pumping application in the food and beverage industry may equate in value to critical process points in a petroleum refinery, failure of a key pump, however, can still have a catastrophic impact on production. And, probably for many facilities, pumps may not be top of mind for most managers. However, pumps handling water recirculation in aquaculture facilities, maintaining flow in CIP systems, bringing in fresh water for use as an ingredient or handling wastewater can represent a critical stop to production should they break down.

Just as the flapping wings of a butterfly in West Africa can ultimately trigger a hurricane that ravages the U.S., the failure of an inexpensive part in just one machine can batter the financial performance of the company that owns it.

No doubt about it, COVID-19 has changed the way most—if not all—businesses operate. While food and beverage processors have had to struggle with supply chain issues, robotics and system suppliers have had to face similar supply chain problems, plus come up with solid methods of service and maintenance support during the pandemic.

While not all processors have machine shops with CNCs in their plants, most food and beverage plants do have process and packaging equipment that would benefit from smarter maintenance.

At a press conference at Process Expo on Wednesday, October 9, the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) announced the launch of the Food Industry Technician (FIT) certification program in association with Lincoln Technical Institute.