With the advent of 2022, we are all gearing up for changes, as individuals and as organizations. Reformed environmental standards for all industries, COVID-19 management, and the rise of enhanced technologies capable of bolstering supply chains are among the few revolutions we can expect.While many food supply chain experts are contemplating what they want to bring to the new year and what they’re ready to leave behind, here are ten resolutions to assist food brands in developing the supply chains of the future. 1. Plan and Play Smart The pandemic showed us the fragility of the supply chains. Food brands reinvented their business models and went online to serve their customers. They had to find a way that required to address the fluctuations in demand and supply. Supply chains need real-time visibility to plan scenarios, optimize inventories, be pro-active to change and to make decisions. 55.73% of supply chain professionals are willing to invest in production planning and demand forecasting according to research by finance online in 2021. Integrated Demand Planning ensures real-time supply chain planning from sales and operations planning to forecast, demand response. 2. Invest in Employee Safety Workplace health and safety policies help firms grow by retaining productive and qualified employees. It also provides a contingency plan for workforce assurance that can otherwise cause supply chain disruptions. Every organization must prioritize its people in order to maintain consistent growth. According to data provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employers who establish employee safety programs are able to reduce costs related to injury and workplace illness costs by 20 to 40 percent. The key to ensuring worker safety is to minimize hazards and providing an environment that places high importance to healthy practices and enabling employees to easily avail medical facilities. 3. Gain visibility to strengthen the value chain According to a survey covered by finance online, 40.02% of supply chain professionals want to invest in real-time supply chain visibility. Having visibility across the entire supply chain helps businesses to understand and convey information seamlessly both internally and externally. To achieve 360-degree real-time visibility, extended communication and collaboration network between departments, third-party providers and manufacturers can help firms improve process transparency, make quick decisions, and increase customer satisfaction. Collaboration is the key to strengthen supply chain visibility. 4. Contribute towards a sustainable world Businesses have acknowledged the value of environmentally friendly ecosystems. This means designing biodegradable products and packaging, sourcing resources responsibly from social and humanitarian groups, ensuring minimal waste and environmental impact, reducing mileage, emissions, and carbon footprint through logistics along with operating assets and equipment in an environmentally and worker-friendly manner. Sustainability necessitates cross-partner collaboration and strong visibility. To keep up with the changes, firms need a sustainable partner that can collaborate in building this ecosystem across the supply chain. 5. Introduce automation to the supply chain The food supply chain generates a lot of data that can be used to improve operations and the customer experience. AI is designed to handle complicated processes quickly, such as inventory and route. With AI projecting future demand, food brands can better match demand with capacity, lowering the cost of shortages and overages. Machine Learning can improve demand planning by increasing forecast accuracy. This will help Food brands optimize inventories and minimize safety stock, increasing cash flow.
As a continuation of our earlier article, we are sharing the last five resolutions guide food brands in stringing together strategy to create the supply chain of the future. 6. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses The supply chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Identifying areas for improvement can be challenging, without access to precise real-time and historical data. By implementing automated, supply chain solutions, businesses can achieve granular visibility. That would mean segmenting the supply chain to extract and analyze accurate data from various segments within the supply chain like warehousing or transportation to identify its pain points that need addressing. Evaluation as a process helps to strengthen the end-to-end fulfillment strategy while saving businesses time and money. 7. Simplify the supply chain design A convoluted supply chain can mean that there are more potential for things to go wrong. Food brands with diverse suppliers and processes runs the danger of losing focus causing delays in sourcing, manufacturing, and transportation. Supply chain complexity is one of the major issues firms confront, according to Michigan State University research. Operating in various consumer markets involves numerous suppliers, which means more workflows, regulatory requirements, and vulnerable links. Supply chains can easily become entangled and convoluted, undermining efficiency. Businesses should analyze the entire supply chain to see where it may be simplified. Simplifying procedures can lead to cost savings, increased efficiency, and higher product quality. A lean supply chain is better prepared to deal with unexpected challenges. Its processes frequently improve overall performance, quality, reduces expenses, and increases responsiveness. A high-level audit of operations will reveal areas for improvement, resulting in shorter lead times and lower prices. Technology can help firms manage supply chain issues and streamline operations. Combining these factors can lead to happier consumers, which is the goal of every food brand. 