flexibility as manufacturers add more products. In addition to equipment type, preventative maintenance is a crucial factor in limiting downtime. Here, too, technology can help dairy processors maintain and troubleshoot their systems to avoid shutdowns and gaps. Proper training is also a key part of keeping systems and lines running. ©Belish - stock.adobe.com THE HUMAN RESOURCE As technologies pave the way for greater automation and alleviate labor shortages that contribute to expensive downtime, there is the perennial question of robots and equipment replacing people. McCann pointed out that such systems can redeploy employees instead of just replacing them. " It allows them to grow into other tasks or it can help you expand your operation at the same time that you are streamlining it, " he said. Cream On. Plant-based dairy sections are coming to every supermarket. Is your product line ready? Create your yogurts, creamers, desserts and more with rich, decadent and slightly sweet coconut cream - the culinary dream. Request your free sample of the perfect, plant-based dairy alternative at ititropicals.com DAIRYPROCESSING.COM | APR 2021 47http://www.ititropicals.com http://www.DAIRYPROCESSING.COM