AI in the refrigeration industry: a differential or a necessity?

All about Artificial intelligence

In an increasingly connected world, both online and offline, the meatpacking market has not been left behind and has also experienced significant growth. This advancement has brought with it increasingly complex operational demands, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and process automation in the meatpacking industry has emerged not only as a competitive differentiator, but as an imperative need.

Meat consumption has always been robust, but the globalization of this consumption is relatively new. In a globalized scenario, the import and export of food, especially meat, has become extremely frequent and those who work in this sector know how complex it is to ensure that this product reaches the consumer's table with quality and safety, and that is where AI comes in, for example.

To put this into context, according to research by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), global meat consumption has increased by around 58% over the past 20 years. This growth has been driven by both population growth and rising per capita income. And the projections are even more impressive: by 2050, global meat consumption is expected to double.

This scenario places enormous pressure on the meatpacking industry to optimize its processes and ensure product quality and safety, and this is exactly where AI and process automation prove crucial. These technologies not only reduce the time needed to comply with government regulations, but also provide an additional layer of accuracy and reliability to administrative processes.

Using advanced algorithms and AI systems, it is possible to ensure the consistency and accuracy of information in health certificates, strengthening the company's credibility with regulatory authorities. This has a positive impact on food safety, allowing for more rigorous and real-time monitoring of hygiene and quality standards.

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This way, it is possible to reduce the time spent issuing the Health Inspection Certificate (CIS) by 90% and increase the assertiveness of the process by 90%. In one of the largest meatpacking plants in the country, I have already seen a reduction in the time of a manual process from 50 minutes to just 5 minutes. In addition, the error rate dropped from 40% to 2%, an impressive reduction of 95%.

For companies that issue 600 to 2,000 emails per month, this means that up to seven employees can be redirected to more strategic and analytical tasks. And who doesn’t want operational and competitive advantages like these?

Finally, I would like to point out that the integration of AI and process automation in the meatpacking industry is not an option, but a strategic necessity. They allow us to deal with the increase in global demand and quality and safety requirements in an efficient and precise manner. Companies that adopt these technologies are positioned at the forefront of innovation, ensuring a competitive edge in the global market.

In times of change and growth, investing in AI and process automation is ensuring the future of the refrigeration industry and ensuring that we can meet growing demands with maximum quality and safety.

*Renan Salinas is CEO and founder of Yank Solutions