Tristan Harris, a technology ethicist, stated, “By allowing algorithms to control a great deal of what we see and do online, such designers have allowed technology to become a kind of ‘digital Frankenstein,’ steering billions of people’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.”
Humanoids, self-driving cars, intelligent healthcare tools, virtual assistants are just a few of the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered inventions that the world is enjoying. While on one hand, companies are investing millions of dollars in creating AI-embedded tech solutions, on the other hand, several tech enthusiasts are criticizing this technology. Elon Musk, one of the most renowned technology entrepreneurs, stated, “AI doesn’t have to be evil to destroy humanity – if AI has a goal and humanity just happens to come in the way, it will destroy humanity as a matter of course without even thinking about it, no hard feelings.”
Regardless of the criticism, there are few industries that are significantly benefiting from this technology, the Food and Beverages (F&B) industry is one of them. Artificial Intelligence for food safety is critical. Manually maintaining records only makes things difficult. To aid these businesses and assist them with food safety compliance, technologists have designed AI-powered systems that bolster food safety.
AI-Embedded ERPs is the Way to Go
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is embedded with AI and ML algorithms. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software has already set the food industry for a complete revolution, combined with AI; this will change the game, especially for companies struggling to comply with food safety regulations. AI components, including machine learning and virtual assistants, are boosting the efficiency of ERPs that are bolstering food safety.
Advanced Tracking and Monitoring – Getting Rid of Paper-Based Documentation
Be it a company operating in the automotive sector or the F&B industry, having an adequate and efficient process tracking and monitoring system in place is critical for success. Usually, this process is manual, and the ‘numbers’ are documented in spreadsheets or paper-based documents. This not only makes documentation messy and time-consuming, but it prevents companies from making smart decisions in the minimum possible time.
When it comes to food safety, advanced tracking and monitoring systems can really serve as a game-changer. Starting from procurement of raw materials to distribution of products across retailers, AI-powered ERPs help keep track of all the processes.
When a need arises, employees do not have to stress out to extract specific pieces of information. This, when done manually, can stir havoc in a company and cause massive chaos – making things worse. While monitoring the processes, such ERPs alert employees when values are out-of-tolerance.
Use of Predictive Analytics – Accurate Forecasts
Producing the right amount of food products based on demand is crucial for businesses operating in the F&B sector. Produce a limited stock, and it will infuriate the consumers, produce too much, and it will make the product go-bad, a violation of food safety regulations.
With the use of predictive analytics, companies can enjoy the benefits of accurate forecasts. They will schedule production based on these accurate forecasts. This saves them from accidentally distributing a batch of expired food into the market.
It also enhances a company’s capability of shelf-life management. It is one of the most critical factors when it comes to food safety.
Use of Root Cause Analysis – Reduction of Recall Damage
There is no denying there; recalls are a nightmare for a company operating in the F&B company. It leads to major losses. While catering to recalls can exhaust a company’s budget and waste resources, it puts excessive monetary strain on the government. This situation significantly harms the company’s reputation in the market, leading to a considerable decline in sales.
AI-embedded ERPs help with their advanced root cause analysis. This feature lets companies effectively identify the cause of recalls in the minimum timeframe. The less time it takes to investigate recalls, the lower the risk to the health of the consumers and the company’s reputation.
ERPs that have AI technology in it offers advanced tracking and monitoring assistance. It makes traceability an easy and convenient process. While offering the consumers the level of transparency, they expect from companies, these ERPs help reduce the damage associated with recalls.
The Role of Big Data in Food Safety
Big Data is one of the smartest tools for companies today. From the automotive, retail, and insurance industries to the food industry, big data plays a key role in revolutionizing the way companies function.
Detecting alerts, monitoring environments, and anticipating needs are the three ways the use of big data is aiding food safety. Companies are now collecting data from all across the internet to identify the food safety areas they are lagging in. Systems such as the Whole Genome Sequencing are really making things easy for businesses.
Both big data and AI are set to revolutionize the F&B industry. Adherence to food safety and quality regulations has always been a challenge for companies. As the world advances, there is a need for these companies to integrate tech-powered tools in their operations to acquire a competitive edge in the market. Not doing will eventually lead a company in the F&B industry towards major and sometimes irrecoverable losses.
Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, including Machine Learning and predictive analytics, combined with big data, are working wonders for Food businesses. It is high time that companies look at the bigger picture and replace their tiring, exhausting, and resource-consuming tasks with automated solutions.
Artificial Intelligence is ruling the world. Denying its powerful capabilities will only minimize the chances to enhance productivity, ensure efficiency while keeping up with food safety regulations is nothing but a blunder that can turn into a major loss.
