Digital transformation in engineering solutions for postharvest grain handling: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes digital transformation in the post-harvest grain sector, emphasizing the adoption of digital technologies, their associated opportunities, challenges, and economic and operational impacts. The research includes a bibliometric analysis of emerging technological trends, two case studies involving a Brazilian engineering solutions company, and an empirical investigation conducted at an international research institute in Germany. The dissertation comprises three significant articles. The first article employs bibliometric analysis to identify key global research trends related to digital transformation in post-harvest operations. The second article explores the opportunities that digitalization presents for an engineering solutions provider. The third article provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of digital transformation on the company's efficiency, competitiveness, and operational results, utilizing data from the empirical investigation. The findings underscore the importance of digital technologies - such as automation systems, artificial intelligence, and sensors - illustrating their positive effects in 9 distinct areas within storage units, where notable losses occur. The research indicates that these technologies can reduce grain losses by up to 7%, enhancing overall process efficiency. The adoption of these innovations contributes to reducing energy consumption, improving quality control of grains, and increasing food safety. In the drying process, the identified innovations suggest potential operational gains estimated at USD 700 million annually in Brazil. The dissertation analyzes the strategy adopted by a company during the digital transformation process, demonstrating the capacity of these innovations to generate both quantitative and qualitative economic value, benefiting not only the post-harvest sector but also the entire agricultural supply chain. This research offers valuable insights for companies and researchers interested in exploring digitalization opportunities in the post-harvest grain sector, emphasizing the achievable economic and efficiency gains.