8. Increase Transparency to save costs Transparency extends beyond supply chain visibility, as confirmed by a Harvard Business Review report that reveals cost reductions of up to 20%. To better understand supply chain participants and threats, organizations can now use internal and external data sources. Mobile technology can track compliance or employment data instead of on-site or third-party audits. Additionally, they can track supplies from their point of origin to the producer, and then the finished products from the manufacturer to the end consumer, assisting in the confirmation of quality and preventing fraud. While transparency can educate and engage clients it can also be used to reveal potential operational changes, promote good corporate responsibility, strengthen brands, and mitigate future events. 9. Transform digitally Supplier technology helps food brands build a future-ready supply chain while boosting accuracy, compliance, and visibility. Analytics can help organizations identify market patterns and forecast future demand. Business risks can also be addressed to ensure business continuity and provide end-to-end visibility. According to Forbes, 50% of organizations feel technology has a significant impact on supply chain, logistics, and transportation operations. Digital supply chains rely on ubiquitous data access. They can boost dependability, agility, and efficiency by facilitating cross-platform cooperation and communication. Traditional supply chains must adapt to new digital realities or risk being left behind. A digital operational model incorporates digital capabilities across governance, processes, data management, and IT that enables process integration and standardization. 10. Consider working with a specialist Before assembling a team to fill in the gaps, it is critical to understand the supply chain constraints. Consultants help negotiate the existing supply chain network’s uncertainty. They can help with supply chain technology, 3PL and 4PL outsourcing, warehouse and transportation management, network analysis, Lean distribution, and more. Food brands should consider collaborating with a supply chain specialist who can build a fit-to-purpose business strategy to reduce total value chain costs while improving the performance of the supply chain and manufacturing and distribution costs. According to a report by the UK-based market research firm Technavio, the 3PL market in India is poised to grow by US$10.74 billion in the period 2021-2025, progressing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 8%. Because supply chains are so complicated and unique to each business, consultants can assist uncover gaps between business strategy and supply chain design. A consultant can help traverse the stages and provide guidance to ensure the successful implementation of a supply chain relationship. As we transition into the new year we can together look forward to the challenges and changes the new year brings by embracing these 10 resolutions offered to help supply chains prepare for a productive and efficient year.
There has been a radical shift in the way the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Quick Serve Restaurants (QSR), and the Food and Beverages (F&B) industries operate to meet the growing needs of today’s consumers. B2B food trends like the growth of QSRs, the need for centralized kitchens for large enterprises, and increasing demand for cold chains are high capital-intensive markets that open up new investment opportunities. There is a rise in stringent hygiene policies, and automation of manufacturing and packaging among food businesses. Also, with a rise in internet access and new-age apps, customers are better informed than ever, demanding transparency in the food supply chain. Optimizing the supply chain ensures overall benefits for the food manufacturers and helps them thrive in fierce competition. And one of the best ways to optimize is to outsource the task of managing the supply chain to a third-party logistics provider (3PL). Here we explore why food businesses must adopt an outsourced SCM and how it can benefit them in the long run. The need for a dynamic Supply chain in the Food industries Unlike other industries, QSR, FMCG, and F&B industries require a very dynamic supply chain. It is due to multiple factors, including a diverse range of products, their varying shelf lives, and storage conditions like temperature and humidity, changes in consumer demands, seasonal availability of raw materials, packaging, law, and order, etc. These food-related industries must ensure an agile supply chain to balance the supply and demand of finished products and expand their presence across different geographies. Currently, the two main categories of supply chain management are either insourced or outsourced methods. While insourced SCM carries out all the operations of the supply chain activities using an in-house team, the outsourced SCM hires a third-party workforce to undertake the end-to-end supply chain activities. Before zeroing in on the SCM category, food products manufacturers and QSRs must thoroughly study their existing supply chain