MAR and MLA Business Development, Project and Commercialisation Manager

Summary

Background
In 2006, MLA identified processing automation as a strategic imperative for innovation in the Australian red meat processing industry. The key drivers for automation included: The difficulty in attracting and retaining appropriately skilled labour.The need to improve OHS in meat processing operations by removing difficult tasks that may cause strain (and other) injuries.The continuing pressure on the industry to retain competitiveness via processing efficiencies that improve yield and food safety.
A detailed strategy was developed which was based on: Extensive industry consultation (AMPC and meat processors.)National and international scanning activities including: internet; trade shows; visits to overseas providers and meat processors; contact with other industries.Input from international experts (academic) in the area of technology strategy.Detailed process mapping.Visioning workshops and development of future scenarios using the Three Horizons framework.Application of portfolio analysis and cost-benefit tools at the project selection stage (and as go/no go decision points.)Identification of world class technology providers.Building industry innovation capability.Developing and implementing effective adoption and commercialisation plans.Committing to qualifying and communicating benefits to industry following the development and adoption of new technologies.
As part of the above process, MLA identified a highly successful technology in Australia, Machinery Automation and Robotics Pty. Ltd. MAR had been in business since 1997 and is a proven provider of robotic solutions for the industrial and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) markets. More recently, MAR successfully developed the robotic technology for smallstock slaughtering in collaboration with MLA and CRF.
Project description
At the time this project was initiated, other in process, proposed or completed MLA/MAR projects included:Automated Y-CutterAutomated Kidney Fat RemovalAutomated Beef ScribingBladeStopAutomated Six Way CuttingElectrical Stunning Safety CertificationAutomated Brisket ShearAutomated Sani-VacAutomated Hide Inspection and Patter Cutting Layout OptimisationReducing Dark cutting using ThermographyAutomated inspection of MAP packed retail ready seals, auto primal packing into trays and palletisingAlternative Slaughter floor redesignAutomated hock cutting and neck tippingAutomated Food Safety Paper Placement on CarcassesAQIS assisted offal inspection, grading and sortation solutionAlternative to RFID using Laser Gas CO2 ScribingSkinner Safety System
To ensure the above projects actually commenced and were successful, a dedicated MAR project manager was required to be appointed by MAR as the existing resources at MLA and MAR were not sufficient to enable the above projects to progress sufficiently quickly. The existing six projects had been initiated by utilising considerable MLA program manager resources that were no longer available.
Outcomes
A jointly funded MAR/MLA project manager was appointed, and successfully managed these joint projects as well as allowing capability building to take place within MAR.