Episode 45 — The Role of AI in Metal Detection & Food Protection

Fortress Technology expert discusses inspection detection systems and the pivotal role of data collection.

Eric Garr

Eric Garr, Regional Sales Manager, Food Safety, Checkweighing, and Contaminant Detection Specialist at Fortress Technology, has been with the company for 18 years, starting off as a Field Service Technician before advancing to his current role. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Fortress Technology LLC is world renowned for its custom metal detectors, checkweighers, and X-ray systems that are pivotal for protecting diverse food industries, including dairy, bakery, meat, confectionery, and snacks. It also serves pharmaceuticals, plastics, and textiles. Eric plays a pivotal role in supporting R&D projects and managing key global accounts.

In addition to Canada, Fortress Technology has three global manufacturing sites in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and New Zealand. With hundreds of employees around the world, the company prides itself on providing custom inspection solutions to protect food and keep consumers safe.

During Episode 45 of the “Let’s Talk Dairy" podcast, Garr discusses AI within a dairy plant, the importance of metal detection systems, and the role of data collection in AI-assisted inspection systems.

During this podcast, Garr talks about the following:

Trends in the dairy industry and how AI-assisted inspection systems are helping dairy processors improve metal detection, reduce product waste, and lower cost of ownership.
How metal detection systems work and the ways in which AI is advancing the technology in new and innovative ways.
Whether all inspection systems utilize AI intelligent detection and how data collection works for both standalone and combined systems within a dairy processing plant.
The role of Fortress Technology’s proprietary data software package, Contact 4.0, within inspection systems and how this software facilitates data integration and real-time monitoring for food processors.
How dairy processors can harness AI and technology to strengthen and streamline their quality control measures.
Best advice for dairy manufacturers looking to integrate AI and advanced technologies into their plant’s inspection systems.

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Barbara Harfmann, managing editor of Dairy Foods, has 30 years of experience in trade journalism, nonprofit, and other professional writing. She writes for Dairy Foods’ eMagazine and website, delivering must-have information to dairy processors. Barbara also hosts industry-related podcasts and represents the magazine at trade shows and events. She earned a Bachelor of Science in mass communications and public relations from Illinois State University.

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