WHY SUPPLY CHAIN SHOULD BE YOUR BUSINESS’ PRIORITY TO AVOID MAJOR CRISES

The food and drink supply chain is evolving at a rapid pace with its process becoming increasingly more complex, but how can manufacturers ensure their products meet demand for quality and traceability and they don’t get caught up in a supply chain nightmare? Lucy Pamment, head of product at supply chain software specialist, Access Group, explains how she believes the key lies in having clear and transparent processes.

This year has already seen some major supply chain mishaps. From KFC’s chicken shortage earlier this year to meat supplier Russel Hume’s hygiene scandal, it’s clear to see just how quickly supply chain problems can escalate. Not only must the obvious ramifications of lost sales be taken into account but, once the issue comes to light, it can be very hard for food and drink manufacturers to regain customer confidence from both the retailer and the end-consumer.

When it comes to supply chain, one of the best ways to avoid a nightmare scenario is by being able to demonstrate the traceability of every ingredient from when it arrives at your factory right through to when it leaves and arrives at its next destination. With the rise of supply chain software, manufacturers can now ensure product information is accurate, up-to-date and easily available at the click of a few buttons.

Not just a safeguard against disaster, supply chain software tools such as Access SupplyChain ERP helps businesses improve operational efficiency and drive down costs. With the ability to carry out stocktakes in real-time, the tool can save companies hours, and free up production managers to put their skills to use with more important tasks.

Naturally, all food and drink manufacturers will be no stranger to the numerous pitfalls surrounding working with perishable goods and dealing with manufacturers up and down the supply chain. Although they will all no doubt still have to face issues of availability, safety, hygiene and/or legal compliance at some point, incorporating supply chain software into their business strategies will allow them to deliver high quality products as efficiently as possible, time and time again. With many of the big players in the food and drink manufacturing world already starting to adopt such practices into their strategies, it’s surely a no brainer for all forward-thinking manufacturers?

For more details on Access Group, including information on its supply chain software, visit www.theaccessgroup.com/supply-chain-management.