In the wake of COVID-19, U.S. food processors are experiencing an array of challenges, including quarantined workers, changing sanitation requirements and new on-floor personnel restrictions.

具体而言，肉类和家禽处理器看到对产品飙升的需求的显着变化。2020年3月，冷冻鸡类中有超过200万买家。[1]And meat sales are up 40.6% from 2019.[2]

As an essential part of the U.S. food industry, many meat and poultry plants are full of employees who work within close proximity of one another.[3]But now, fewer workers are on the floor because of social distancing requirements. And companies could face significant downtime as a result—and potentially even closed doors.

While some industry players have already embraced this new “normal,” many still have not. How do meat and poultry processors adapt to ensure a successful path as the industry shifts to new safety requirements for workers?

Implementing automation is key to plant success

A first step in reducing the risk of excessive downtime in this surging market is to take extra safety precautions—like screening people before they enter the plant and increasing space between workers on the floor. But these actions alone are not enough.

幸运的是，自动化手工实践可以帮助减轻当今产业正在经历的许多挑战 - 同时帮助企业更好地枢转到新动态，并为长期做好准备。自动化提供所需的一致性和效率：

• Enhance worker and product safety—Not only can automated systems handle more complex tasks and reduce risks, but less human intervention also helps prevent contamination.
• 提高产品吞吐量—Leveraging automation in some areas can significantly speed meat cut up and packaging for faster processing and higher production.
• Satisfy constant demand—Automated systems always “show up” to work and can help meet the required supply needs with fewer workers on the floor.
• Meet social distancing guidelines—Automating specific tasks makes limiting on-floor personnel possible—to not only satisfy guidelines but also increase employees’ comfort level.

从这往哪儿走

First, it’s important to take an objective, holistic look at your practices to decide where you can (and should) innovate and automate. The more automated your systems, the more hygienic your processes can be—and the faster you can meet product demand.

我们知道这一切都可能看起来很复杂和压倒性，但它不一定是。我们哈瓦斯在这里有帮助。通过支持肉类和家禽处理器的经验，我们将帮助您开始使用更深入的表现：

• Productivity impacts—How can conveyor systems help maximize the number of workers on your plant floor
• Sanitation practices—Are your belts optimized for sanitation?
• System efficiency—Do your belts need updating to function optimally?

Don’t worry; we’re not suggesting you re-engineer your entire plant. But whatever automation means for your business, we’ll be there with you every step of the way.

For innovative belting systems, turn to Habasit

Habasit has the innovative belting products, solutions and complete systems you need to automate practices and stay up and running safely. And we always put safety and hygiene first.

For more information about how we can help your business during this critical time and beyond,contact ustoday.

[sources]
[1]IRI CSIA, Total Use ALL Outlet, 4 Weeks Ending March 22, 2020
[2] https://www.provisioneronline.com/articles/109397-meat-department-continues-to-soar-but-consumers-notice-rising-prices
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/meat-poultry-processing-workers-employers.html