ABSTRACT
This chapter presents different tools and aids involving computers that are used for industrial cooking operations in food production. Using the tools can increase output and efficiency in the production system. The chapter discusses trends, process descriptions, and developments in computerized process control in industrial cooking operations. It gives a more detailed look at both on-line and off-line computerized control systems. Cooking operations exist in various types of food plants, such as restaurants, and medium and large industries where different raw materials such as meat, bread, fish, and so forth are converted for consumption. The most basic and most difficult step in food plant automation is the development of a scientific understanding of the product manufacturing process. Baking is one of the most energy-consuming processes in the food industry. Energy is needed to heat the oven and the dough and to form a crust and the crumb.
