You Can’t Manage What You Can’t See!
What Is The Potential & Future Of Supply Chain Visibility For Produce…
What if, on a real-time basis you could see:
· Inventory levels in the cooler, freezer and dry storage area
· Remaining shelf-life on perishables (especially fresh produce)
· Movement of any and all items
Well you can, the technology exists!
The foodservice industry is constantly evolving, and the technology of identification tags being placed on cases of perishables have emerged as a potential game-changer:
· RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) require: RFID tags or smart-labels, Readers & Antennas
· QR Codes / Barcodes (2-D labels) require: Labels, Handheld readers, line of sight
RFID technology allows for quick and accurate inventory counts without manual scanning or human error. Readers with antennas are installed in specific locations in the facilities and vehicles to read the radio frequency. This not only saves time but also reduces labor costs associated with manual data entry and stock reconciliation. The enhanced visibility provided by RFID also improves supply chain efficiency.
QR Codes / Barcodes eliminates errors in identification and quantity errors…but requires line-of-sight and the use of hand held readers, still open to human error.
These “tags” can be linked to detailed information about a specific product starting at the field and proceeding throughout the packing/processing/delivery process. Each time the tag is scanned it “handshakes” with the previous tag scan and adds to the data collection…
With real-time tracking capabilities, businesses can better manage stock levels, anticipate demand fluctuations, and optimize order fulfillment. All of which directly impact a company's bottom line.
Complete, detailed and accurate visibility to the entire Supply Chain is coming…Imagine a site that has ALL the information about a specific product …including, details of the seed, soil, planting, field applications’, harvest, packing, cooling, transportation, processing, distribution and handling in the restaurant….each and every handshake from field to fork.
It’s my opinion that there is a plethora of data at our finger tips…yet, its stored “somewhere” (clip board on the seat of a field vehicle, spreadsheet, back of a napkin, etc.) and can be enormously valuable if it were captured and manipulated to show useable data that would allow us to make IMMEDIATE operational decisions that enhance our operations and profitability….
I believe it’s fair to say that the produce industry (as well as other parts of the food industry) is “Data Rich and Information Poor”
It becomes crucial to have a system in place that ensures accurate monitoring and control, which will lead us to expect increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved food safety standards, and ultimately enhanced dining experiences for customers.
Reducing food waste is not only an ethical concern but also has a significant impact on bottom line in the foodservice supply chain. The cost of wasted produce can quickly add up, affecting profitability and sustainability goals. By implementing effective fresh produce inventory management systems, everyone along the supply chain can minimize waste.
By utilizing RFID /QR tags and readers, foodservice providers can easily:
· Monitor stock levels
· Properly rotate perishables
· Reduce waste
· Track product handling
· Ensure the freshness of ingredients
· Increase profits
The power of RFID / QR Code technology in the foodservice industry cannot be underestimated
The benefits are numerous.
· Inventory accuracy is perfected by eliminating manual counting errors
· Discrepancies are greatly reduced between recorded and actual stock levels
· Receiving time is drastically reduced
· Waste is minimized
· Food safety is enhanced by enabling real-time temperature monitoring
Most restaurant workers are told…”If you wouldn’t eat it…don’t serve it”…YET, poor quality produce still makes its way across the counter or thru the drive-thru window….resulting in lost time, lost product, wasted money, dissatisfied customers and even illness.
Better/Smarter management of inventory greatly reduces that “poor judgement” issue.
Innovative software platforms now exist that enable real-time tracking of perishable goods from procurement to consumption. These systems utilize RFID / QR Code technology to streamline inventory management processes while providing valuable insights into stock levels, expiration dates, and usage patterns.
By embracing these technological solutions for fresh produce it contributes towards a more sustainable future for all foodservice.
These Technological Solutions not only enhance traceability but also allows for better quality control as any issues or delays can be identified and addressed promptly. Moreover, the real-time data provided by RFID/QR Code systems also allows businesses to make informed decisions regarding inventory replenishment, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
The Future – All products are equipped with RFID Tags…small drones fly around the storage areas of warehouses constantly taking and adjusting inventory levels and reporting shelf-life alerts….it’s real..it’s doable and its coming!
In conclusion, the adoption of RFID / QR Code technology in fresh produce inventory management offers:
· Substantial business practices
· Cost savings on food waste reduction
· Elevates Inventory Control
· Helps streamline operations
· Reduces labor costs
· Enhances profitability
Nazar Systems Inc., is a Supply Chain Visibility company and can assist in implementing a system to improve your operation and profitability.