Digitalization and artificial intelligence will receive special attention at iba, with several dedicated areas for modern software solutions that contribute to process optimization and customer service.

iba.DIGITALISATION AREA

A highlight will be in Hall 14: the iba.DIGITALISATION AREA, where visitors can experience ‘the bakery of the future’ live, the organizers anticipate. “Digitalization increases efficiency, optimizes processes and improves interaction with customers and employees. In production, it helps to optimize processes – from the recipe and cooling control to the baking process,” iba details.  Moreover, in sales, intelligent sales planning makes production more sustainable, and further digital services are available for various areas such as cash register systems or hygiene management.

• Some highlights here will include:
  AHA 360° and network partner Shop-IQ will present a fully functional bakery branch including catering and live baking, on a 450 square-meter stand. Visitors will be able to experience various operating concepts – from full service to hybrid channels and self-service variations. The new AI assistant from AHA 360° will be one of the highlights at this stand: it makes the shop self-explanatory and helps to train staff, reduce costs and increase sales. In addition, the AHA Light Cube showcases an illumination innovation.
• FoodTracks, Samuelson and semco, together with Shop-IQ also showcase digital advances: “We have digital solutions to relieve employees: in the planning and execution of the baking process – with new digital price tags, displays for the shop window and optimized digital HACCP monitoring and documentation,“ explains David Holzwarth, Managing Director of Shop-IQ.

Digitalisation trends in the baking industry at iba 
AI solutions reduce staff workload, help increase sales and protect the environment. At iba, visitors can experience how intelligent baking planning works: by analyzing demand in real-time, AI systems can plan which baked goods are needed and when, to greatly reduce food waste at the source. Visitors will learn how intelligent store assistants can support staff.

• For example, AI can analyze sales figures, weather data and seasonal trends to calculate the right order quantity. E2N GmbH in Hall 13, will demonstrate how to keep an eye on daily productivity and key performance indicators with cross-branch, revenue-based staff scheduling. A cloud-based HR tool ensures clear personnel management, time recording, duty scheduling and simple controlling. Customer loyalty is also key: visitors can find out how to use cloud-based applications, such as special check-out software or a customer loyalty app and digital receipts, from Copago, a company specializing in digitalization solutions for bakeries.
• By using robotic solutions, AI automates production to help with workforce shortages while also keeping product quality at a consistently high level. In Hall 12, innovative bakery machines, systems and ovens will be showcased. Visitors specifically looking for exhibitors with IT and digitalization solutions can find them via the search function on the iba platform. In addition, exhibitor reports on this topic are shared online.
• iba is also offering a comprehensive technical report on ‘Increasing sales with AI solutions’.

Presentations on the iba.STAGE 
The exhibition program at iba will include expert presentations on these topics on the iba.STAGE in Hall 15. The presentation program includes:

• ‘Intelligent planning instead of estimating – using AI to optimize yields’ (May 19, 2 p.m.)
• ‘Bakery concepts in transition’ (May 18, 4 p.m.)
• ‘Predictive modeling for improved shelf life’ (May 19, 3 p.m.)

Photo: © GHM