The emergence of Industry 4.0, with its use of digitally networked machines, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, blockchain, the internet of things and robotics, comes with an opportunity to develop more effective operations in dairy manufacturing plants. 

Personnel training is one of the cornerstones of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Under the Preventive Controls rules, employee training is now mandatory for both human food and animal food manufacturers.

Where can food industry professionals interested in hygienic equipment design find great practical foundation knowledge? Technical educational programs offered by universities and/or related institutions account for a lot, if and where such specialized training exists.

Alchemy Systems, which consults about workplace safety for the food industry, has acquired Chilton Consulting Group, a firm that helps food companies navigate food safety standards and improve regulatory readiness. 

Universities with dairy departments reach out to the dairy processing industry with training and educational programs. Two examples are Cornell University and Ohio State University.