system and identify the gaps and goals to be reached. What are the challenges in insourcing? Though insourcing SCM can have its own benefits, some major pitfalls cannot be ignored. Some of them are shared below. High Cost Recruiting dedicated full-time employees for various roles could incur exorbitant costs. The company must cover the expenses for the in-house team members even when they take days off from work. The cost of maintaining internal infrastructures, including dedicated warehouses, work areas, and resources spent on logistics, adds up to the high expenditure. In industries like FMCG, QSR, and F&B, susceptible to external factors, a minor variation in operations can largely impact overall costs. Time It is not an easy job to filter and recruit the right candidate for a particular vacancy in the supply chain. Even if you find the best one, it takes more time to train them according to the business specifications and take ownership of their responsibilities. Also, time is a critical factor in handling perishable foods, from procurement to delivery of the final product. When an in-house supply chain is not agile enough to meet the demands of timely logistics, it turns out to be a major hurdle. Risk of Dependencies Since the critical tasks are assigned to a particular person within a department, there is a high risk of dependency on them. It is a matter of concern during times when the person is unavailable or is already loaded with too many tasks to handle simultaneously. This dependency might, in turn, interfere with the seamless food supply chain activities and disrupt the entire cycle leading to stagnation of perishable goods incurring a considerable loss. Why should businesses transition from insourcing to outsourcing SCM? Streamlining the supply chain processes through outsourcing will go a long way in benefitting food businesses. According to Technavio, a UK-based research firm, the 3PL Indian market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 8%, valued at USD 10.74 billion from 2021 to 2025. Check out the comprehensive overview of why food businesses and FMCG companies must move from an insourced SCM to an outsourced one. Cost reduction Maintaining your warehouse and logistics, recruiting, and paying for a dedicated in-house team is now a costly affair, especially for FMCG and F&B industries. But, a third-party service provider with streamlined processes can undertake the whole responsibility of maintaining the supply chain at a comparatively lower cost. Always up and running Working with an outsourced 3PL company can help run your business throughout the year, which is the key driving factor to sustaining a food-related business. There is no risk of putting any business deal on hold with outsourced SCM due to the unavailability of resources. You can be assured of timely deliveries and be confident of meeting the fluctuations in consumer demands. High expertise and technology support Outsourcing SCM means you benefit from the third-party service provider’s experiences of working with several other brands. It could come in handy when your business faces any specific issue, and they could suggest the best possible solution that fits your needs. 3PL companies provide technology-backed services that ensure maintaining the right temperature and humidity and help meet other requisites for food storage and logistics. Quicker implementation When you recruit a new member with an in-house team, it takes a few days to weeks to complete the industry-specific training and get started. But when you outsource the supply chain activities to a third party, you get a quicker implementation of the tasks right away as they are equipped with the necessary resources. The quicker the actions are initiated, the better would be the customer satisfaction and trust in your food brand. Scalability The unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic have seen a surge in demand for food-related products. The fluctuations in demand can be overcome by an optimized supply chain that could be achieved through outsourcing to a third party. You can quickly scale up or scale down the supply chain through outsourcing based on your requirements. Outsourcing your SCM could be incredibly beneficial to your food-associated business, especially when you are starting new,...
The success or failure of a company depends on its business partnerships which include the relationships with its supply chain. The supply chain is a lifeline to the food industry that keeps the businesses up and running. Whenever the food industry faces unprecedented disruptions like COVID-19 or natural disasters like floods, a strong supply chain relationship will prevent a food business from the chaotic obstacles of setting things right by itself. A long-term strategic partnership with a 3PL company helps sort out key issues, including food safety, food product quality, sustainability, new market opportunities, technical information and assistance, and environmental responsibilities. Read on to know why foodservice operators, like Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), cafes, and cloud kitchens, must prioritize creating a lasting relationship with their supply chain partner and how to achieve it. Factors influencing a strong relationship between a 3PL company and the food industry The supply chain relationship is the backbone of food supply chains. Several factors influence the bond between 3PL companies and foodservice operators, including those mentioned below: