FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY
occur accurately and digitally. While they are not technology providers, they provide the knowledge and framework for how to standardise on a system that works. Take this scenario: a farmer delivers a pallet of apples to a large supermarket chain. As part of a commitment to label produce effectively, the farmer places a 1D code – a barcode – on the pallet. This label links back to a digital, backend infrastructure that contains essential tracking and traceability information about the provenance of his apples. When linked effectively between suppliers – through a GS1 framework, for instance – supply chain transparency and traceability across the board becomes powerful. Farmers, fresh produce suppliers, retailers and supermarkets alike are increasingly appreciating the value of this. Assuming the label on the pallet hasn’t been compromised and is legible, it can be scanned by warehouse operatives who can ensure the pallet moves to the next phase in its journey to the store shelf. Along each stage, labels and their barcodes are used to carry and convey information and direct the flow of goods towards the shelf – and, eventually, the consumer’s shopping basket. Therefore, it is crucial that the entire value chain adopts an appropriate digital system, that standardises around a proven framework, such as that proposed by GS1. Producing high quality labels and barcodes Naturally, a digital backend infrastructure underpins this entire process for farmers, fresh produce firms and retailers alike – and all tied to an important barcode. However, it’s no good if a label that is printed with a code on it – be it a 1D or a 2D code – is not of sufficient quality. While the GCA has clamped down on previously poor practices by supermarkets, it is important for all parties concerned to strive for operational excellence. For some parties, this might involve improving their supply chain, packaging and labelling policies, and for others it might just be that they need to familiarise themselves further with these policies when working with various organisations across the value chain. What is clear is that when it comes to printing labels by suppliers, it is important that industrial label printing technologies print high quality legible labels. Moreover, do they appreciate their responsibilities and the policies set by supermarkets? While there are many printing technology providers available in the market, it’s important to really consider a long-term
investment in proven technology. Often organisations make the mistake of buying ‘cheap’ – cheap printers, cheap media
and cheap consumables – but this often leads to equipment failure, and the consumables are often faulty. A better approach is to work with a printing technology provider with a proven track record with
providing consulting and printers in this space, designed for the fresh produce or grocery sector.
Typically, thermal transfer industrial label printers are often more robust, and vendors that have been established for several years come with better aftersales support and access to consumables more quickly and cost effectively too. Conclusion Six months on from the Farm to Fork Summit, the National Farmers’ Union urged the Secretary of State to ensure Defra’s supply chain reviews within the dairy, horticulture and poultry sectors deliver much-needed improvements to the operation, fairness and transparency for all farmers and growers, so they can continue what we do best – provide high-quality, climate-friendly food for the nation. Based on this statement, and the work that the GCA and the likes of the GS1 are doing, all parties are trying to pull in the right direction to achieve greater supply chain transparency and traceability. This can only be successful long-term if farmers, fresh produce providers, retailers and supermarkets work more effectively together. This needs to be underpinned by digitisation and effective thermal transfer industrial label printing technology. Labels and barcode printing have an important role to play too, but without the right kinds of printers in place to print and share vital label information correctly, to a high-quality standard, across the value chain, these labels will fail to do the communication job that they are required to do. Why bother going to all that trouble to set up a traceability and supply chain transparency framework up, only to be let down at the last minute by a poorly printed barcode? By embracing these solutions, stakeholders across the supply chain are poised to usher in a new era of efficiency and accountability, safeguarding the integrity of the ‘Farm to Fork’ journey.
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Why bother going to all that trouble to set up a traceability and supply chain transparency framework up, only to be let down at the last minute by a poorly printed barcode?
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