After one of the most tumultuous years in modern history, organizations across the food industry are exploring innovative ways to implement a modern control tower. When thinking about the difference between a control tower of the future and what most companies currently have—descriptive data and post-shipment reports—consider an airport control tower's role. The air traffic controller’s ability to manage all processes from a single platform, including inbound, outbound, and ground operations, keeps travelers safe. Without such comprehensive processes, the results would be disastrous.
The food supply chain is no different. If you can only see product quality after it has been delivered, you’re only getting part of the story. Poor data control and management is a leading contributor to supply chain issues and unmanaged risk. Given the existing silos within organizations and the cold supply chain, taking a proactive and preventive approach to supply chain management will be critical for success in the future.
Having an effective control tower will let you see quality condition attributes, exceptions, shortages, bottlenecks, excess inventory, and potential delays—all in real-time and where you can prevent excursions and losses. This control tower approach allows organizations to convert data into insights to take a preventive controls approach to supply chain risk management