_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Food waste
Cost savings and profitability Many TMS provide tools for logistics modeling , in which proposed supply chains are assessed across a range of factors including carbon emissions . This allows firms to try various workable solutions before committing to one that balances pragmatism and sustainability .
Such modeling can help reduce costs too , and here TMS can make a major contribution to a company ’ s bottom line .
By eliminating inefficiencies , TMS reduces the likelihood of discarding spoiled goods . This not only saves the cost of the wasted product but also the labor and resources spent in its production , packaging , and transportation . Fewer discarded goods mean fewer replacement shipments , further saving on transportation costs and resources .
Sustainability as a competitive advantage Customers and consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability . Retailers want to offer sustainable practices throughout their supply lines . The ability to demonstrate a reduction in waste and environmental impact can prove a key differentiator for businesses in the food industry .
With TMS , companies can commit to more responsible and efficient supply chain practices , enhancing their reputation .
The bright future of food supply chain management
Embracing emerging technologies As the food industry continues to grapple with the challenges of food waste , TMS offer a practical and effective solution .
By optimizing routes , improving real-time visibility , and enhancing collaboration , TMS can significantly reduce the amount of food lost in transit . Additionally , the ripple effects of TMS implementation — such as cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint — highlight its value for businesses looking to build a more sustainable supply chain . As technology continues to evolve , the role of TMS in the food supply chain will likely expand further , with advances in AI and predictive analytics offering even greater efficiencies . Blockchain technologies and radio frequency identification ( RFID ) will allow for more reliable product traceability , creating a transparent and inviolable record for supply chain monitoring .
Building a sustainable supply chain Route modeling will become ever more intelligent , pulling in traffic and flight information , weather patterns and other data , and enabling an initiative-taking approach to logistics , rather than reactive crisis management .
Meanwhile , IoT devices will monitor the conditions of produce throughout the supply chain , warning of changes in temperature , or the existence of bacteria or other impurities which might cause produce to spoil . From inventory sensors in warehouses to smart thermostats and domestic appliances , millions of these devices are already in use .
TMS is where all these technologies come together , producing data-rich oversight across the whole supply chain . By adopting the TMS approach , businesses can shape much less wasteful and more sustainable food logistics for future generations .
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Nick Fryer www . sheerlogistics . com
Nick Fryer is Vice President of Marketing at Sheer Logistics . He has over a decade of experience in the logistics industry , spanning marketing , public relations , sales enablement , M & A and more at 3PLs and 4PLs including AFN Logistics , GlobalTranz , and Sheer Logistics .
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