Benefits of long-term supply chain partnership According to the University of Tennessee research, a long-term supply chain partnership proves to be highly beneficial even during an economic slowdown. It also opens up new markets and helps in business growth, and a list of other advantages. Check out some of the prominent benefits of having an enduring supply chain partnership. Reduced costs As in any other domain, the food industry looks to reduce costs in every possible way to provide finished products at a fair price to its customers and maintain profitability. A mutually beneficial relationship with a 3PL company can assure the food service operators of an overall low operational cost through wholesale procurement of goods, low wastage due to well-maintained warehouse and inventories, and efficient logistics services. Collaborating with a 3PL partner in the long term helps identify and eliminate processes that incur high costs but provide no value to the company. Efficiency and Optimized processes The HORECA businesses, including Quick Service Restaurants, cloud kitchens, cafes, and FMCG companies, have focused for long only on customer relationships. But now, it has become imperative for these companies to acknowledge the importance of nurturing a healthy supply chain relationship that enables efficiency and optimization of the existing procurement, storage, and logistics processes. It also brings positive outcomes like increased responsiveness to market changes, high ROI, reduced order fulfillment time, and high market share. Reduced waste and increased food safety About 4.5 trillion tonnes of food is produced every year, which is twice as much required to satisfy the world’s food needs, yet millions are left to starve and be malnourished. Hence reducing food wastage and optimizing the food supply chains is one of the most important goals for food-related industries. Foodservice operators are looking to minimize food loss and maintain quality through Food Grade 3PL partners. By developing a mutually beneficial relationship with a 3PL company, food wastage can be drastically reduced at each stage in the supply chain, and the safety of the food products can be maintained at optimal levels. Conclusion Food service operators or HORECA businesses are better equipped to handle disruptions by maintaining a trustworthy supply chain partnership. Choosing a suitable 3PL partner, aligning the mutual objectives and strategies, and analyzing the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will allow the companies to face unforeseen obstacles effortlessly. It is high time these businesses begin to nurture a mutually beneficial partnership with 3PL companies to witness positive results in their business growth. RK Foodland is India’s leading supply chain management company with over three decades of rich expertise. We understand your business goals, identify gaps in your existing supply chain, and build strategic partnerships.
Introduction The Dodsal Group, headquartered in Mumbai, India is into diversified business like Pharma, Real estate and QSR. At present, the Group conducts its QSR activities through Dodsal Corporation, a franchisee of Yum Restaurants International. Yum in India is the principal Franchisee of brands like Pizza Hut, Dallas, Texas and has over 54 outlets spread across 11 cities in India. Dodsal Corporation had aggressive plans to expand to 150 outlets by 2010. Challenges Prior to Association with RK Foodland. Erratic Supply of temperature sensitive raw material in part-load resulted in material shortage at stores and high transportation cost. Service Requirements. Dodsal corporation moves products like cheese, butter, meat , sweet corn and other raw material from various suppliers to its stores situated across 11 cities in the country. The volume to one city or store is not sufficient to hire the full truck, hence Dodsal takes the ‘Fresh Rush’ services from RK Foodland. Synchronized Solutions. Commencing of ‘Fresh Rush’ schedule every 5th day from each location where major vendors are located really proved to be the bulls-eye for their requirement. RK Foodland introduced some effective ways for facilitating various steps for adherence to the schedule: Outcome
India is now the world’s third-largest startup environment, after the US and China, and development shows no signs of slowing. According to ResearchAndMarkets, the Indian foodtech sector will develop at a CAGR of 39% from 2021 to 2025, reaching INR 1,868.19 Bn. Growing consumer demand for an intriguing new food product necessitates increased production volume. Adding people and equipment to the operations and supply chain can help meet the rising demand. While sales volume increases, supply chain costs increase proportionately. A supply chain architecture that requires constant resource expansion to keep up with sales growth is unsustainable in nature. A scalable supply chain’s objective is to grow capacity while maintaining or improving efficiency, hence lowering supply chain costs per unit. We have outlined a few ideas for young food brands to build a scalable supply chain. We know from our extensive industry experience that not every entrepreneur wants to grow their business beyond a certain size or reach initially. Supply chain consolidation requires short-term sacrifices to scale the organization. If growth is a priority for the organization, it must commit to scaling, establish a reasonable growth objective, and develop a strategy and action plan to accomplish