Supply chain management software provider ediTRACK is predicting an upsurge in demand for solutions that enhance supply chain traceability. ediTRACK expects to see increased need from businesses operating in the retail and grocery trades following the widespread findings of horse-meat contamination throughout the European food chain.
“The recent horse meat disaster has highlighted the need for improved visibility of supply chains,” says Julian Clay, managing director of ediTRACK. “You can never fully eliminate the risk of fraudulent activity, but you can minimise it byimplementing real-time traceability into your supply chain.”
“Supermarkets are suffering – consumer confidence has been shaken, and with tests still on-going, it seems that no retailer can be totally confident in their products, sales and reputation. The industry is under a great deal of pressure to ensure ethical supply chains by obtaininggreater visibility of all processes from ‘farm to fork’.”
Julian’s comments come as the horsemeat scandal, which has seen some products testing positive for up to 100% horse meat, hits a fifth European country. Tests for equine DNA in products ranging from ready meals to children’s sweets are on-going. The furore has damaged the reputations of retailers that have stocked the tainted products, and will have serious repercussions for manufacturers.
“We are already working with forward-looking clients who understand the need to closely monitor their supply chains to protect their brands. We expect to see a significant increase in demand for solutions that can help businesses to trade ethically by providing greater visibility of checks and audits,” Julian said.
In the wake of the scandal, businesses are seeking to track the relationships between their factories and suppliers, document findings from audits and highlight areas of the supply chain that need urgent attention. Those businesses using the correct supply chain software are able to move towards more secure, visible and accountable supply chains without compromising lead times.
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