DEXA - independent cost assessment

Summary

MLA proposed the installation of DEXA technology for improved yield management, processing quality and producer feedback in the Australian red meat sector.

55 beef and lamb processors across Australia expressed an interest in the implementation of this technology at their sites and have submitted budget infrastructure costs associated with the DEXA installation and implementation.

The technology provider has developed the technology and has conducted preliminary site visits to investigate the installation and implementation of the DEXA systems.

Objectives

Through this project, an independent assessment was proposed to confirm the budget costs for site infrastructure are consistent with the anticipated building and services modifications required for the installation of the DEXA units.

By way of a survey, and follow up contact, the following were to be summarised:

• review of SAR DEXA costing model and verification that it conforms reasonably with general industry technology equipment implementation costing benchmarks
• four processing site visits to validate costing model (two lamb and two beef plant, considered typical and indicative of the industry)
• confirming the space availability, building area, building and services modifications that need to be undertaken
• confirming the costs for RFID for tags, installation in rollers, skids or gambrels and installation of RFID scanners
• review of proposed DEXA data integration into the Production Management System
• confirmation that technology provider and the processor's capital cost estimates include the carcase conveyors, electrics, process controls and services associated with the DEXA technology.

Key findings

This project was terminated early due to change in industry priorities. DEXA adoption would be at the discretion of individual plants rather than a whole of industry adoption.