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Inline meat fat analysis equipment can help slaughterhouses and meat processors optimize raw material use, comply with end-product specifications and maximize profits and at the same time ensuring the meat products they process are free from contaminants such as bones or metal.
When appraising potential meat fat analysis equipment suppliers, asking the following eight questions will help you choose the most appropriate machine to suit your needs.
What X-ray Experience Does the Manufacturer Have?
Remember that the only technology that can inspect 100% of your meat products is x-ray (specifically dual energy absorptiometry technology DEXA). Fat analysis systems are inline x-ray inspection machines, featuring DEXA. When evaluating suppliers, it is important to consider the fact that those with the most experience with the technology will have the best understanding on how to take advantage of it and will deliver maximum benefits to the end customer.
What experience does the inline fat analysis machine supplier have in providing equipment into the meat industry?
Knowledge of the technology is only one of the considerations to take into account when evaluating potential inline meat fat analysis equipment suppliers. An inline fat analysis system will be deployed inline and within the food manufacturing environment, specifically a meat production environment. This environment presents different challenges regarding material handling, ease of use and hygiene, to name just a few. Suppliers who have a team of experts with meat-specific backgrounds will be attuned to these industry needs and challenges, and thus able to provide an advanced solution to meet these requirements. Such suppliers will also understand the importance of hygienic design and offer equipment that’s built to North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) standards to prevent microbiological contamination.
How easy is the machine to use?
Ease of use affects the life and cost of an inline fat analysis system, especially in harsh environments where sanitation is critical. Systems which are simple to operate, calibrate and maintain will reduce training costs and downtime, as well as impart flexibility to the production process.
How accurate and repeatable are the results of the meat fat analysis equipment?
Good or bad measurements are the difference between accuracy and rejects, profitability and recalls, and safety and vulnerability. Advanced technologies will provide accurate and reliable results consistently, regardless of throughput levels or harsh environments, safeguarding your products and brand image. As well as measuring the chemical lean of 100% of your throughput to better than plus or minus one chemical lean (CL), market-leading inline fat analysis solutions are available which simultaneously detect physical contaminants and measure mass.
How easy is the fat analysis machine to integrate into a system?
Any machine used in a fat analysis system should be easy to integrate into existing production lines. Market-leading fat analysis machines can be integrated with infeed, outfeed and reject systems to suit a range of different applications, and also offer a variety of industry-standard data communications options, including OPC UA and Ethernet/IP which allow easy integration with factory floor controls and other automation and data systems. Watch this webinar “Building a System Around an Inline Fat Analysis Machine” for more information.
What’s the expected life of the machine?
Reliability and longevity are key when choosing a fat analysis machine. Look out for robust systems that are built to NAMI and EHEDG sanitary standards and have an IP69 ingress protection rating as they will be better suited to stand up against harsh environments for a longer life span with less wear-down and maintenance.
What’s the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the machine?
Total cost of ownership is a critical component in determining return on investment and involves calculating all the direct and indirect costs associated with the machine over its entire life cycle. This not only includes the cost of acquisition but also considers other costs incurred to keep the asset running such as maintenance and spare parts.
Can the meat fat analysis equipment supplier help with developing an appropriate solution to suit your production line?
Every production facility has different processes and so there are different demands and installation requirements. It is important to find a supplier with flexibility, expertise and experience in devising tailored fat analysis solutions to ensure they can precisely meet different end customer needs.
As a world leader in meat inspection solutions, Eagle is the ideal meat fat analysis equipment supplier. Our knowledgeable team of experts work together with clients to provide the optimal solution for each slaughterhouse or meat processing plant.
