FOOD WASTE
foundation for other efficient business processes. Using barcode and RFID technologies is exceptionally accurate (99%), which can help prevent errors in order picking and shipping that is prominent in the food industry. Also, adding lot numbers and expiration dates on a barcode ensures that information is recorded accurately and automatically at any point across the supply chain.
This will allow retailers to decide when they should start marking down items, giving it away to charity or, as a last resort ,deem them unfit to be sold. The markdown of goods causes organisations in the commonplace of developed economies the need for a strong auto-id backbone. Where there are weaknesses is in the upstream supply chain, is where harmonised and shared data between organisations is less pronounced.
UNILEVER
A recent example of a manufacturer using such technology is Univer, one of Hungary’s leading food manufacturers. One of the most important elements within its portfolio is its range of baby food products, where modern technology and high-level manufacturing safety conditions play a special role.
extra memory, sufficient for lot codes and other information, support electronic product codes (EPC), which identify the manufacturer, product category and the individual item. Encoders can update RFID tags with time stamps and transaction records to create electronic pedigrees. Smart tags (battery-powered RFID) can record temperatures and other environmental data critical for the fresh produce industry. Automated data collection removes much of the time and expenses required for data processing, while building a
Zebra helped to provide a solution, which makes customised identification possible by using individual barcode identification labels on each unit after it comes through the manufacturing process. At each stage of the product manufacturing process, the labels are initiated by printing demands from mobile data collectors, the labels themselves being printed by mobile or fixed Zebra printers. With the use of the prepared labels, each product is identified by reading a single barcode, without slowing down the production process at any point. The information on the label shows the worker what product is on string, when it was manufactured, the material it is made of, its expiry date and what qualification it has. The informatics system stores a vast array of further data besides the information appearing on the label. The system not only administrates the movement of materials, but it also directs which
“We are seeing a natural progression of the need to embrace this technology..”
string should be moved and when, according to specific expiry dates and other parameters.
THE CONSUMER IMPACT We are seeing a natural progression of the need to embrace this technology. Consumers are now technology savvy and enabled - putting direct pressure on all areas of businesses to meet that in kind. Consumers will want to and - with the advent of technology – soon will be able to find out more about their food purchases. They will be able to do so by scanning barcodes using mobile phone apps to receive information such as nutritional value, allergy information, where and when their food has come from and even information about the producer/farmer. Food manufacturers, producers and retailers alike should maximise the
opportunities this technology is able to bring. They could include detailed information about the origins of the products and suggested storage and food recipes and tips to help reduce food waste in these barcodes, which will hopefully play a key role in ensuring that consumers will think twice or thrice before throwing out perfectly good food. We are able to see the invaluable benefit of
implementing track and trace technologies in the food supply chain. Many organisations throughout the food supply chain have already launched traceability initiatives and have started to see the return on their investments through product recall cost reductions, improved product rotations, labour cost reductions and improved brand reputation. The whole lifecycle of the product can now be completely visible thanks to tracking and tracing technology, ensuring business efficiencies across the board. These types of technologies will help to avoid food wastage, improve health and safety for food producers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
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