<![CDATA[Small food enterprises often face simultaneous constraints in throughput, product consistency, hygiene, and process control. This study evaluated MILKONIX (Smart Integrated Milk Ice Stick Line), a right-sized semi-automated system implemented at Milkyfun, Malang, Indonesia. A single-site before-and-after field design assessed operational performance across 10 production batches, product quality in 100 units per condition, and selected functional tests. MILKONIX integrated pasteurization, controlled mixing, precision filling, conveyor transfer, stick insertion, controlled freezing, partial clean-in-place sanitation, sensors, digital batch logging, operator training, and standardized procedures. Active production time decreased by 43.3%, batch capacity increased by 50.0%, daily capacity by 125.0%, and labor productivity by 200.0%. Volume uniformity increased from 78% to 97%, defects fell from 9% to 2%, cleaning time decreased by 51.1%, and sanitation compliance rose from 62% to 91%. MILKONIX demonstrates how integrated socio-technical automation can improve small-scale food production performance.]]>
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