HomeRenee R. BassettDeputy EditorHomeMore and better baconA spiral convection oven provides compelling advantages over linear microwave ovens, mass-producing products that look and taste like they were pan-fried at home. Food processors also like the footprint and energy savings.HomeBrewery gains flexibility, reduces downtime with gatewayRemote I/O-to-Ethernet gateway enables easy replacement of 27-year-old PLCs for a Wales brewery upgrading its yeast-handling control process.HomeWhere beer and automation come togetherThe Automation Conference 2014, coming May 20-21 to Chicago, will deliver insights on everything from industrial safety networks to high-efficiency motors to how companies like John Deere integrate automation technologies from different suppliers. But even non food and beverage industry attendees will most enjoy getting a taste of automated brewing operations from two different perspectives.HomeCPG manufacturers benefit from sensor technology advancesOne trend in packaging machine design is to move from tool-less changeovers to automated changeovers, reducing the complexity and downtime related to product variation. Sensors of various types enable the automation.