Join a Digital Clinic at FCW and see the tech that can give your Food and Drink business a big boost!

Are you a Food and Drink business in Ceredigion looking for ways to improve efficiency, productivity, quality - and work towards sustainability?

Technology might seem daunting, but it’s the game-changer that can positively impact your business and help you stay ahead in a competitive market.

The PACE Cymru Digital Clinics are designed to break down these barriers and help you engage with appropriate digital tools in an accessible way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ray D’Arcy, Managing Director of Tregroes Waffles in Llandysul said:

I am excited about three main aspects of our collaboration with the PACE Cymru team at UWTSD. Firstly, their assessment of our bakery operations and machinery processes as experts. Secondly, their insights into energy utilisation and how we can transfer energy more efficiently to benefit the business. Thirdly, exploring how innovation can impact our business, help us create new products, and even merchandise. Their blend of industry experience and research expertise is invaluable, and we are excited about what they can bring to our business and similar businesses in the area.” 

Why attend?

A lack of confidence and exposure to new technologies often stops businesses from taking that first step. Concerns about disruption, costs, and time can make it easy to delay adoption. The PACE Cymru Digital Clinics aim to simplify technology, showcasing practical tools that are accessible, effective, and tailored to your industry needs.

Examples of technology you’ll see and their impact:

  • Automation and Robotics - Automate tasks like sorting, packaging, and quality control. This technology can increase production speed, reduce errors, and lower labour costs, or fill gaps when staff are hard to find. You’ll see how robotics can improve efficiency without disrupting your current operations.
  • Predictive Maintenance with IoT Sensors - Using sensors and IoT devices, you’ll learn how to monitor machinery health and prevent unexpected downtime. These sensors can alert you to potential issues, allowing maintenance to be scheduled proactively. This not only extends the life of your equipment but also helps avoid costly production halts.
  • Real-Time Monitoring - Find out how digital sensors can track important production parameters such as temperature, pressure, and humidity, ensuring your products meet quality standards consistently. This means fewer recalls, better product quality, and greater customer trust.
  • Blockchain for Traceability - Traceability is key in food safety. Blockchain technology provides an unalterable record of each step in your supply chain, enhancing transparency and enabling swift action during recalls or quality checks.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) for Cleaning and Maintenance - With AR-enabled devices, your team can follow step-by-step guides for cleaning and maintenance without needing their hands to hold manuals. This improves accuracy, ensures correct procedures are followed, and increases safety, reducing downtime and human error.

Also at this session, Gareth Evans, Head of the Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) and his team, will introduce transformative technologies to help you manage your buildings and estate more effectively. A key example is Digital Twin and BIM Technology which creates a virtual replica of your building.

This digital model helps you to monitor real-time performance, track energy consumption, and detect wear and tear before it becomes a costly issue. By identifying preventative maintenance needs early and optimising the flow of operations, Digital Twins help extend the lifespan of your assets, reduce energy costs, and improve overall building efficiency - allowing you to make proactive, data-driven decisions that protect both your estate and budget. This is just one of the cutting-edge tools Gareth and his team will discuss, all designed to support smarter asset management and advance sustainability goals across your estate.

And you’ll meet Spot the Robot Dog!

Attending a PACE Cymru Digital Clinic will help you:

  • Gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology.
  • See demonstrations and examples that are directly relevant to Food and Drink production.
  • Ask experts questions and receive answers that address your specific concerns.
  • Understand real benefits, such as increased production speed, consistency, and cost savings.
  • Discuss challenges and learn strategies for overcoming them.
  • Eat a delicious lunch!

 

Event details

Wednesday, 27th November

10am – 11am: Food & Drink session 1 (drop-in) 

11am – 12pm: Food & Drink session 2 (drop-in) 

12:30pm – 1:30pm: Optional lunch 

Venue: Food Centre Wales, Horeb, Llandysul SA44 4JG 

 

Sign up here:

Sign up via Eventbrite for Food Centre Wales

 

There’s also a Built Environment Digital Clinic in Aberystwyth the day before:

Tuesday, 26th November

11am – 12pm: Built Environment session (drop-in)

12:30pm – 1:30pm: Optional lunch 

Venue: Aberystwyth Park Lodge Hotel, Ffordd Parc y Llyn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth SY23 3TL 

Sign up here: Sign up via Eventbrite for Aberystwyth Park Lodge Hotel

 

Watch Digital Clinics in Action:

YouTube Clip 1
YouTube Clip 2

Questions?

Email: MADE@uwtsd.ac.uk

This project is part of a University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) initiative, delivered in collaboration with Ceredigion County Council. It is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.