Transformative Potential of Formulation Software in the Pet Food Industry: Insights from Petfood Forum 2024
At the recent Petfood Forum 2024, Ian Mealy, product marketing director for Format Solutions, delivered a Tech Talk on the revolutionary impact of formulation software in the pet food industry. Mealy highlighted how computers can model a pet food formulation before a single kibble is produced, enabling pet food producers to plan and prepare more effectively while developing products that can be consistently manufactured.
Mealy emphasized the essential role of product lifecycle management (PLM) in the pet food industry, where formulation plays a crucial part. He discussed how formulation automation through software algorithms can address real-life challenges such as ingredient variability, ensuring that recipes meet business goals cost-effectively and consistently.
One of the key advancements Mealy discussed was the ability of formulation software, like Format Solutions’ IntegraMix, to manage and optimize complex, multi-stage recipes. This capability allows pet food manufacturers to design versatile recipes for multiple products, enhancing production efficiency. The software can also handle various moisture levels in ingredients and processes, predicting nutrition, cost, and ingredient requirements.
Mealy also stressed the importance of ingredient weighing accuracy in recipe design, as precision in ingredient measurements is crucial to achieving practical and reliable production outcomes. He concluded by highlighting the significance of integration within the technology landscape, emphasizing the need for seamless data exchange across various systems to empower businesses to respond to changes while maintaining product quality and considering cost and ingredient availability.
Overall, Mealy’s Tech Talk shed light on the transformative potential of formulation software in the pet food industry, showcasing how computers can revolutionize the way pet food producers plan, develop, and manufacture their products with efficiency and consistency.
