Automated Production Systems and Outsourced Distribution in Flower Foods Manufacturing
Overview
This paper describes the production facility operations at Flower Foods in Newton, focusing on the automation of bread and bun manufacturing processes. It examines how outsourced distribution functions are integrated with automated in-house production systems managed by engineers, emphasizing efficiency, consistency, and redundancy measures like backup generators.
What this coursework covers
- Outsourced distribution functions and their role in the production facility
- Automated production processes for bread, buns, and packaging systems
- Engineering management and human oversight of automated operations
- Backup power systems and their impact on production consistency
Preview
Flower Foods Production Newton
Outsourced functions within the production facility include distribution, which has been outsourced to other flower companies. The production is designed for speed and efficiency, capable of producing bread, bans, and packaging these foods ready for distribution. The system includes an automatic mixer for all the ingredients that are ready for transportation. The general production process is fully automated and is managed by engineers who identify the various aspects of the system. When the products are ready, the system automatically packages and arranges them into transport cases/trays for transportation. Concerning the bread line, automated parts include the mixing of ingredients, cutting the dough into sizable and ready to bake pieces, baking, packaging, and arranging into trays ready for transportation. The only aspect of the production system managed by people is the running and management of the production system, which is done by engineers and other personnel. There is a backup generator to assist in case there is a power outage. This has maintained the level of production and ensured that there is consistency in the amount of product produced each day.