The logistics flow is one of the principal aspects in guaranteeing that perishable foods arrive at their destinations efficiently and at the right time.
Every company that depends on a supply chain should understand how this flow happens and how it can be optimized to reduce costs, improve delivery and increase customer satisfaction.
In this article, we will show how to perfect the logistics of foods, with a focus on innovation, strategies and good practices. Good reading!
What is logistics flow?
In the context of the foods supply chain, logistics flow involves all the processes that guarantee the transport of perishable foods (such as vegetables, meats and dairy products) from one point to another. This covers the acquisition of raw materials through to the final delivery to the consumers.
This flow is extremely important in guaranteeing that the products are moved in an organized fashion and quickly, with control of financial costs and without waste.
What are the types of logistics flow?
There are different types of logistics flow, and each of them plays a specific role in managing the supply chain. Here we list the principal types and explain their importance:
- flow of material — this refers to the physical movement of raw materials or finished products in a logistics system. It involves the transport, storage and movement of the items between the different points of the supply chain;
- flow of information — this involves the exchange of data on the orders, stocks, deliveries and other logistics aspects. This flow guarantees that all those involved in the process have the necessary information to take decisions quickly and assertively;
- financial flow — related to the payments for the products and services throughout the supply chain. The management of this flow should be efficient to guarantee that the company has the financial resources to continue operating and investing in improving this logistics process;
Stages of logistics flow
To optimize the logistics flow, it is essential to understand the stages involved in the process. Let’s analyze each one of them and how they can be improved:
Receiving the products
The process of receiving is the first step in the logistics of foods. It includes the verification of the quality and quantity of the foods arriving at the warehouse.
To optimize this stage it is important to use technologies that speed up the checking, such as barcode and RFID reading systems, guaranteeing the precision when receiving the goods.
Storage
Efficient storage is fundamental, especially when dealing with food products.
To guarantee the quality and safety of the foods, companies need to adopt ever more advanced stock control techniques and strategies.
At Emergent Cold LatAm, innovation is a priority and the Mixed Reality is transforming logistics operations, allowing the storage and stock control process of foods to be optimized.
This technology is being applied in various ways, such as in remote audits, collaboration between teams and so forth.
Separation of orders
After the products have been stored, the next stage is the separation of orders. This stage involves picking the right items in the warehouse and preparing them to be sent. The use of technologies such as warehouse management systems (WMS) can speed up the separation process, making it faster and more precise.
Packaging
The packaging process is an essential stage in guaranteeing that the products arrive at their destinations securely. As well as protecting the merchandise, the packaging process must be efficient so as to avoid waste and extra costs.
The use of optimized packaging, which guarantees the protection without increasing the volume or weight unnecessarily, is a good practice.
Sending merchandise
After packaging, the products are ready to be sent. Here, the logistics flow involves its transport to the destination.
The choice of the suitablemeans of transport and the planning of efficient routes is essential to ensuring that the merchandise arrives at the right time. This can be facilitated by real time tracking systems and data analysis to improve the delivery forecasts.
What are the benefits of good logistics in the supply chain?
It is worth stressing that having a well structured logistics flow has various benefits for companies, among which are:
- reduction of costs — the optimization at all stages of the logistics helps reduce operational costs, such as transport, storage and handling;
- increased efficiency — more agile and better coordinated processes result in a more efficient supply chain, with fewer failures and delays.
- better customer service — the faster and more precise delivery of products results in greater customersatisfaction.
- greater stock control — the use of advanced technologies and efficient storage practices enables more precise and intelligent stock control.
How to organize logistics flow efficiently?
One of the options for companies seeking to improve their efficiency is the outsourcing of logistics. In being able to count on a specialized partner, your organization can focus on its core business, while the logistics management is done by professionals with expertise in the matter.
Furthermore, by opting for outsourced storage, your company can make use of the infrastructure of partners such as Emergent Cold, who offer specific solutions for the stock control of perishable foods.
This includes the use of suitable refrigerated rooms, the optimization of space and temperature monitoring systems, guaranteeing the quality and safety of the products.
Conclusion
The logistics flow is fundamental to ensure that the products arrive at their destinations efficiently, safely and at the right time.
With the correct strategies, using innovative technologies and the collaboration with specialized partners, it is possible to optimize this process and obtain various benefits, such as the reduction of costs and increased customer satisfaction.
Investing in the logistics of foods is to invest in the success and the competitivity of your company. You can always count on Emergent Cold LatAm!
