7 insights from CrossnoKaye’s 2023 Innovation Summit

Thank you to everyone who joined us in California for the 2023 CrossnoKaye Innovation Summit!

This was a landmark event for the US food & beverage industry and we hope you were able to network, learn and share insights with your peers. Below is a summary of our main takeaways and ideas to explore; these are a direct result of your participation in the event!

Our top 7 insights:

Managing data is key, but a growing challenge

While most of the group agreed on the power of data and look forward to better utilizing it to make decisions, predict and control outcomes and streamline overall operations, there were numerous discussions around the challenges in properly accessing and utilizing data. Working with multiple data sources and understanding validation and accuracy revealed significant challenges to be explored in data management and utilization in the food & beverage sector.

The labor force is shrinking

Attendees highlighted the need for innovative approaches to manage labor force issues in the industry ranging from attracting and keeping employees, to training and up skilling, to the growing skills gap facing this industry. Many discussed opportunities for AI to augment and enhance the labor force and examples that were shared included everything from early stage concepts to working prototypes to solutions in place with measurable results.

Energy efficiency needs to improve

A major topic was the increasing importance of energy-efficient practices in food processing and storage. While there are numerous ways to do this, energy policies can be difficult to measure and manage across facilities, as no two facilities are alike. Aside from internal factors within buildings like equipment health, operators must also external factors like weather and rate structures to come up with a dynamic plan to manage, and ultimately reduce their energy usage by optimizing for a number of situations.

Budget restraints will continue

Financial limitations remain a significant hurdle for implementing new technology. Attendees shared their processes for vetting and implementing technology, as well as challenges in getting buy-in, and finding methods to showcase ROI or financial savings over time.

Digital transformation is key

Similar to many other industrial sectors, food & beverage is not alone in facing challenges to modernize and optimize their facilities and operations. The industry is rapidly moving towards digitalization, with data-driven solutions at the forefront. With budget constraints, training costs and what often feels like a steep learning curve, attendee discussed how they are tackling these challenges and what gets prioritized first.

Innovative solutions are driven by industry leaders

Many attendees participated in our hackathon, working hand in hand with CrossnoKaye’s R&D teams to brainstorm and build apps to address specific industry challenges. This was crucial for our teams, as they learn more about the priorities and challenges that remain top of mind.

AI integration is important in driving ROI

There was a consensus on the need for more AI integration in industry processes. Many discussions touched on how a growing number of AI tools and apps are entering the industrial control center world, the ones that will success must be driven by tangible results.

Thanks again for attending and we look forward to seeing you in 2024!