ICT IN THE GRAIN CHAIN
ICT is an essential tool at various points throughout the grain chain, from
farming right through to retailing.
ICT in farming and storage
At all levels on the farm, technology is used to improve efficiency,
monitoring and reliability. For example:
Precision farming
When applying fertilisers, farmers have traditionally applied them evenly
across the field. In fact, the nutrients required by the soil are likely to vary
across the same field. Precision farming uses technology to allow farmers to
accurately monitor soil nutrient levels and apply fertilisers where they are
needed. This increases profitability by giving better crops. Using only the
fertiliser that is needed is better for the environment too.
Global positioning systems (GPS)
GPS fitted to tractors and combine harvesters allow farmers to map each
individual field. Combined with nutrient mapping, it allows the farmer to assess
the type of soil in the field. This means he can adjust growing techniques and
use of fertilisers and pesticides to help the wheat grow well but also to
protect the environment.
Grain storage/monitoring quality
Technology is used in grain storage facilities. The moisture, temperature and
quality of the grain can be monitored and controlled using sensors and other
equipment. These can react to changes in humidity and temperature in order to
keep the grain at the right constant state.
ICT in milling
ICT is used throughout the milling process, for example:
Monitoring wheat moisture content
Before wheat is milled, it is 'conditioned' with water to make it suitable
for grinding into flour. ICT allows automatic control of wheat conditioning so
that the grain has a uniform moisture content.
Checking flour stream quality
Near Infra-Red (NIR) analysis can be used on-line to measure the protein and
moisture content of the flour streams during milling. The instruments can be
used as part of a control loop.
Adjusting the rollers
ICT means that the roller settings can be adjusted remotely and automatically
using process control, keeping the balance of the flour streams correct
Packing the flour
PLC (Programme Logic Controllers) control is used for 'carousel' packing,
when over 600 bags of flour may be packed per hour on an automatic carousel.
Computer-controlled bag filling means exactly the right amount of flour is added
to the bag. This also saves money because bags are not over-filled. ICT is also
used when packing the bags onto larger trays (pallets) so that they are packed
as efficiently and neatly as possible.
ICT in baking
Large bakeries use PLC to control a number of baking processes. For example,
the press of a button can regulate the amount and type of flour to be used, the
temperature of ovens and the cooling times.
ICT in retailing and marketing
Retailers and suppliers have linked computers so they can share order
information and invoices using electronic data interchange (EDI). Companies can
use the internet to exchange a wide range of information, including sales
figures and stock levels. Business to business e-commerce can help track special
features such as promotions. The internet is also a powerful marketing tool,
with many retailers offering on-line shopping.
