It’s been a long time since farmers have hauled grain to town in horse-drawn wagons. Food logistics have advanced in quantum fashion and they continue to evolve rapidly. Today’s challenges mean that producers, distributors and retailers must continue to advance with the times.
Next you will see a few of the obstacles the food industry faces and then some of the measures being taken to ensure the safe and efficient movement of food from farm to table.
Supply Chain Challenges
- Product Safety – Contamination of food has long been a concern, but, in recent years we have also had to contend with the deliberate introduction of contaminants into the food chain.
- Fuel Prices – Fuel prices have continued to escalate as have basic commodity prices, reducing already slim profit margins.
- Demanding Customers – The public doesn’t want the same thing day-in and day-out and it keeps the food industry hustling to provide newer and better products.
- Cycle Times – The production or cycle time time of an item can be negatively impacted by bottlenecking, which can be due to batch sizes and equipment limitations.
- Environmental Sustainability – Old technologies and production methods can be inefficient and damaging to the environment, reducing profits and increasing pollution.
Supply Chain Solutions
- Cross Docking – A specialty at Crossdock Manitoba, cross docking keeps the product moving with a minimum of handling and storage time.
- Increased Rail Use – A train with 100 containers uses a lot less fuel and manpower than 100 individual truckloads.
- 3PL Consolidation Centers – In Winnipeg warehousing consolidation is a key to efficiency. Crossdock Manitoba enhances this process with their Pick and Pack warehousing system.
- Technology – Companies need to move with the times, improving inventory visibility and utilizing computers and Third Party Logistic Providers to help plan and maintain efficient forward distribution.
Give Crossdock a call so they can tell you more about how they can help you with integrated logistics, both forward and reverse. Phone: (204) 987-1500