it. Standardize and automate processes While a startup must be agile and innovative, consistent processes help it scale. Standardized processes facilitate automation. Hands-on approaches and manual processes are difficult to scale without extra manpower and infrastructural resources. Standardization is the foundation of a robust supply chain management. Standardization specifies the manner in which a task or group of tasks should be completed. Every task needs scope, quality, and technique standards. For a competitive advantage, these rules can recognize and capture supply chain data using the appropriate tools or technology. With standardization, a part or process may be developed and measured more efficiently, resulting in a more sustainable supply chain that benefits all entrepreneurs. It saves time and money by keeping everyone on the same page. Automating back-office and operational procedures inside the supply chain is critical to cutting costs, speeding up time-to-market, and fostering innovation. A more technology approach will improve supply chain management, safety, and efficiency. Automating the back office reduces human error and streamlines processes. Modernizing the back office and automating will help reduce stress on people and processes. Outsourcing Given the necessity of these procedures, most companies concentrate on product development, fundraising, marketing, and sales. The lack of in-house logistics professionals creates a vacuum and a risk for startups. 74% of logistics leaders anticipate boosting logistics outsourcing spending in the next two years, according to Gartner Inc. A supply chain specialist may assist in filling that gap and acting as an extension of their team, providing the organization with a competitive edge. Outsourcing fulfilment to a 3PL saves initial capital. A startup usually manages fulfilment first to learn about the process and how to optimize it. From the start, a business must be hands-on, from packaging to returns. As the business expands and orders increase, outsourcing fulfilment may be more cost-effective and time-efficient. A supply chain specialist can help startups save money on warehouse space and personnel, source raw materials, move processed foods while maintaining product integrity, and most significantly, can guide startups with their expertise in the Domain. Expansion All food startups want to grow their business in a way that is sustainable. A Supply Chain Specialist can help a food startup scale by allowing for business and operational flexibility. Their fulfillment centers allow food entrepreneurs to expand without having to manage and operate their own facilities. A supply chain specialist’s national fulfilment network can also be leveraged to deliver orders as food startups develop new products and versions. A well-defined network allows start-ups to reach remote and potential markets faster. In addition to finding new sales channels, and an established Supply Chain Specialist may help organizations reach a larger consumer base. They can also help a food business better deal with seasonal demand while continually ensuring that the brand’s final product is transported to market in a temperature-controlled environment. A supply chain professional is better positioned to address any issues that arise during the transportation of the finished product. Collaborative Approach At the start of a food brand’s growth journey, often they struggle with their volumes due to variations in demand, which can be a cause of concern for them. Transporting low volumes of finished goods through a dedicated carrier can be expensive for a startup. Hence, it is advised for startups to opt for a more collaborative approach, where they can share their resources through supply chain specialists enabling them to transport variable volumes of products to different markets according to their demand. A collaborative approach will also give the food startups information about how a specific market is reacting to a product produced by another food brand, helping them string a better strategy for that specific market. A collaborative approach can save organizations 5-10% on costs and increase revenue by 7-10%, according to a report by McKinsey’s. Collaboration helps food brands to harness the collective intelligence of numerous stakeholders in order to plan and meet consumer demands. This primarily entails the sharing of real-time demand information among supply chain partners. Supply Chain as a Service (SCaaS) Investing in the Supply chain as a service module benefits startups by providing them with technology-driven, end-to-end supply chain management solutions. The SCaaS module is expected to grow at a 7.5% CAGR from 2018 to 2025, led by the expansion of mobile devices and internet penetration in emerging markets. This highly adaptable supply chain approach leverages a SCaaS provider’s experience and skills to assume responsibilities for production management, manufacturing, warehousing, inventory tracking, order fulfilment, and transportation. Finally, SCaaS provides the infrastructure and technology necessary to reduce the total value chain costs by offering customizable fulfilment solutions and adopting technology and automation to increase speed, visibility, and accuracy throughout a whole supply chain network. Around half of startups fail during the first five years of business, according to some estimates. There are numerous reasons for a startup to fail, but the majority of the time it boils down to...
