Riyadh, KSA: MEPEQ took part in the First Edition of Saudi Food Manufacturing from 30 April to 2 May 2024 and showcased its latest innovative automation and connectivity solutions crafted to maximize efficiency in today’s factories, using an optimal blend of mechanics, robotics, and human expertise.
Speaking at the Food Forward Summit on the Power of Digital Transformation in Smart Food Factories, the Founder and CEO of MEPEQ, Tony Meghabghab, discussed upgrading legacy operations with state-of-the-art automation and technology innovations. He said: “Digital transformation is not only about a connected shop floor; it is a 360-degree approach that needs to consider the processes inside the factory, the organization itself, including manpower readiness, and the technological part.”
Meghabghab touched upon the assessment process of a plant’s smart industry readiness using the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) assessment tool to identify the priority areas of improvement. He stated: “In most brownfield factories, we find a variety of machines, ranging from legacy machines to the most up-to-date ones. After thorough discussions with the operations team, we identify the data points that matter to them, then we audit the park of machines and assess the requirements accordingly. We adapt our solutions based on the type of machine, the required data level, and the ultimate objectives.”
He emphasized that “the initial phase in the journey involves conducting a comprehensive assessment, starting from the shop floor's digitalization and connectivity, then progressively incorporating intelligence into the processes.”
However, he highlighted that many manufacturers are slow to adopt these transformations due to intangible metrics for measurement and resistance stemming from fears of job displacement.
He emphasized the need for a mindset shift among stakeholders regarding digitalization, dispelling misconceptions about its impact on employment and highlighting its potential for improving performance and efficiency in manufacturing. He underlines the importance of taking measured steps, understanding that the return on investment might not be immediate but could unfold over 5 to 7 years, ultimately leading to profitability
Regarding the future outlook on the incorporation of AI and smart factories, particularly in the realm of FMCG or food and beverage manufacturing, MEPEQ’s CEO emphasized the current lag in digitalization within factories. He said: “Many facilities are still operating within the framework of Industry 3.0, meaning they have not fully embraced the digital transformation or what is commonly referred to as Industry 4.0. The process is at a stage of evaluating production lines and processes to identify areas ripe for digitalization.”
Meghabghab hailed Saudi Arabia’s abundant governmental support for businesses in the form of initiatives, programs and incentives, one of which is a free-of-charge SIRI assessment to around 4,000 factories across the Kingdom.
MEPEQ Guides Factories in Discovering Their Smart Capabilities
MEPEQ, a certified SIRI Assessor and partner of the International Center for Industrial Transformation (INCIT), assesses the smart manufacturing maturity of factories based on the SIRI assessment framework developed by the INCIT. SIRI comprises a set of frameworks and tools to help manufacturers – regardless of size and industry – start, scale and sustain their manufacturing transformation journeys.
Some of these enhancements may involve automation and connectivity on the shop floor. These areas constitute MEPEQ’s core expertise and enable it to provide valuable insights into the feasibility and value of any development initiative.
MEPEQ focuses on adding value to these crucial aspects of smart manufacturing, leveraging not only its expert eye for optimization and efficiency but also its forward-thinking strategies that align with the evolving landscape of smart manufacturing.
