Opinion Article by Nuria Mª Arribas, Managing Director of InLac
Thanks to the great efforts made in innovation and digitalization over the last few years, the primary sector in general and the dairy sector in particular have acquired the capacity to grow and develop while seeking to adapt to current times. One example is how digital technologies and artificial intelligence are already a reality in livestock farms to strictly monitor animals from birth, and thus enable efficient management according to their individual needs.
Digitalization is no longer a futuristic trend but an unavoidable certainty in all sectors, and dairy is no exception. Adapting to this change is no easy task, but it is a necessary evolution that is revolutionizing the way we produce, manage and market our dairy products.
Digitization of farms
In the field of production, digitalization has enabled an unprecedented qualitative leap. The use of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data and artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled livestock farms to optimize every aspect of their operation. Today, sensors installed on animals and facilities provide real-time data on herd health, milk quality and environmental conditions.
Continuous monitoring and automation of processes such as milking have significantly reduced error margins, improved efficiency and increased productivity. This ability to constantly obtain and analyze data allows us to make more appropriate decisions, which not only improves the quality of our dairy products, but also helps to reduce costs and minimize waste.
Another crucial aspect of digitization can be found in improved traceability. In a market where consumers increasingly demand transparency, the ability to trace food from farm to fork is an indispensable added value. The implementation of digital traceability systems not only enables compliance with the strictest regulations, but also helps to build a relationship of greater trust between producer and consumer.
QI: Artificial Intelligence at the service of the consumer
On the other hand, there is another element that is increasingly being applied in the industry, and whose potential today knows no limits. We are talking about AI, which is transforming the way we live, work and, now, even how we choose our food. Faced with this situation, InLac, through the ‘Quesea con Quesos de España’ (Cheese with Cheeses from Spain) outreach campaign , wanted to do its bit by launching QI, an innovative virtual assistant that uses AI to help consumers discover the cheeses from Spain -among more than 150 varieties in the country- that best suit their personality.
This tool benefits from advances in both types of AI, both predictive AI, which helps improve personality analysis and questions to suggest the types of cheeses that define each user’s preferences, and generative AI, which drives the learning of virtual communication assistants.
The future is digital
As we can see, the digital transformation of the dairy sector in Spain is a reality that is marking the present and will undoubtedly define the future. It is true that the transition is not easy, but the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. From improving efficiency and quality, to strengthening the relationship with the consumer, digitalization is presented as an essential tool to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the sector.
The future is digital, and the dairy industry cannot afford to be left behind. The key will be to know how to adapt, innovate and, above all, to understand that technology is an ally, not an enemy, on the road to success.