DOUGH HANDLING
SUPPLY CHAIN COLLABORATION
Having a
clear overview of what is
occurring within supply chains helps suppliers and their customers to collaborate better”
partners to share best practices, technological advancements,
Visibility is key and innovative solutions.
This exchange of knowledge can lead to the development of more sustainable practices and products, helping all participants improve their environmental and social footprints. Sustainability issues – such as resource scarcity, climate change, and regulatory shifts – present risks that no single organisation can manage alone again, collaborative efforts can help identify and mitigate these risks through collective problem-solving. Collaboration can also foster transparency across the supply chain, enabling companies to better understand the origins and impacts of their materials and products. It also holds all stakeholders accountable for their sustainability performance,
driving
continuous improvement and trust among partners. “By working together, companies can leverage their collective scale and influence to drive sustainability initiatives that might be unattainable individually, continues Erin. “Collaborative supply chains will also be more resilient to disruptions, whether due to environmental disasters, social unrest, or other unforeseen events. By working together, companies can create contingency plans, share resources, and support each other in times of crisis, ensuring sustainability of the supply chain in the long term.”
Discussing the importance of supply chain visibility, Greer McNally at Foods Connected, argued that supply chain visibility is much more than just a matter of knowing where goods and materials come from and what their history is. It should also track their journey. “To gain clear supply chain visibility, you need access to accurate information covering all the links in your supply chains – from raw materials to delivery,” she says.
“Having a clear overview of what is occurring within supply chains helps suppliers and their customers to collaborate better,” continues Greer. “For example, they can work together to plan and implement strategies designed to reduce the impact of impending shortages or coordinate production schedules for optimised efficiency. “Supply chain visibility also enhances trust through mutual access to objective information and the ability to verify adherence to pre-agreed standards. Using data-driven insights makes it possible to more effectively evaluate supply chain partners.”
Greer went on to explain that supply chain visibility should also extend to demand forecasting and production planning. “Some trends are easy to predict, such as seasonal produce, but by maintaining a watchful eye on global supply chains you can determine whether demand is rising or falling in certain areas. This
can help you make data-driven procurement decisions to reduce waste and enhance profitability,” she says. “Supply chain visibility also allows you to manufacture products in the knowledge that they align with your business’s commitment to ethics and sustainability, including everything from support for worker rights and animal welfare to your desire to reduce carbon emissions and food waste.” Today it is possible to have supply chain visibility in real-time – tracking and monitoring every component of the supply chain as it happens – thanks to advances like the Internet of Things (IoT) and GPS tracking which make it possible to know exactly what is happening in the supply chain at any given time. “This allows you to identify supply chain anomalies before they become a problem and ultimately helps meet customer expectations.”
Greer points out that there are challenges to overcome when working towards full visibility because the concept is contingent on sharing data across not only your direct suppliers but their suppliers too. Visibility therefore requires information on the status of multiple inputs from sources around the world. Achieving supply chain visibility calls for the elimination of data silos and fragmented systems that fail to provide and package information in a clear and usable format. The chain of supplier-related data should consist of unbroken links reaching all the way back to the original sources of resources and raw materials. There are tools available that can help improve
supply chain visibility. Software solutions can be used to track the sources and movements of materials or finished goods. “Collaboration is also important and will ensure that your supply chain partners are aware of your goals and needs,” concludes Greer. “By working together to address supply chain visibility issues and sharing information, you can coordinate your efforts towards enhanced transparency. A shared platform can help facilitate collaborations in which your goals are clearly stated, and suppliers provide evidence of compliance.”
30 Kennedy’s Bakery Production December/January 2024/25
bakeryproduction.co.uk
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