Transparent supply chain and the strategies in the food industry

The transparent supply chain is essential to avoid losses, reprocesses and ensure that food reaches its final destination. We tell you what this concept is, why it is important and how to implement it in the food industry.

The supply chain, key in the food industry

When it comes to the food and beverage industry, the supply chain is an aspect that cannot be taken lightly. It is thanks to the supply chain that the customer and his demands can be satisfied.

Thus, the first thing to understand is that the food supply chain has several stages. Among them, from the work of the producer to the arrival of the food to its customers or consumers (Lewis, 2022).

For this reason, it is essential to have a good supply chain. And, moreover, it must be transparent. So, let's see what this means and how it can be implemented.

Transparent supply chain, what is it all about?

This concept has gained momentum since the pandemic. With the advent of Covid-19, e-commerce is here to stay. Because of that, consumers expect to receive their products quickly.

Moreover, they are informed about what they are eating and the process behind it. In this sense, a transparent supply chain is one in which the stages that make it up are visible. Further, its human and environmental impact is shown from start to finish (ESW, 2022).

In other words, this chain documents step by step how a product travels. That is, from the sourcing of raw materials to production, storage and delivery (ESW, 2022). Along this chain, intermediate transport links are also considered.

Why is it so important?

It is highly relevant as today's consumers demand total transparency. Even more so when it comes to the food supply chain. Today's users choose quality and trust. In turn, between these two, transparency is indispensable.

In addition, having a transparent supply chain makes it possible to have resilient operations. If information is available it can be tracked (Forbes, 2021).

Likewise, it provides clarity on inventory and activity. It also increases productivity while reducing operating costs; to top it off, it is key to (Forbes, 2021):

• Identify, capture, share and predict events or transactions.
• Translate data into useful information.
• Ensure the flow of goods.
• Gain more control over the supply chain.

Strategies for implementing a transparent supply chain

Some strategies you can implement are (Georgiev, s.f.):

• To have sustainable suppliers. Since information must be shared, it is essential that suppliers share the same sense of transparency.
• Improve traceability. This involves the inputs of origin. This is where food and products are traced. That is, how they are harvested and the environmental impact they generate. In addition, there is an evaluation of the inventory.
• Communication. It is essential to have reliable channels. This way there will be open lines where conversations can take place.
• Data collection and use. This process must be automatic and fast transmission. Information must be available on: labor force, production and energy used in the process.

As you can see, in the food industry it is essential to have a transparent supply chain. Now that you know more, don't lose sight of it - it's time to leap into innovation!

Bibliographic references

• ESW. (2022). Supply Chain Transparency.
• Forbes. (2021). Supply Chain Transparency Creates Resilient Operations.
• Georgiev, N. (s.f.). Transparency in Food Industry: 3 Reasons Why It Matters. Blue Card.
• Lewis, A. (2022). Food Supply Chain: Importance & Management Strategies. High Speed Training.