The increased popularity of plant-based foods has created new supply chain problems, particularly given that many of these organic products are being introduced by traditionally non-organic merchants. Organic supply chains and produce suppliers have long followed regulations regarding produce handling, such as temperature controls, cargo tracking, and supply and demand planning software, to ensure that the product could be tracked from farm to table and, in the event of a recall, traced back to its source. However, for meat replacements that incorporate numerous plant-based ingredients, supply chain organizations that handle these products face unique food safety problems. The food industry is now debating how to store and handle meat alternatives, how to manage each ingredient in the product, and, most crucially, how to determine temperature controls or the source of infection. The popularity of plant-based food is further strengthened by a new analysis from The Good Food Institute stating that plant-based meat alternatives might account for 6% of worldwide meat consumption by 2030. Producing 25 million tons of product per year would be required in such a scenario. With its growing stature in the food industry, brands from the plant-based food segments would want to string together a supply chain for their mock meat offerings. As supply chain specialists, catering to the food industry for three decades, we suggest considering the below-mentioned few points that might help with outlining a supply chain for plant-based meats. Infrastructure From a high level, the meat alternative supply chain is shorter and much more compact than the meat supply chain. Combine that with the fact that plant-based meat alternatives can get to the market a lot faster than traditional meat. The labor factor can make a big difference. Saying that producing PBM requires the process called high-moisture extrusion, which means the infrastructure to process it requires to handle the processing at different temperatures. This means the infrastructure not only needs to be technologically equipped but also requires a skilled workforce to see through the intricate processes. The plant-based meat brands require temperature-sensitive storage that is close to their potential markets due to its low shelf life making the process of production and delivery faster. It is advised for upcoming plant-based meat brands to impanel with a supply chain specialist for their temperature-sensitive storage needs since they are well-equipped to handle products with low shelf life and temperature-controlled needs. With a specialist handling the supply chain for the plant-based meat brands, their well-defined routes to market and strategic presence can be leveraged as well. Workforce According to a recent Deloitte research, when asked about the skills that supply chain employees including those in the plant-based meat segment should possess, 73% of respondents say technical competence is extremely or very critical, and even more, 79% believe leadership and professional competencies are extremely important. The technological capabilities required now are those that enable supply chain experts to address complicated risk management or statistical modeling issues that might arise in a complex and evolving plant-based meat sector. Talent development is another area that needs focus since the plant-based segment is at a nascent stage, the resources employed within the industry will require to be educated about the segment and the processes. The bottom line is that when it comes to a niche category like plant-based meat, the workforce needs to be both technologically equipped to understand the processes that are defined and specific to the industry while adhering to compliance and being able to take quick action in case a tough situation arises. Central Information system A centralized system can be affordable and adaptable, allowing plant-based meat brands to respond to market changes at a faster pace. Brands in this segment that use a centralized system might soon become leaner and more efficient. A consolidated information system ensures supply chain visibility giving decision-makers precise supply chain visibility. This would make it easier for plant-based meat manufacturers to identify which ingredients originated from which farms and would enable them to act promptly if an ingredient went bad prior to processing. Through the use of technology such as barcode tags and RFID cards, it would also be easier to separate poor batches of components from good batches, so avoiding a crisis situation at the start of the supply chain cycle. Product and supplier management Supplier relationship management (SRM) enables the plant-based meat business to take a systematic approach to evaluate suppliers’ contribution and influence on success, identifying strategies to improve their performance, and building a strategic approach to carry out what has been found. Supplier lifecycle management (SLM) should also be implemented in the supply chain to enable an end-to-end strategy to manage high-value or strategically significant suppliers, from selection to relationship closure. The critical element of the process is to recognize the value suppliers may provide and to integrate those benefits into procurement processes. By implementing such methods, plant-based meat brands can mitigate risk, boost efficiency, reduce price volatility, and consolidate their supply chains. The unified information system enables fake meat companies to locate suppliers that may assist them in reducing delays, resolving issues of unavailability, and enhancing transparency and traceability. Temperature-controlled environment The supply chain’s difficulty becomes even more formidable when resources and products demand temperature control, as is the situation with plant-based meats. Because the shelf life of such products is frequently limited, the speed and dependability of the transportation and handling systems become even more critical. As consumers turn toward plant-based foods, product oxidation becomes an issue that brands within this segment face. As a product, plant-based meat is a refrigerated item that is susceptible to light oxidation, thus reducing its shelf life and quality. Delivering the texture and flavor consumers demand can be extremely challenging if the product is not properly protected from oxidation during the storage and transportation phase. To ensure product integrity across the value chain, different temperature regimes must be addressed independently in terms of storage, staging, and distribution. Additionally, the items must be continuously inspected and maintained – using proper monitoring and tracking systems. Due to the significant risk of non-conformance at handover...
