Internship Opportunity (MSc Dairy Science): Milk Balance Optimisation – Arla Foods Nijkerk, NL

The milk balance is the primary instrument for gaining insight into the total Arla milk flow within the organization. Milk represents the core component with the highest financial value. For this reason, it is essential to maintain a clear and comprehensive overview of all incoming and outgoing flows. Within the milk balance, various data inputs are consolidated into a single, structured overview. These inputs originate from different production processes, such as intake, storage, processing, and by-product streams.By carefully mapping the entire process and analyzing the data, insight is gained into the interconnections between the different process steps. Any inconsistencies, deviations, or losses become visible as a result. This creates opportunities to implement targeted improvements, optimize processes, and enhance financial performance. A well-developed milk balance therefore contributes to transparency, efficiency, and improved management control throughout the entire Arla organization.

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to create full transparency regarding all milk balance–related data within the Nijkerk Dairy organization. This includes collecting, structuring, and validating data from all relevant sources, followed by a thorough analysis to identify potential deviations, inconsistencies, or inefficiencies in the product flow.

A key focus of the project is to strengthen data reliability and ensure alignment between physical milk- and product flows and administrative records. By systematically analyzing discrepancies and linking them to specific process steps, the project aims to determine root causes and assess their operational and financial impact.

Ultimately, the goal is to establish a nearly fully reconciled milk balance in which deviations are minimized and can be clearly explained through documented control procedures. Through the implementation of standardized processes and monitoring mechanisms, any remaining differences should be demonstrable, traceable, and manageable. This will contribute to improved process control, greater financial accuracy, and enhanced decision-making across the organization.

Key Tasks

Mapping the Current Milk Balance Process
A comprehensive analysis to document and structure the existing milk balance workflow, including 1) Intake; 2) Consumption; 3) Stock levels and 4) Residual flows / by-products.

Identification of Milk Balance–Related Process Steps
All relevant supporting and corrective process elements to be mapped, including 1) Downgrades and 2) Stock adjustments.

Data Analysis & Development of a Control Tool
Detailed data analysis performed to identify discrepancies, inefficiencies, and loss drivers.
Based on these insights, a structured control tool to be developed to improve transparency, monitoring, and accuracy within the milk balance process.

Development of a Comprehensive Process Manual
A clear and structured guideline to be created covering the entire milk balance process, ensuring consistency, traceability, and ease of use for stakeholders.

Improvement Proposals to Minimize Milk Balance Losses
Targeted improvement initiatives are formulated, focusing on reducing losses, enhancing process control, and increasing operational efficiency within the milk balance system.

Expected Deliverables (summarising the key tasks)

At the end of the project, the student will deliver:

• Sets up a structure to cross-check the milk balance on a weekly basis to avoid surprises at the end of the month
• A fact‑based proposal for improvements of the E2E milk balance
• Recommendations for long-term improvements of the milk balance
• A final report and a presentation for the site leadership team

Student Profile

We are looking for a master’s student from the Dairy Science and Technology programme at KU who:

Technical interests

• Has interest in processing, milk technology and mass balance
• Enjoys combining data analysis with practical production observations
• Wants to work on a project with clear real‑world impact and responsibility

Soft skills

• Is proactive and comfortable taking ownership of tasks
• Can collaborate well with operators, technicians, and engineers across functions
• Has an interest in connecting financial performance with data analysis
• Communicates clearly in both writing and dialogue
• Is structured and able to manage a long, multi‑phase project
• Shows curiosity and willingness to challenge assumptions with data
• Has a problem‑solving mindset and strong analytical thinking