The present subject matter relates to multivariate optical analysis systems employ multivariate optical elements and utilize multivariate optical computing methods to determine information about a product carried by light reflected from or transmitted through the product. An exemplary method of processing and monitoring the product includes introducing the product at an inspection point; illuminating the product with a spectral-specific light though an optic lens; directing the light that has passed through at least a section of the product through at least one multivariate optical element to produce a first signal, the directed light carrying information about the product; detecting the signal at a detector; and determining at least one property of the product based upon the detector output.