More automation, less tension: How the food distribution conveyor can cushion the shortage of skilled labour

Many processes at the conveyor are still characterised by manual work: Trays, china, components and transport trolleys are all moved and loaded manually here.

At the same time, the jobs are physically demanding and therefore only attract a relatively small talent pool in the competition for skilled labour. Accordingly, the teams increasingly include career changers and people with various levels of language proficiency, which makes familiarisation and coordination even more difficult. "At the conveyor belt, just a few seconds can determine whether the entire process remains stable or comes to a halt," explains Lennart Scherf, automation system consultant at B.PRO. "In this area, however, it is particularly important for processes not to depend on whether the most experienced team is on duty today."

The central question is therefore: How can the food distribution conveyor be organised in such a way that it remains manageable, even when understaffed or working with changing teams?

B.PRO has identified key points to make work more efficient and more robust in terms of personnel. An overall concept for the line has been created that combines three levels: digital clarity, mechanical relief and greater stability at the conveyor.

It all starts with the digital identity of the tray. With SmartTray ID, each tray receives an individually printed label with a QR code directly at the food distribution conveyor. This puts an end to paperwork and manual map logistics. All relevant information is then available digitally and clearly assigned to the respective tray. Label printing at the conveyor automates a previously time-consuming and error-intensive element, while the label is automatically removed from the tray without leaving any residue later on during the dishwashing process. The result: less effort on a day-to-day basis and comprehensible decisions at the conveyor.

The second level of automation is aimed at activities that require a lot of energy and time. An automatic feeder places trays from the transport trolleys onto the belt in a controlled process. In addition, placement modules are used to load the trays with china and cutlery, while a feeder station automatically places standard components such as butter or jam on the trays. In future, a storage robot will also remove the trays from the conveyor and store them in the transport trolley.

This significantly reduces the need for basic manual movements. The minimum number of personnel required at the conveyor is reduced, and routine tasks are made noticeably easier.

For automation to work on a day-to-day basis, processes must be adapted to the team available. The B.PRO conveyors can be operated at a speed of 2.5 to 12 metres per minute, allowing the cycle to be slowed down or accelerated in a targeted way without disrupting the rhythm of the process.

As the staffing gap at clinics will certainly not fix itself in the coming years, automation at the food distribution conveyor is an important strategic component. It ensures that existing experience is used in a targeted way where it brings the greatest benefit. This makes the jobs themselves more attractive.

It is OK to start small, for example with the digitisation of information channels using SmartTray ID and SmartDisplay support. Further automation steps can then be added later on, as and when required. This approach gradually establishes an ecosystem that noticeably cushions the shortage of skilled labour and makes processes more reliable.