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People in Focus: Alan Doocey

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/ 

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From Manual Port Marks to Meat Messaging

Preventing Costs & Rejections For Australian Processors Exporting to the USA

A market defined by precision, transparency, and performance, meat processors across Australia are excelling in digital transformation. As export volumes reach record highs, processors are under increasing pressure to maintain full traceability, guarantee compliance, and operate with greater efficiency across every stage of production.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia, 2024 marked a record year for red-meat exports, with 394,716 tonnes of beef and 85,133 tonnes of lamb shipped to the United States alone, and 2025 has shown no sign of slowing down.

As global demand for high-quality meat continues to rise, Australian processors are increasingly turning to technology to streamline exports, especially to high-value markets like the United States. One of the most significant innovations driving this transformation is Meat Messaging, a cloud-based digital traceability system designed to ensure compliance, reduce errors, and improve overall export efficiency.

The Cost of Manual Port Marks

For exporters shipping to the United States, even the smallest error can be costly. A single incorrect or missing port mark can lead to carton rejections, lost revenue, and reputational damage. Manual port marking remains one of the most common sources of non-compliance, often caused by human error during labelling or documentation.

I recall helping the load-out team on multiple occasions, applying pre-printed port mark stickers to cartons as they were loaded into the container. Up to 1,200 cartons in a container, it’s inevitable that some will not be applied correctly or fall off during transit. I remember conversations about product being rejected and discarded simply due to port marks missing.”
Shane Hayes, General Manager – Australasia, Emydex Technology

These manual processes are time-consuming and prone to inconsistencies, creating significant challenges for exporters operating under strict USDA import standards.

Meat Messaging: A Smarter, Digital Solution

Meat Messaging eliminates the need for manual port marks by providing a secure, cloud-based system that digitises the traceability of export cartons. Each carton’s data is recorded electronically and pre-registered with the USDA, allowing import authorities to validate and identify every unit in a shipment before it arrives.

This digital approach significantly reduces the risk of rejections, accelerates customs clearance, and strengthens transparency between processors, regulators, and importers. In an industry where precision and reputation are everything, Meat Messaging provides a modern safeguard against costly mistakes.

Emydex’s Seamless Integration: A Competitive Advantage

Recognising the operational and compliance benefits of Meat Messaging, Emydex has developed a fully integrated solution that connects directly with the platform.

Through the Emydex Manufacturing Execution System (MES), processors can automatically generate GS1-compliant carton labels, capture shipment data, and transmit it directly to Meat Messaging, removing the need for manual port marking and paper-based tracking.

This seamless integration ensures:

  • Accurate, real-time traceability from factory floor to export

  • Reduced manual handling and error rates

  • Improved compliance and audit readiness

  • Faster and more efficient export processes

The result is Fewer errors, lower costs, and faster exports. Emydex clients have reported significant improvements in operational efficiency and compliance since adopting the integration.

Looking Ahead

As Emydex continues to expand its footprint across Australia, our focus remains on helping processors strengthen their operations through smarter, connected systems.

This November, Dave McMahon (CEO) and Shane Hayes (General Manager – Australasia) will meet with customers and industry leaders across the country to discuss how Emydex’s digital solutions can streamline processes, enhance compliance, and support sustainable growth for Australia’s meat industry.

If you would like to connect in person, book a meeting with our team during our November visit and discover how Emydex can help your business enhance operational efficiency, ensure full compliance, and gain end-to-end visibility across the entire export chain.

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People in Focus: Jayne McMillan

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.

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Silver Fern Farms Pacific Site Goes Live with Emydex Beef Processing Software

The successful implementation of Emydex software at the Pacific (Hastings) site marks another important milestone in the five-year partnership between Emydex and Silver Fern Farms (SFF). This is the sixth primary butchery site for beef processing within the SFF network to go live with Emydex’s traceability and production control systems. 

A trusted partnership in New Zealand’s red meat industry 

Silver Fern Farms is one of New Zealand’s leading red meat companies, recognised for its focus on quality, sustainability and innovation. Since 2020, Emydex has worked alongside the SFF team to deliver tailored software solutions that optimise operations, enhance visibility and support data-driven decision making across the company’s beef processing plants. 

