A variety of data monitoring devices assist line operators during the mixing and makeup process.
Ahead in the cloud
Most software is compatible with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and other systems that integrate management of core business processes in real time, but the cloud has been a game-changer for many bakeries.
“Most of the data today resides in the cloud. It’s not on your local server,” Mr. Heflich said. “In many cases, they have the data and format. As a result, I don’t need any I.T. support to install a system like that. All you need is a computer with internet access.”
Companies looking to outsource their hardware and software to the cloud are finding it readily available with one household name, said Mr. Maraj.
“Amazon Web Services is leading the way for affordable, secure and scalable solutions including infrastructure as a service and platform as a service,” he explained.
He added MiT offers a wide range of ERP applications from production to general ledger in the cloud for the baking and snack industries.
Mr. Maraj also suggested that Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods might further transform how bakers and snack producers interact with major big box and online supermarkets, club stores and mass merchandisers.
“The use of retail ordering portals designed to enhance the customer-ordering process is an effective way of increasing customer retention while winning more institutional and quick-service restaurant contracts,” Mr. Maraj said. “Additionally, real-time dashboards using key performance indicators have improved visibility to monitor your business operations while being able to be proactive rather than reactive to the market needs.”
As user-friendly technology adapts to changing regulations and shifts in the market, everyone’s desk should become less cluttered and paper cuts less frequent.
“The best advice I can give is to find a software replacement for what you need to do on paper,” Mr. Heflich said.
That’s also one good way to prevent offices from becoming fire traps.
