What is it about?
This study investigates how digital technologies can improve efficiency and sustainability in grain post-harvest activities. Through a bibliometric analysis, it identifies thirteen digital technologies and examines their relationships with nine critical control points associated with operational inefficiencies, grain losses, and environmental impacts. The study identifies simulation, automation, and artificial intelligence among the most frequently researched technologies, while augmented reality receives comparatively less attention. By connecting digital technologies to critical control points through a framework informed by recent case studies, the research provides a structured overview of technological opportunities in post-harvest engineering. Its main contribution is a categorized mapping of technologies to control points, helping decision-makers identify potential technological solutions for specific operational challenges.
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Why is it important?
Grain losses, inefficient operations, and environmental impacts during post-harvest activities can undermine food availability, food safety, and the sustainability of agricultural supply chains. Although digital technologies offer opportunities to address these challenges, selecting the most appropriate technology for each operational problem remains difficult. This study addresses that challenge by connecting digital technologies with critical control points in post-harvest systems. Its framework can help managers and engineers make better-informed decisions about technology selection, prioritize investments, and identify opportunities to improve operational performance. By supporting the targeted application of digital solutions, the research contributes to efforts to reduce grain losses, improve resource efficiency, and mitigate environmental impacts. The findings are relevant to researchers, grain-storage operators, agricultural engineers, technology providers, and decision-makers seeking practical approaches to digital transformation in agribusiness.
Perspectives
Future research can validate the proposed framework through field studies and comparative assessments of digital technologies across different post-harvest systems. Further investigation could quantify the effects of technology adoption on grain losses, energy consumption, operational efficiency, and environmental performance. Greater attention to underexplored technologies, including augmented reality, may reveal additional innovation opportunities. Ultimately, integrating digital technologies with sustainability objectives can support more efficient, resilient, and environmentally responsible grain supply chains.
Full Prof. Miguel A. Sellitto
Unisinos
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Digital Technologies, Sustainability, and Efficiency in Grain Post-Harvest Activities: A Bibliometric Analysis, Sustainability, February 2024, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/su16031244.
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