An analysis of smart systems implementation in uk food production companies

Andrew Thomas*, Richard Barton, Claire Haven-Tang, Paul Byard, Rachel Mason-Jones, Mark Francis

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The UK food industry faces significant challenges to remain competitive. With the changing political climate, companies can no longer rely on a low labour cost workforce to maintain low production costs. Smart Production Systems (SPS) is being seen as an alternative towards achieving improvements in productivity. However, little evidence exists on whether UK food companies are prepared for implementing such systems. The purpose of this research is to explore the applicability of SPS in the UK food processing industry and, to identify the preparedness of companies to implement such systems. A triangulated research approach is adopted and includes a questionnaire, interviews and audits of 20 food processing companies. Findings suggest that the current political turbulence in the UK could bring food companies closer to the adoption of SPS, hence it is a good time to consider learnings from other manufacturing sectors and, to outline an SPS implementation strategy.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Manufacturing Technology XXXII - Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Manufacturing Research, ICMR 2018, incorporating the 33rd National Conference on Manufacturing Research
EditorsPeter Thorvald, Keith Case
PublisherIOS Press BV
Pages317-322
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781614994398
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Event16th International Conference on Manufacturing Research, ICMR 2018 - Skovde, Sweden
Duration: 11 Sept 201813 Sept 2018

Publication series

NameAdvances in Transdisciplinary Engineering
Volume8
ISSN (Print)2352-751X
ISSN (Electronic)2352-7528

Conference

Conference16th International Conference on Manufacturing Research, ICMR 2018
Country/TerritorySweden
CitySkovde
Period11/09/1813/09/18

Keywords

  • Food Production
  • Productivity Profile
  • Smart Systems

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