Company Updates

Bridging Operations and Technology in Food Processing 

In this edition of People in Focus, we highlight Alan Doocey, Helpdesk Support Technician & Implementation Software Engineer at Emydex. With more than three decades of experience in the food processing industry, Alan combines deep operational knowledge with advanced technical expertise, helping processors across Australasia improve efficiency, traceability, and performance. 

From Factory Floor to Software Engineering 

Alan began his career at Dawn Pork & Bacon in Ireland, where he spent over 26 years specialising in factory floor software systems. His role involved supporting, enhancing, and integrating technology to optimise production, while gaining extensive knowledge of the day-to-day operations within a food processing plant. 

After relocating to Australia in 2014, Alan joined Southern Meats (Goulburn), where he expanded his experience in logistics and supply chain operations within the Australian meat industry. 

Since joining Emydex in 2018, he has combined his technical skills and operational understanding to deliver, implement, and support factory floor software solutions that meet the practical needs of processors. 

Having spent many years inside a factory environment, I understand the day-to-day challenges processors face, from production efficiency to compliance and reporting.” 

Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Systems 

Alan’s connection to Emydex goes back long before he officially joined the company. During his time at Dawn Pork & Bacon, one of Emydex’s very first customers, he worked directly with early versions of the software and saw firsthand how the system evolved to meet processors’ needs. 

Having first worked with Emydex applications as one of the company’s earliest customers, Alan brings an insider’s view of how the systems function and how they can be leveraged to simplify processes, improve traceability, and deliver real value. 

My years in food processing and my deep understanding of Emydex systems allow me to bridge the gap between plant requirements and software solutions.” 

Understanding Industry Challenges 

When asked about the challenges faced by food processors in Australasia, Alan highlights two key areas. 

Labour shortages and skills gaps remain major issues. Automation and digital systems are increasingly important to reduce reliance on manual processes.” 

He also points to growing demands for compliance and traceability. 

Customers and regulators demand higher transparency across the supply chain. Processors need accurate data capture, real-time reporting, and seamless traceability to stay competitive.” 

Decision-Making That Delivers Impact 

Alan’s approach to decision-making focuses on what will have the greatest benefit for clients. 

I focus on what will make the biggest difference, whether that’s resolving an issue efficiently, configuring systems to match how a plant operates, or guiding clients toward solutions that deliver long-term value.” 

Growing with Emydex 

Alan has been officially part of Emydex for over seven years, but his connection to the company goes back much further, to his time at Dawn Pork & Bacon. 

In many ways, I’ve grown alongside the system and seen how it has evolved. What keeps me motivated is being part of a company that keeps innovating and solving real challenges for processors.” 

Looking Ahead 

Alan is optimistic about the future of Emydex in Australasia. 

The industry is facing increasing demands around efficiency, traceability, and compliance, and Emydex is perfectly placed to help processors meet those challenges.” 

He is particularly excited about how innovation will continue to transform the sector. 

As the software evolves, we can offer smarter solutions and better insights that genuinely improve operations. Knowing that our work directly impacts client success makes the future really exciting.” 

Empowering Processors Across Australasia 

With experts like Alan, Emydex continues to help food processors in Australasia operate smarter, faster, and with greater confidence. His combination of on-the-ground operational experience and system expertise reflects the deep understanding Emydex brings to every partnership. 

Discover more about how Emydex supports processors across the region.
https://www.emydex.com/our-markets/australasia/ 

Driving Innovation in the Meat Industry

At Emydex, our strength lies in the expertise and dedication of our people. In this edition of People in Focus, we introduce Jayne McMillan, Business Analyst at Emydex, whose career spans nearly three decades across every stage of the meat supply chain.

From Microbiology to Industry Leadership

Jayne began her career in the meat industry with The Alliance Group in 1995, shortly after completing her Microbiology degree. Over the next 29 years, she progressed through roles in laboratory management, quality assurance in Los Angeles, technical systems development, and a large-scale ERP transformation.

Her journey also included running a boutique butchery in Central Otago, qualifying as a trade butcher, and training as a Meat Inspector. In 2024, she joined Emydex, bringing a unique blend of technical, operational, and business expertise to the team.

Expertise That Makes a Difference

Jayne describes her strength as a broad knowledge base across the industry.

After an entire career in the meat industry, it would have to be my broad knowledge base of the entire process, from the farm to the consumer, both in a practical sense and MES systems.”

This depth of experience allows her to support processors with practical, forward-looking solutions that address both compliance and efficiency.

Understanding the Region’s Challenges

Working closely with clients in Australasia, Jayne highlights a recurring issue for processors.

One of the main challenges is the continuous updates of Overseas Market Access Requirements. Companies need to be quite fluid and able to implement changes, increase data recording and compliance expectations, all the while ensuring food safety is at the forefront.”

Adding Value at Emydex

Her knowledge of the sector helps her connect with clients and design solutions that work.

I use my industry knowledge to suggest solutions that make the overall process easier. By introducing simpler methods, we ensure Emydex systems fit their production while reducing screen tasks for operators and still delivering the correct outcomes.”

Looking Ahead

As Jayne approaches her first year with Emydex, she is motivated by the global team culture and the flexibility of her role. She is also focused on the opportunities innovation can bring.

The ability to react to the fast-changing data environment is critical. Emydex has a very clever team behind the code, and this is key for clients when compliance changes are required.”

She also sees potential for predictive tools to transform production.

A system to accurately predict lean meat yield at the time of slaughter is highly desirable. It is also a great tool for processors who can separate and process like with like, improving production runs.”

Driving the Future of Food Processing with Emydex

With experts like Jayne on the team, Emydex continues to help processors in Australasia adapt to regulatory changes, improve efficiency, and embrace innovation. Our people bring not only deep industry knowledge but also a genuine understanding of the challenges our clients face every day.

Discover more about how Emydex supports processors in the region.

Emydex is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Hayes as General Manager for Australasia, a strategic move that strengthens the company’s presence and leadership in the region. Based in Adelaide, Shane will lead operations with a focus on expanding customer relationships, improving local delivery, and supporting the company’s long-term vision. With a strong track record across multiple teams and territories, Shane brings deep insight into customer needs and Emydex solutions. Over the years, he has led complex cross-functional projects, contributed to innovation strategies, and built lasting relationships with food processing clients across regions. These experiences have shaped his leadership and prepared him to take on this key role.

It is an honour to take on the role of General Manager in my home country. I am especially looking forward to strengthening our customer relationships and deepening our partnerships across Australia and New Zealand.
Shane Hayes, General Manager Australasia

In this new role, Shane will focus on:

• Customer success and expansion, by reinforcing existing partnerships and exploring new opportunities
• Operational excellence, through agile, responsive local delivery
• Team growth and development, by investing in culture, talent and capabilities

The appointment of Shane Hayes reflects Emydex’s continued investment in strong local leadership and its commitment to providing tailored technology solutions for food processors across every region.

Following Shane’s relocation in September, he and CEO Dave McMahon will begin a series of international visits to connect with customers on-site and strengthen global partnerships.

To learn more about our activities in the region, visit our Australasia market page.

For further information, contact Emydex through any of our global offices in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Africa or North America.