SAFER FOOD
Visibility, Security, and Food Safety
At a time when quality control, cost containment, and shorter logistics lead times top the list of challenges that today’s shippers face, supply chain visibility has become imperative that companies can no longer afford to ignore. What’s more, the Food Safety Modernization Act places an additional burden on food shippers to know exactly where their food is and who is handling it. Visibility is more than seeing; it’s tracking and tracing down to the lot, sub-lot and SKU in near real-time. Yet even with the technology available to meet this strategic priority, most companies still don’t have full visibility. The imperative is especially critical for the food industry, where having end-to-end, real-time data helps companies:
- Gain valuable in-transit insights, such as: How long does it take to load onto that truck?
- Provide oversight over post-production processes
- Inventory management/accuracy
- Order fulfillment
- Delivery
- Remain fluid and react quickly in the event of product holds and recalls
- Comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
- Adhere to the food safety measures in the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)
The flow of product to the end customer and from the furthest upstream suppliers – relies on a smooth and efficient flow of material and information. When that occurs, the supply chain becomes responsive to variations in demand; lead times and performance improve; and any quantity or inventory shortage issues are quickly identified and solved.
