The Path to Technological Leadership in Food Processing

Washington Franco, IT Director, Masterboi

The Journey Through the IT Industry to Masterboi

My journey in the Information Technology sector has been built over years of experience in both national and multinational companies across various industries, such as electric power, food and beverage, manufacturing and auto parts. I reached my current position thanks to a combination of practical experience in managing complex projects, IT restructuring and governance, as well as leading multidisciplinary teams.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to lead high-impact strategic initiatives, such as carve-out and rollout projects, SAP system implementations and strengthening IT governance. International exposure broadened my perspective on innovation and global best practices, enabling me to deliver solutions aligned with business needs and market challenges.

I believe the key to success in this journey has been my ability to adapt to constant technological and organizational changes. Without the skill to understand and integrate into different organizational cultures, it would have been impossible to achieve the position I am in today. This adaptability has allowed me to balance operational efficiency with innovation and strategic thinking, always aligned with the values and objectives of each organization.

Technological Advancements Shaping the Future of Food Processing

1. Automation and Digitization of Production: The food industry is increasingly adopting process automation to improve efficiency, reduce waste and ensure quality standards. Technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing unexpected downtime in production lines.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Food Safety: With growing concerns about food safety and traceability, the use of AI and advanced data analytics allows for risk prediction, detection of supply chain failures and compliance with regulatory standards, such as those from MAPA and Anvisa.

3. Blockchain for Traceability and Transparency: Blockchain technology is being explored to ensure transparency in the supply chain, enabling companies and consumers to track the origin of food products, ensuring quality certifications and sustainable practices.

4. Sustainability and More Efficient Processes: With increasing demands for ESG practices, technologies such as heat recovery, water consumption reduction and renewable energy are being adopted to make food processing more sustainable. In addition to this, alternative proteins (such as cultured and plant-based meats) are transforming the industry.

“The integration of automation and emerging technologies in food processing brings significant benefits in efficiency, quality, traceability and food safety, but it also presents challenges that require strategic planning.”

5. Cloud Computing and SaaS for Integrated Management: The migration to cloud infrastructure and SaaS solutions allows for greater flexibility, scalability and integration between different areas of the business. In your case, prioritizing cloud and SaaS aligns directly with this trend, ensuring better management of production processes and supply chain.

6. Smart Packaging and Logistics Automation: Innovation in smart packaging (with temperature and humidity sensors) improves quality control and reduces losses during transportation. At the same time, logistics automation, using robots and autonomous vehicles, optimizes the movement of goods and distribution.

Challenges in Food Processing and How Masterboi is Preparing

1. Sustainability and ESG Pressure

● Challenge: Stricter environmental regulations, demand for reducing carbon footprints and greater transparency about the origin and impact of products.

● Preparation: Invest in more efficient processes, waste reuse, renewable energy, and technologies for traceability, such as blockchain and IoT, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

2. Food Safety and Traceability

● Challenge: Increased demand for sanitary control, real-time monitoring, and rapid response to recalls.

● Preparation: Implementation of integrated systems (ERP, IoT, AI) to track the production chain, automate quality inspections, and ensure compliance with MAPA and Anvisa regulations.

3. Pressure for Operational Efficiency and Automation

● Challenge: Reduce operational costs and waste without compromising quality.

● Preparation: Expand the use of automation and analytics, leveraging cloud computing and IoT to optimize production and logistics processes.

4. Shortage of Skilled Labor and Training

● Challenge: Difficulty in finding qualified professionals to operate new technologies.

● Preparation: Invest in continuous training, partnerships with educational institutions, and adoption of digital learning platforms for team upskilling.

5. Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity

● Challenge: With increasing digitalization, cyberattacks and system vulnerabilities become critical threats.

● Preparation: Strengthen IT governance, adopt robust Information Security strategies, and expand risk monitoring to protect sensitive data and operations.

6. Changing Consumer Behavior

● Challenge: Growing demand for healthier, personalized and sustainable foods.

● Preparation: Development of new products aligned with consumer trends, use of big data and AI to understand market preferences and adaptation of product portfolios.

Technology Stack and Key Considerations for Automation

The technology stack at Masterboi includes infrastructure and cloud computing, ERP and integrated management systems, information security and compliance measures, automation and artificial intelligence, as well as traceability and quality controls in the supply chain.

The integration of automation and emerging technologies in food processing brings significant benefits in efficiency, quality, traceability and food safety, but it also presents challenges that require strategic planning.