The supply chain, a series of product transfers between manufacturers, distribution centers, and retail locations, is a complex network of transactions. From raw material to finished product, every transfer throughout the chain requires documentation to ensure that product quality is not compromised, items are en route to their correct destination, and a number of other parameters that require monitoring to...
In our recent post outlining the widespread outbreak of E.coli originating from romaine lettuce, we noted that the FDA has been unable to identify how or where the contamination occured in the supply chain. Since mid-March, more than 200 people across 35 states have become ill – and at least three have died. This outbreak is only one of the two outbreaks linked to leafy greens in the past six months whose source of...
In our previous post about food safety at farmers markets, we ended our discussion by noting that current regulations try to balance the needs of both farmers and consumers. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) excludes many small farmers from intensive restrictions to protect their economic interests. On the other hand, federal agencies recognize that many farmers and market managers do in fact implement their...
One of the most important aspects of facilities management is to optimize the efficient use of assets, whether it be a process or a physical piece of equipment. Ensuring optimal use of these assets is near impossible without visibility into equipment performance and a task management system to improve productivity.
Finally, it feels like spring all over the country. Farmers markets are opening their stalls to customers who are hungry for local and organic fruits and vegetables. Goodbye to tasteless tomatoes and dry melons at the supermarket, and hello to heirloom apples and fresh-picked corn from family farms.
In our second blog post about the trucking industry, we observed some of the causes of the truck driver shortage in the U.S. One major factor is the unhealthy lifestyle comprised of poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and sleep deprivation that can make the occupation unappealing to potential new recruits and force current drivers into early retirement for health reasons. In this post, we look at how some innovative...
