Materials issues are emerging as defining factors in today’s food and beverage industry, as news headlines and our readers make clear.
This spring’s pet-food recalls put a sharp edge on traceability mandates and the vulnerability of processors in an age when ingredients and products can be sourced and shipped anywhere in the world. Managing raw materials and finished goods up and down the supply chain is becoming a top-of-mind concern. One in five survey respondents say their organizations will purchase a supply-chain system this year. It’s also an important tool to help plants improve productivity: One in five respondents indicated there is a “great need” to improve supply chain management, making it the third highest productivity issue. Two years ago, only 12% indicated there was great need for improvement.