June 8, 2020

US dairy group signs digital automation deal

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and ASEA Brown Boveri (ABB) have partnered to offer a suite of automated systems, applications and integrated solutions that will aid in advancing digitalisation within their plants and facilities, reported Feedstuffs.

IDFA is the largest trade association in the US representing all segments of the dairy sector while ABB is a global technology leader in the digital transformation of industries. Through the new partnership, ABB will offer a top-to-bottom Digital Plant Assessment to IDFA members, including milk, ice cream, yogurt, butter, cheese and dairy ingredient processors as well as equipment and packaging manufacturers.

The Digital Plant Assessment is focused on diagnosing operations before prescribing solutions and will seek to fill gaps within member companies' manufacturing and/or production processing operations. Its structured, five-step approach allows ABB professionals to work jointly with IDFA member leadership and experts to unlock hidden value through digital technologies. ABB's signature Digital Plant Assessment can be conducted remotely or on site to reveal opportunities for immediate and continuous operational improvement that will deliver enhanced process efficiencies and effectiveness.

"We are so pleased to partner with ABB, a global leader in technology and digital transformation across the food sector, to offer this important service to IDFA members seeking process and supply chain improvements to grow their businesses and remain resilient in the face of future shocks," IDFA president and chief executive officer Dr Michael Dykes said. "There is no other trade association in dairy where processing members can join with world-class technology and digital solutions leaders to modernise their businesses, build resilience and manage risk in today's consumer-driven economy."

Aaron Strupp, North America food and beverage director for ABB Process Industries, said, "IDFA is an excellent advocacy organisation that is dedicated to its members; ABB is proud to be working closely with their team. We look forward to collaborating with IDFA and its members on ways to make a positive difference for their businesses, through the strategic application of individual consultancy services and technologies, which support the adoption of smart manufacturing that improves production and operational performance."