Interview

Connected Slicers at the Fresh Food Counter – Smarter Slicing for More Efficiency

W e speak with Alexander Pogacnik, technical expert at Bizerba, about how connected slicers are improving operations at the fresh food counter. Long queues and uneven machine use are common challenges in retail. With real-time data and intelligent indicators, retailers can optimise workflows, reduce waiting times and improve availability. Alexander explains how “Smarter Slicing” helps staff in their daily tasks while giving the back office the insights it needs to manage equipment more efficiently.
Text & image: Bizerba
  • Experience
1
Alexander, what is the main challenge retailers face at the fresh food counter today?
Alexander Pogacnik |

One of the biggest issues is long queues and waiting times. Customers want to be served quickly, but not all machines are used equally or efficiently. That’s where connected slicers and our concept of “Smarter Slicing” come in. It allows us to support operators in their daily tasks while also making all relevant data available to the back office.

2
How does this data help with process optimisation?

With full transparency from the counter to the back office, retailers can analyse how their machines are being used. If some slicers are overused and others underused, it’s easy to adjust the equipment portfolio accordingly. This helps reduce waiting times and queues and ensures the right devices are placed at the right stations.

3
You mentioned indicators. What role do they play in Smarter Slicing?

Indicators support staff by monitoring key tasks like sharpening, cleaning and maintenance. These can be adjusted to fit the specific processes at each counter. You set up one machine with the ideal indicator settings, then create a backup and roll it out across your entire slicer network. This saves time and ensures consistency.

4
What are the main benefits for retailers?

Smarter Slicing helps save resources and ensures maximum slicer availability. At the same time, it supports hygiene by reminding staff when cleaning is due and helps maintain an optimally sharpened blade. It’s really about efficiency on every level—technical, operational and customer-facing.

Alexander Pogacnik
Team Lead Product Management for Food Processing and Packaging at Bizerba SE & Co. KG
Alexander Pogacnik is the Team Lead for Product Management in the Food Processing and Packaging sector at Bizerba. He is responsible for defining product strategies and ensuring the market success of innovative solutions in the global retail and food sectors. He focuses on hybrid fresh-food counters that combine precision slicing with integrated packaging systems to improve efficiency, hygiene and flexibility at the point of sale. He also leads the “Smarter Slicing” initiative, which introduces connected slicers that provide real-time data and operational guidance. Alexander Pogacnik’s expertise contributes significantly to advancing Bizerba’s product portfolio and shaping future industry standards.
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