Custom deployment for a site with unique requirements 

The go-live at Pacific followed a structured deployment approach, beginning with the transition from the legacy CRS system to Emydex. Barrel testing was conducted in advance to simulate real animal processing and ensure system readiness. 

Due to the specific layout of the Pacific site, liveweight data needed to be captured before the stunning stage. To accommodate this, Emydex designed and implemented a custom indicator terminal that replicates the standard liveweight functionality while integrating seamlessly into the existing process. 

Efficient delivery and strong collaboration 

As with previous deployments, the Pacific rollout was executed smoothly, with only minor issues quickly resolved by the combined efforts of the on-site and remote support teams. This go-live also included the rollout of SFF BI V2, the latest version of Emydex’s business intelligence platform. The updated solution enhances access to production insights and enables faster, more informed decision-making across operations. 

Positive feedback from the SFF team 

Feedback from Silver Fern Farms has been extremely positive. Matt Ballard, Chief Transformation Officer, shared: 

Great Moment! Our legacy CRS system is now retired across all our six beef only plants! Keep going team!” 

This successful go-live reinforces the strength of the partnership and the shared commitment to continuous improvement across the SFF network. 

Looking ahead 

The successful go-live at Pacific confirms the effectiveness and adaptability of the Emydex platform across Silver Fern Farms’ operations. The implementation has proven to be both efficient and beneficial for on-site teams, reinforcing the strength of the ongoing collaboration. With all six beef processing sites now live or nearing completion, the focus will soon shift to supporting Silver Fern Farms as they prepare to roll out Emydex systems across new species, including venison and lamb, in the near future. 

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Australasia Tour 2025: Strengthening Partnerships Across ANZ

In Weeks 45 and 46 of 2025, Emydex CEO David McMahon will join our new General Manager for Australasia, Shane Hayes, on a two-week tour of Australia and New Zealand. Together, they will meet with customers and prospects to deepen relationships, gather market insights and explore opportunities to advance operations across the region.

This initiative goes beyond a traditional visit. It underscores Emydex’s long-term commitment to the Australasian market and opens new avenues for collaboration with industry leaders across meat, seafood and produce.

Why Australasia Matters

Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most advanced processors. From red meat to seafood, the region is recognised for its high standards, operational complexity and continuous focus on innovation.

For Emydex, Australasia is a growth hub where technology is tested at scale and partnerships are built on trust, transparency and long-term value.

Shane Hayes, General Manager for Australasia, notes:

Meeting our customers face to face helps build trust and deepen relationships. Having David alongside me speaks to the commitment Emydex has in the Australasian market.”

David McMahon, CEO of Emydex, adds:

Australia and New Zealand are key pillars in our global growth strategy. Processors here operate at a high level of complexity and innovation, which aligns perfectly with our platform’s strengths. My goal during this trip is to listen, learn and work together on solutions that deliver real impact.”

David’s presence alongside Shane reflects Emydex’s role in the region not just as a technology provider, but as a strategic partner invested in long-term success.

A Strong Foundation in Australasia

Emydex isn’t new to the region. We are already trusted by some of Australasia’s largest and most innovative processors.

From Silver Fern Farms and Wilson Hellaby in New Zealand to Harvey Beef and Sunpork Group in Australia, our solutions support operations across beef, lamb and pork processing.

With more than 120 live installations worldwide and a growing team on the ground, Emydex is well positioned to drive the next wave of digital transformation in the region.

This tour builds on that foundation by deepening relationships, gathering feedback and shaping solutions together with our partners.

What Customers Can Expect

During the tour, David and Shane will:

  • Visit customer sites across Australia and New Zealand

  • Explore new project opportunities with prospects

  • Share insights into Emydex’s evolving product roadmap

  • Gather feedback on regional priorities and future needs

  • Strengthen partnerships that drive long-term success

Across regions and sectors, from poultry to lamb, the conversations will be practical, relevant and focused on measurable outcomes.

David McMahon emphasises:

This tour is about listening carefully, understanding what matters most to our customers and shaping solutions together. Our presence in Australasia reflects a long-term vision to grow with the industry and support our partners in achieving their goals.”

Want to Meet David & Shane?

If you are a customer looking to share feedback, or a prospect interested in how Emydex can help transform your operations, this is the right time to connect.

 Book a meeting with David & Shane

Let’s discuss your goals, your challenges and how Emydex can help drive sustainable growth and operational excellence in your business.

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Rising Tide of Food Recalls: What’s driving the Surge in Ireland and the US?

Over the past few weeks, both Ireland and the United States have seen a sharp increase in food product recalls. From Listeria and Salmonella outbreaks to undeclared allergens and metal fragments, the incidents span a wide range of categories and risks. While no single company or product line is solely responsible, the pattern is clear: food safety is under pressure.

As a provider of traceability and quality management solutions to the global food industry, Emydex is closely monitoring these developments. Here’s a breakdown of the recent recalls, followed by insight into the factors driving this rise in recalls.

Ireland: A Wave of Microbial Contamination

Ready Meals and Listeria

Over 140 ready-made meals were recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Distributed across multiple well-known Irish retailers, the outbreak has resulted in nine confirmed cases and one fatality.

Leafy Greens Under Scrutiny

Separate from the ready meal incident, several batches of spinach, rocket, and mixed leaves were pulled from shelves due to Listeria detection. These recalls highlight vulnerabilities in fresh produce supply chains.

Salmonella in Turkey Burgers

A batch of turkey burgers was recalled for potential Salmonella contamination. Though the use-by date had passed, the product was suitable for freezing, prompting warnings to check home freezers.

United States: A Broader Spectrum of Risks

Undeclared Allergens in Butter

Over 64,000 lbs of butter were recalled due to undeclared milk, a major allergen. The recall was classified as Class II, indicating moderate health risk.

Metal Fragments in Frozen Beef

A major recall was initiated for frozen ground beef due to suspected metal fragments. Other recalls involved foreign material contamination, including glass and plastic.

Salmonella in Pantry Staples

Products including dried black fungus, pistachio cacao spread, and frozen sprouted legumes were recalled after Salmonella was detected during routine inspections.

Listeria in Mushrooms and Tuna Salads

Several mushroom products and tuna salads were affected due to Listeria contamination, traced back to breadcrumbs supplied to manufacturers.

Botulism Risk in Salted Fish

Improper evisceration of dry salted fish led to a recall over potential Clostridium botulinum contamination.

Why Are Recalls Increasing?

Enhanced Detection Technologies

The rise in food product recalls is not necessarily a sign of declining food safety standards. Instead, Emydex believes it reflects enhanced surveillance and testing protocols implemented by regulatory bodies:

  • FSAI (Ireland) has intensified microbiological testing, particularly for Listeria in ready-to-eat foods, enabling earlier detection and broader precautionary recalls [1].
  • FDA (USA) has introduced stringent traceability rules under the Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA), requiring rapid access to batch-level data and critical tracking events [2].

These improvements mean that contamination is being identified faster and more accurately, allowing for swift action to protect public health.

Risks of Not Having Robust Traceability

Without a comprehensive traceability system, food producers face significant risks:

  • Delayed response timesduring contamination events increase the likelihood of consumer harm.
  • Regulatory penaltiesfor non-compliance with traceability mandates.
  • Reputational damagethat can erode customer trust and brand value.
  • Operational chaos, including costly product withdrawals and production halts.

In today’s regulatory landscape, traceability is not optional – it’s a strategic imperative.

How Emydex Helps

At Emydex, we empower food processors and manufacturers with real-time traceability, quality assurance, and recall management tools. Our systems help clients:

  • Track ingredients and finished productsby batch, supplier, and production shift.
  • Generate instant traceability reportsto isolate affected products within seconds.
  • Automate quality checksand compliance alerts
  • Respond swiftlyto recall events with complete visibility
  • Comply with regulatory requirementsfrom bodies like the FSAI and FDA.
  • Integrate seamlesslywith existing ERP and production systems.

This level of visibility and control is essential for managing recalls efficiently and minimising disruption.

Let’s Talk

If you’re looking to strengthen your food safety protocols or streamline your recall response, Emydex is here to help.

Reach out to our team or visit https://www.emydex.com/contact/to learn more.


Written by: David McMahon, CEO, Emydex Technology

 

[1] Update (2) to recall of various branded prepared meals and side dishes …

[2] FSMA Final Rule on Requirements of Additional Traceability Records Traceability

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