We’ve seen a lot of change in 30 years, especially in technology, and food logistics isn’t excluded from it (or, at least, shouldn’t be). Staying up-to-date with technology in food logistics is imperative in this modern world. It can cut costs, reduce waste, assist in compliance, and ensure proper delivery and reliability of your products.

But what does implementing technology really mean? What kinds of technology can make actual improvements rather than headaches and a costly bill? We’re going to look at benefits of technology in food logistics, kinds of technology commonly implemented, and ways that PRISM Logistics uses technology in their day-to-day operations.

Benefits of Technology in Food Logistics

Technology plays a large role in our daily lives and is becoming more and more common throughout all sectors of business. Here are a few benefits to implementing food logistics technology to daily operations as well:

• Reduction of spoilage & waste
• Maintaining compliance
• Mitigation of costly fines and poor brand association
• Transparency between customer and supplier
• Improved customer service and support for your clients

Uses of Technology in Food Logistics

There are many kinds of technology used throughout different aspects of food logistics to achieve spoilage reduction, maintain compliance, and hit the others on the above list. Let’s break down some general types and uses of these technologies now.

Process Automation

Everyone hates mundane tasks. Scan this in here. Remove this there. Count each individual item to triple check the number. This is a one way ticket to boredom and human error. Implementing automation to parts of the food logistics process eliminates monotonous tasks on employees and increases the accuracy of the assessment.

Many food logistics companies have implemented automation, particularly for their inventory tracking. Scanners, bar codes, and even robotics have entered warehouses. This means when an item is scanned in or out, it will automatically be tracked with information stored on where the item is located, the SKU, any parameters for food safety and perishability, if it’s been packaged, where it will be shipped, how it will be shipped, etc. This removes the possibility of mistakes and increases efficiency since someone isn’t tied up on a screen manually inputting or selecting these items.

Smart Dashboards in Food Logistics

To complement automation, smart dashboards allow users to access all the information they need in one place. This means reviewing inventory, checking cooler temps, or tracking where freights are, all found in a one-stop source.

Usually these dashboards have mobile and remote capabilities, so users can review on the go or wherever is most convenient for complete access and total transparency.

Smart Thermostats and Sensors

We mentioned previously about reviewing cooler or product temps, and that’s made possible with smart thermostats and sensors. These help reduce spoilage and food waste, and can mitigate any food compliance fines.

Spoilage & Waste Reduction

We all know waste and spoilage are major costs in food distribution. Cutting the waste is just one way to keep from throwing money away – literally. What could be sold product going into the trash can comfortably be left in the past when proper technology is used.

Smart thermostats and sensors are used to ensure foods are kept at their ideal temperature. With more accurate readings and understanding of temperature fluctuations, you can know when a food should be moved, temperature adjusted, or other action taken more quickly. The ability to monitor any major loss to cooling allows facilities to know when to take action before a costly problem is under way.

Maintaining Compliance with Food Logistics Technology

Complete tracking of temperature allows proof of compliance and can eliminate fines from government food regulatory organizations like On top of compliance, you avoid any poor press or other repercussions associated with delivery spoiled food.

At PRISM Logistics, we maintain the highest standards in food safety and compliance. Our facilities are ISO: 9001 certified, certified organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI), and FDA registered and compliant.

GPS Tracking in Food Distribution

Always know where cargo is in transportation and delivery. GPS tracking helps you anticipate any delays, missing items, or other mishaps along the way. And although, just as discussed earlier, technology can help mitigate waste & spoilage due to delays, some are unavoidable. However, keeping GPS tracking despite spoilage can help you maintain excellent customer service by coming on the front end of the problem.

For example, say a shipping delay made certain dairy products in your shipment inconsumable. This gives you the opportunity to keep customer service an integrated part of your distribution process and reach out ahead of time. Work with the client to troubleshoot the issue or send an additional shipment of new goods before they even have time to worry about receiving spoiled products.

At PRISM Logistics, we provide our customers with real-time tracking so you aren’t left in the dark on where cargo is. Cutting-edge food distribution is something we don’t take lightly and always strive to keep up-to-date with the latest technology developments to improve food logistics.

Importance of Partnering with a Technology-First Food Logistics Provider

We’ve already touched on the many benefits and types of technology used in food logistics, but you’ll never truly see these benefits unless you partner with someone that utilizes them in their everyday operations.

At PRISM, we pride ourselves on staying on the cutting-edge of technology so you can continually stay ahead of the competition in product quality and customer service. We offer our customers:

• 24/7 access to data with our client portal
• Customizable, automated email alerts to confirm outbound shipments and Bill of Lading
• Continuous monitoring, system updates, and reporting set to your specifications
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with assistance and guidance from our super users
• Real-time visibility to inventory throughout the entire process
• Scanning upon entry and at every touch point, tracking by serial number and lot control
• Data acceptance in ANSIX12 (or any electronic format used consistently) with mapping and re-mapping as necessary
• Billing is done electronically for ease of management

Are you ready to partner with someone that truly embraces technology to keep you providing the highest quality products and service? Request a quote today!