Supply Chain Visibility

Collaborative Consulting, a company that specializes in optimizing its clients' business and technology capabilities, announced today that it has published "The Case for Supply Chain Visibility," the latest in a series of white papers from the organization's subject matter experts and thought leaders.

Written by Mark Carleo, the leader of Collaborative's Supply Chain Management Practice, the paper highlights the benefits of supply chain visibility, notably the way it can help organizations extend the value and return on investment of their existing supply chain systems. Mr. Carleo also explains how a visibility hub can foster better, more streamlined collaboration among companies and their customers, suppliers and trading partners. The results include better vendor relationships and more loyal, satisfied customers.

Moreover, Mr. Carleo shows how organizations can make significant improvements to their operational excellence initiatives, without substantial investments in time or effort, or costly new technologies.

For copies of "The Case for Supply Chain Visibility," or to speak to the author, see Collaborative Consulting.

Fresher, faster, fewer: the food supply chain

Food companies are using increased delivery frequencies, smaller orders and faster order cycle times to keep costs low while meeting their customers' and consumers' increasing demand for fresh food.

Some of the latest trends in the fresh fruit supply chain.
* Increased focus on freshness. This requires that fruits, vegetables and semi processed (ready to eat) salads must be presented to consumers in immaculate condition while maximising shelf life to avoid costly waste.
* Proliferation in fruit and vegetable product variety. Along with meeting increased demand for organic and imported specialty fruits and vegetables, retailers must be able to secure high quality local and imported products all year round. This requires wholesalers to act as both local agent and a value added sourcing specialists.
* Increased attention to maintaining the "cold chain".