3 Key Takeaways from PPMA 2024: Showcasing the future of automation in food manufacturing

Our team exhibited at the PPMA 2024 show at the NEC, Birmingham in September. We showcased a number of cutting-edge automation technologies that are helping food manufacturers automate their food production lines. Here’s our 3 key takeaways from a very busy show:

1 - Automation is king!

Across the three days, we spoke to 782 food industry professionals.

Their feedback was clear: the industry is hungry for automation!

From fresh produce to bakery, each sector is suffering with labour availability and rising costs. People recognise automation can help and they’re looking for solutions.

It was great to share how we’ve helped food manufacturers like Worldwide Fruit and Agrana on their automation journey.

2 - AI-powered vision and 3D laser technology took centre stage!

If you fully automate your production lines, no human eyes will see your packs or products!

You’ll be reliant on technology to verify the quality of every pack.

We demonstrated how AI-powered vision technology is a game changer for inspection and a key enabler in their automation journey.

In the first demo, “Right Product” verification; the camera checks that the right product is being packed, for instance, detecting the difference between lasagna and a pasta bake.

The second demo, showed our 3D laser scanning solution showcased how we can create a 3D profile of every dough to eliminate defects and measure critical quality attributes like volume.

Jake Norman, OAL's Managing Director speaking with Camilla Young, Programme Lead for GS1 powered QR codes

3 - Leading the “Second Barcode Revolution”

Barcodes are changing!

We hosted a seminar with GS1 on the “Second barcode revolution” and how best to implement dynamic QR codes on packaging.

The change will require manufacturers to print key production information including batch numbers and date code information on pack.

We have proven solutions that can help you meet the GS1 requirements fast.

Read more about the introduction of dynamic QR codes in The Grocer article here.

OAL will be exhibiting at PPMA 2025. We look forward to welcoming you back next year as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and provide the solutions that help drive the industry forward. Stay tuned for what’s to come—next year’s stand will be one you won’t want to miss!

The Grocer: The Second Barcode Revolution

OAL’s Managing Director, Jake Norman, was featured in a recent article by George Nott on “The Second Barcode Revolution” for The Grocer.

George’s report gives a fantastic overview of the power of these next-generation QR barcodes and why adoption is rapdily accelerating across the retail sector. 

Please click on the button below to read the feature in full:

OAL appoints Nick Taylor as Operations Director

OAL, a market leader in automation, robotics and digital transformation solutions for the food manufacturing sector, has appointed Nick Taylor as its new Operations Director. Nick will be responsible for scaling business operations to meet the growing demand for OAL’s solutions.

Nick, far left, at a recent site visit to OAL's customer, Worldwide Fruit

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Nick to OAL,” said OAL MD Jake Norman. “Nick has extensive experience across all facets of food manufacturing and will ensure we continue to delight our customers as the business expands.”

Previously, Nick led Capital Investment at KraftHeinz, Telford and served as Site Director at one of Hovis’s manufacturing sites. Over the course of three decades, he has held operations and engineering roles at manufacturers, including Bakkavor, Coca-Cola Enterprises and KraftHeinz.

OAL was founded in 1993 by Harry Norman and quickly developed a strong reputation for pioneering the latest technology to solve the challenges faced by the food industry. From integrated MES/SCADA factory control systems to AI cameras verifying product packaging, date coding and robotic weighing systems, OAL has become the partner of choice for food manufacturers on a digital transformation journey.

Visit OAL at the PPMA Show on Stand A54, 24-26 September 2024

OAL leads “Second Barcode Revolution” roll-out to cut food waste

OAL, a leader in food manufacturing automation, is delighted to announce the launch of its latest software solution for creating, printing and verifying data-rich, on-pack QR and 2D codes designed to meet consumer demand for greater transparency of ingredient origins and methods of production. The software allows unique traceability and manufacturing data to be incorporated into on-pack 2D codes, improving consumer experience to identify allergens, significantly enhancing food safety and reducing food waste by up to 40%.

The OAL solution enables the creation, inline printing and verification of on-pack QR/2D codes containing critical information such as best-before date, allergens and batch data. The solution is in conformance with the GS1 Digital Link standard enabling consumers to access detailed product information in what is being called the “second barcode revolution”, while also enabling retailers to manage inventory more precisely, quickly identify expired products and provide consumers with detailed product information. OAL install inline camera technology to verify the integrity of every QR/2D code printed.

Leveraging GS1's barcode technology, OAL aims to enhance supply chain efficiency and product traceability. The OAL QR code solution stemmed from an initiative led by Tesco to reduce food waste in the supply chain. Tesco’s new initiative allows packs to be scanned by smartphones, and at the point of sale, sharing more information with consumers than the finite space on pack and standard barcode can offer.

Jake Norman, Managing Director, OAL, comments, “Our automated control systems already collect and store huge amounts of traceability data to ensure food safety. We know at a pack level the exact time and raw materials that have been used to make each product controlled by our system. The use of QR codes and the GS1 Digital link is a great way to expand the use of this data to grant consumers the transparency they’re urgently seeking and drive down food waste.”

OAL has pledged to support all manufacturers in integrating a range of QR/2D codes to their process, facilitating seamless data sharing and improving food safety. This comprehensive data ensures product authenticity and simplifies recall processes. OAL’s printer agnostic solution can integrate and control all printer brands. The solution can be retrofitted to existing packaging lines. The solution is available now for new and existing customers.

For more information, please visit https://www.oalgroup.com/gs1-new-barcode

7 Key Moments from Anuga FoodTec 2024: Where AI Vision Tech and Robotic Automation Took Centre Stage!

Last month, our team travelled to Cologne, Germany, where we showcased our cutting-edge AI vision technology and robotic automation at the one and only Anuga FoodTec Exhibition.

Here are the top 7 moments that put OAL on the centre stage.

1.     Robots Ruled the Roost!

Our robotic weighing system and cooking system stole the show with its mesmerising precision and efficiency when weighing raw materials. Manufacturers were relieved to find a solution to overcome their ongoing labour availability challenges.

2.     AI Vision Tech Magic!

Say goodbye to human error and hello to precision perfection! Our AI vision technology wowed the crowds with its ability to analyse products from component recognition to date code verification and even checks for allergen information.

3.     Busiest stand award 2024!

Anuga FoodTec was the ultimate playground for innovation, and we were proud to be at the forefront of the action. We even won the award for most popular stand, with over 500 registrations recorded, that’s a lot of demos.

4.     Interactive Experiences!

Who says tech exhibitions have to be boring? Gone are the days of highly choreographed software demos. Visitors got to choose the inspection and we showed them how to train the AI and make the check in less than 5 minutes! The result? Smiles, laughter, and a newfound appreciation for the magic of OAL’s APRIL Eye.

5.     Tech Talks Galore!

Knowledge is power, and we were thrilled to share our expertise with eager attendees. From demystifying AI to exploring the future of robotic automation with weighing and cooking, we left no stone unturned in our quest to educate and inspire.

6.     Industry Insights!

Anuga FoodTec wasn't just about showcasing the latest technology—it was also a hub of industry insights and trends. From the rise in codes of conduct to the growing demand for sustainable food tech solutions, we gained invaluable knowledge that will shape the future of our industry.

7.     Networking Nirvana!

Anuga FoodTec brought together the best and brightest minds in the food tech world, providing the perfect opportunity to connect, collaborate, and forge new partnerships.

Our time at Anuga FoodTec Exhibition was inspiring. It was a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of AI, automation and robotics, with OAL positioned as a strong leader in game-changing solutions in food manufacturing.