CategoryBlog March 25, 2022 What Is Cold Chain Logistics? Planning, organizing, integrating & safely implementing any temperature-sensitive product in the most secure manner over a long distance keeping up with the right temperature & humidity requirement with the help of the right transport and equipment is the integration of cold chain logistics. Temperature-sensitive products like food items, biological specimens, liquid beverages, perishable edibles, pharmaceutical drugs, etc. Also known as chill chain logistics, cold chain logistics take care of the end-to-end fulfilment. Many supply chain management companies offer temperature controlled logistics in India. With various cold supply chain companies in India, these temperatures controlled logistics have a great impact on every stage of the product. Importance of Cold Chain Logistics Cold chain logistics is significant for the integrated fulfilment of temperature controlled products. Different products require different temperatures, and to keep up with the varied requirements it is necessary to get on board with cold chain supply companies in India. It assures end-to-end fulfilment, takes care of the product throughout the process, ensures quality and perfectly integrates the logistics requirements. However, as much as it is important to partner with suitable logistics companies in India, it is also integral to check the working of cold-chain logistics and figure out whether it is the optimum logistic solution for the business. Essentials of an Integrated Cold Chain Logistics Goods and products have to be stored before the process of distribution and final customer. While for temperature controlled logistics in India, it is very important to check the temperature controlled storage as it defines the place where the goods will be stored before distribution till the final destination. Temperature control, management, fluctuations, power outages and other technical issues can cause deterioration of the quality of the product causing spoilage of the goods. It is important to check for the technologies used, to analyze the damages & speculate dangers along with weighing the uncertainties before choosing any one particular from the logistics companies in India for the end-to-end fulfilment. Transportation makes an integral part of the end-to-end fulfilment and cold chain storage management. It takes care of the distribution of the goods from the storage or warehousing to the final point. Temperature-controlled goods require temperature controlled transport and a minute problem can cause heavy damage. Temperature fluctuation or power outage, changes in humidity or overloading of the vehicle are some common problems that need to be addressed while picking a way of integrated fulfilment for cold chain management. Choosing the system with an alarm facility will work as an added advantage & help you figure out the uncertainties as & when occurring. An essential part of any management process is qualified & experienced staff. Well-trained staff ensure the smooth functioning of the operations. Updated & knowledgeable staff fulfil the requirement & keep up with all the necessary processes for the integrated fulfilment. A staff well-learned with the operating procedures can keep a track of safe end-to-end fulfilment making the operation of cold chain logistics. Good packaging keeps up with smooth functioning during the temperature controlled process. Efficient packaging of all the products transported via the end-to-end fulfilment process ensures safety, security & smooth distribution. Before admitting the products & goods in the temperature controlled storage; it is mandatory to check the packaging. Apart from that, it is also significant to choose a cold chain logistics company that adheres to safe packaging for a smooth operation. The smooth functioning of the cold chain logistics operates on a cycle that involves these essentials like cold supply products, qualified staff, temperature-controlled warehouses, efficient packaging, temperature-controlled transport, temperature-controlled containers. RK Foodland, with its expertise in the field and years of experience; strives to offer the best end-to-end fulfilment for all the temperature controlled products. With integrated fulfilment of the cold chain logistics management; RK Foodland prominently commits to adhering to all the industry standards, advanced technology and smart results. Looking forward to partnering with a cold chain logistics management company for an end-to-end fulfilment of the supply chain, Let’s talk!
