Abstract:
An automated grain blending processing system enables one to track and optimize the actual cost associated with mixing or blending grain to provide consistent blends having good milling quality, cost efficient blending so customers receive the best quality product, and tracking of performance for particular grades or mixtures of product so as to, for example, eliminate blending and costing errors. Commodity-based costing data can be downloaded over a network and used to calculate an actual cost of blending a product. The difference (positive or negative) between actual blend cost and a model blend cost can be calculated, and blending decisions can be made based at least in part on the calculation. A blend processor can generate a blend mix output that specifies the amount of each of plural grain lots to mix in order to achieve said desired mix. A mass storage device operatively coupled to the blend processor may store historical data concerning previous blends. As each mix is completed, historical data indicating the actual cost and performance characteristics associated with the manufacture of each lot of such products can be stored. Non-limiting advantages include tracking actual mix costs versus standard blend costs, integration with conventional inventory control system and grain cost card, documenting performance by blend (e.g., flour) grade, and allowing for an accurate comparison of blending over time.