About 304kitchensolutions

With decades of experience under our belt, we can provide you with special consideration and insights into improving the operational dynamics that the distinctive qualities of your establishment provide. We’ll assist you in bringing your kitchens’ unique personality to its full capability and potential.

You might be wondering what exactly process engineering is, and what it actually entails. I wondered myself when first presented with the topic.  I’m going to try my best to explain it to you here, and hopefully we’ll both have a better understanding when I’m done. To say it the easy way, it’s when someone takes an existing thing, and brings it up to date or improves it. Whether it’s tangible- things like machine shops, pharmaceutical manufacture, or agricultural production, or intangible- ease of order in kitchens, catering processes, and chemical formulation; when to add particular chemicals, or heating something to a certain temperature at a certain time. 

These are all "system processes" that have been "engineered". In other words, someone created a simplistic protocol for machines or people that follow a specific protocol to produce a desired end result. When I make a PB&J, I don’t just balance out the ingredients on the counter in front of me, I have to first source the ingredients, locate utensils, hunt down a plate, retrieve and unwrap the bread, isolate and remove a slice or two… you see where I’m going with this? Surprisingly, we can ascertain from my "stale" example that even something as simple and ordinary as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich has a structured engineering system!

In almost every instance, process engineers are highly qualified experts in their respective fields. They are proficient with every piece of machinery, every system, and all the different methods used in a manufacturing setting. They look at the “processes” of each department in an organization or company and identify the “pain points”, recommend solutions to simplify or streamline, and ensure new processes are easy to execute. They also design, run, and upgrade processing systems that ensure food safety, reduce waste, and maximize profitability. They are incredibly knowledgeable in the best practices, routings, and innovative solutions to improve rates of production; quality of output, operating instructions, and performance. They also identify risk assessments that manage time constraints of the process- related standards, and are familiar with health and safety regulations.

Process engineers have loads on their minds- almost literally! They’re responsible for analysis, upgrading, implementation, optimization, and modification of equipment that is already in operation by a company, thereby maximizing efficiency and productivity and minimizing waste of materials and time.

Another cool thing about process engineers is that they often have the opportunity to work with people from every sector of their specific manufacturing field or industry. Some areas of expertise include- but aren’t limited to- food and beverage staff, production personnel, operating personnel, management, and sometimes even customers. The goal is usually the end product or commodity being produced, and their optimization.

As expected, process engineers have different areas of expertise. Some only work with different types of information- such as in R&D, or research and development, which is likely also the most time consuming. They are always on the lookout for new technologies and new innovations to enhance already existing commodities. They also continually test and simulate new processes that mimic real life conditions, to see if the process improvement is worth the risk. They’re monitoring equipment constantly to make sure things are functioning correctly and according to standards. They are excellent writers; and we know this because they must write and edit their own instructions and documentation. The documents produced must be clear and concise, and up-to-date for operational personnel and newly hired employees. Because of this, those documents must be written in a simple, easy to comprehend format- so as to be readily understood and comprehensible by those employees, in order to  know the best practices and standards of each individual process. This truly takes an inherently cross-departmental discipline; just hearkening back to all the many aspects and tasks required to perform the duties of the position. And, we haven’t even got to the complicated stuff yet.

Another job requirement in this area is risk assessment. This is basically examining the current equipment and processes, and inspecting them regularly for risk of malfunction, failure, personnel injury, injury prevention, and more.

Other various areas of expertise include the continuous evaluation and inspection of all processes and equipment, including a deep knowledge of machinery and small engines, and how they operate They also develop more streamlined, economical systems if at all possible, troubleshoot production problems, oversee and ensure new equipment is correctly installed to precise specifications, and often collaborate with specialist process technicians to resolve issues.

Some engineers are responsible for data collection and interpretation. They analyze, collate, interpret, and compile data-based reports. They’re often involved in inventory or budgeting processes, and may have input on the manufacturing or production budget. Other process engineers may even have to present their data findings at board meetings, to high level personnel.

In addition to the many other services we offer, we're confident we can entirely erase line hiccups, and smooth out any challenges in production.