Imagine a future where your food supply chain goes beyond just being fast and cost-effective, to also being green, fair, and resilient. This is the power of an ESG-driven supply chain strategy, where sustainability is not an afterthought, but a core principle woven into every aspect of your operations. Be warned, focusing solely on compliance is not enough. It’s about integrating ESG into your business DNA, creating a ripple effect of positive impacts. This commitment doesn’t just enhance your brand value and stakeholder trust, it propels your business towards long-term viability. This article delves into the multi-fold benefits of a true ESG commitment, showcasing how it can: Ready to unlock the true potential of ESG and take your Indian food business to the next level of sustainability? 1.Environmental: Preserving Our Planet CXOs and SCM Heads in the Indian food industry are continuously tackling challenges: rising costs, resource scarcity, and increasingly stringent regulations. But what if there was a strategic approach that not only mitigates these risks but also unlocks hidden benefits? Uncover the power of eco-conscious practices. This core aspect of ESG strengthens both your business’s sustainability and the well-being of the planet. Waste Reduction: From Burden to Boon Imagine your supply chain as a well-oiled machine, where efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand. Reducing waste is not solely about ecological preservation (important as that is); it’s also about streamlining your processes. Astonishingly, up to 45% of produced food never reaches consumers due to supply chain inefficiencies, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. By implementing advanced analytics for better demand planning, minimizing food spoilage through improved forecasting, and streamlining logistics, you can: Warehousing: Where Energy Savings Meet Efficiency Think of your warehouses as mini power plants, but with hidden inefficiencies lurking in every corner. By adopting automated inventory management systems, integrating IoT sensors for real-time monitoring & control, implementing green insulation materials, and using electric or hybrid forklifts & vehicles for internal logistics, you can: Bio-Diesel Conversion: Fueling Progress, Not Pollution Transportation is the lifeblood of your supply chain, but traditional fuels leave an environmental scar. Bio-diesel conversion offers a cleaner alternative, replacing fossil fuels with sustainable options like used cooking oil. This translates to: Discover how we transformed a challenge into an opportunity for a leading QSR brand, turning waste into a valuable resource. These are just the first steps on your journey towards a sustainable and profitable food business. Remember, ESG isn’t just a box to tick, it’s a strategic investment. By embracing these environmentally focused practices, you’re not just saving the planet, you’re securing a future where your business thrives. 2. Social: Nurturing Communities and Workforces In every business, the true foundation of success lies in its people. The social pillar of ESG highlights the imperative need to empower these individuals & communities as 58% of employees consider a company’s social and environmental commitments when deciding where to work. Achieving this involves: Employee Welfare: Cultivating a Thriving Garden Imagine your employees as vibrant plants, needing the right conditions to flourish. Employee welfare isn’t just about offering benefits, it’s about creating a healthy, inclusive, and equitable workplace. By: Skill Development: Sharpening the Tools of Your Trade Think of your workforce as skilled artisans, needing the right tools to excel. Skill development isn’t just about training, it’s about enhancing capabilities and operational efficiency. By: Community Engagement: Building Bridges, Not Walls Imagine your business as a part of a larger ecosystem, where everyone thrives together. Community engagement isn’t just about charity, it’s about building strong relationships and enhancing your corporate image. By: This is just a glimpse into the social pillar of ESG. By investing in your communities and workforce, you’re not just doing good, you’re investing in the future of your business. 3. Governance: Managing Ethically and Effectively The Indian food industry, a vibrant tapestry of flavors and aroma, thrives on trust and integrity. But in today’s world, these qualities go beyond mere slogans – they are the bedrock of good governance. By managing ethically and effectively, you’re not just doing right thing, you’re building a resilient and successful business. Ethical Practices: Building a House on Solid Ground Imagine your supply chain as a house. Ethical practices are the strong foundation, ensuring transparency, fairness, and integrity at every step. This means: Transparency and Accountability: Shining a Light on the Path Ahead Think of your operations as a complex map. Transparency and accountability are the guiding lights, ensuring accurate reporting and performance monitoring. This involves: Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the Landscape with Confidence Imagine your business as a ship sailing across a vast ocean. Regulatory compliance is the compass, ensuring you navigate the legal landscape safely and responsibly. This means: Remember: ESG isn’t just a box to tick, it’s a journey of continuous improvement. By embracing the governance pillar, you’re not just building a responsible business, you’re building a future where your food business thrives ethically and effectively. Interested in making your food supply chain more sustainable with ESG? Our experts are here to guide you through every step. 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Food Supply Chain Leadership Forum’ is an initiative by Radhakrishna Foodland aimed at creating an exclusive engagement platform in the Indian food supply chain ecosystem.
The theme for this event is ‘Women Leadership in Supply Chain’. Join us for some interesting and enlightening discussions around: