Meat processing: a case study of Triton and GMP collaboration

Gundagai Meat Processors (GMP) and Triton Commercial Systems have collaborated on an innovative project centred around the development and implementation of the FUSION Manufacturing Execution System (MES). The project not only earned the prestigious APPMA Award for Digital Innovation but has also set new standards in the competitive meat processing industry.

The cornerstone of the project was Triton’s approach to integrating disparate technologies into a seamless operational framework.

Recognising the need for a unified system that could leverage the latest in objective measurement technologies — specifically Lean Meat Yield (LMY) and Intramuscular Fat (IMF) — Triton developed the FUSION MES in addition to its existing slaughter line, livestock payment and chiller sortation production systems. The resulting solution combines RFID skid tracking, advanced carcass measurement tools and cloud-based data analytics into a cohesive platform that is designed to enable GMP to track, analyse and optimise meat processing with precision.

The integration process involved:

• Custom software development: Crafting algorithms that process LMY and IMF data to grade carcasses, offer premiums to farmers where the optimum grades are reached, then sort, process and package as the premium GLQ5 grade.
• Hardware integration: Connecting various measurement tools and automation technologies to the FUSION platform.
• Data management solutions: Implementing cloud-based systems for real-time data collection, analysis and reporting, which are designed to enhance decision-making and traceability across the supply chain.

For GMP, the implementation of FUSION MES created operational advancements such as:

• Efficiency and productivity: Automated processes and precise sorting mechanisms have reduced manual labour and processing times.
• Product quality: Objective measurements ensure that only the best quality meat reaches the market, enhancing GMP’s product offerings.
• Data-driven operations: Real-time access to detailed processing data enables GMP to make informed decisions, improving overall operational effectiveness.

Farmers, as crucial stakeholders in the supply chain, gain from the project with:

• Fair compensation: The precision of LMY and IMF measurements ensures that farmers are fairly compensated for the quality of their livestock, not just the quantity.
• Quality incentivisation: With clear quality metrics in place, farmers are incentivised to produce higher-quality livestock, benefiting from higher premiums.
• Enhanced feedback: The system provides farmers with detailed feedback on their livestock, enabling them to make informed improvements to their breeding and feeding practices.

Ultimately, the project delivers benefits to the end consumers with higher quality meat, increased transparency about the origin and processing of the meat they consume and providing sustainable choices as a result of improved operational efficiency and waste reduction that contribute to a smaller environmental footprint.

By integrating advanced technologies to optimise every facet of the meat processing chain, Triton has enhanced GMP’s operational capabilities and also provided benefits to farmers and consumers.

Will Barton, CEO, Gundagai Meat Processors (GMP), said: “Our journey with Triton has been nothing short of transformational. From the early days of our collaboration, it was clear that the evolution of our vision required a technology robust and advanced enough to be at the epicentre of our operations. With the introduction of the FUSION MES system, that vision crystallised. The system seamlessly integrates at the heart of our data warehouse, facilitating rapid commercialisation of pivotal technologies. Its ability to efficiently accept, link and disseminate data to various vendors is unparalleled, making our technological transition swift and smooth.

“One of the primary concerns for any business, especially in an industry as critical as ours, is data management, especially when it comes to third-party data. Triton has made this aspect of our operations almost effortless. Our interactions regarding data storage, retrieval and sharing have been straightforward, transparent and devoid of complications.

“Gundagai Meat Processors has always strived for technological excellence. We envision a future where we not only maintain our technologically advanced infrastructure but also consistently innovate and set benchmarks for the industry. This ambition would remain a distant dream without partners like Triton.”

Image credit: iStock.com/andresr