The pandemic created major changes in food-based operations. While retail grocers saw their shelves stripped bare from panic purchasing, many foodservice establishments experienced empty tables and a surge in pickup and delivery services. The sudden changes ripped across restaurants and supply chain sources everywhere. But, supply chain issues are nothing new. And there’s wisdom in identifying areas of weakness and re-examining how to build resilience throughout the supply process. Today we’ll walk through five steps to achieving a more secure, reliable supply chain. Let’s dive in!
1. Sort out how it all works
Understanding the supply chain process is an important first step. As a foodservice operator, you will want to be aware of what areas could pose a potential problem. For example, fresh produce is a key ingredient in most operations. You’ll want to be aware of peak growing seasons and associated regions (and when those areas shift). If there’s a drought, flood, fire, recall or other issue that affects products in those areas, you’ll need to know how it’ll impact your establishment and the timeline that effect will come into play.
2. Prioritize the best suppliers
Establishing a transparent and honest relationship with foodservice distributors is a key step in getting the products you need. Stick with suppliers that have a good reputation, communicate clearly and work hard for your operation. Part of a foodservice supplier’s job is to help track the ins and outs of the supply chain and keep you informed and up to date on potential challenges. They should also help find solutions or substitutes for items that are not available. A reputable, hardworking supplier is worth their weight in gold — and deserves to be prioritized.
3. Track your supply
Will spinach be scarce or expensive in the next month? Think about supplementing with kale or chard. Is there a recall on romaine lettuce from a certain region? Check to see if another region is safe or think about adding spring-mix to the menu. Timing and information are instrumental in the important step of tracking where your food supply is coming from — and pivoting when you need to. That’s true in more areas than just produce. Meat and food-processing plants also come across challenges that can make their way to your kitchen. If the products you want aren’t available, it might mean taking a good hard look at your menu. Are there items that are consistent challenges? Consider tightening up the menu or creating seasonal offerings. Keeping a pulse on the changes coming down the pike is a helpful tool in strategizing solutions for your operation.
4. Increase your reach
It’s typical for foodservice establishments to have a few food suppliers up their sleeves, but many operations are looking at expanding and diversifying their supply chain sources. Farm-to-table or local-minded restaurants purchase the majority of their food from sources close by. But, even the strictest of locally-sourced establishments should have at least one larger supplier than can help them out in a pinch. On the flip side, recent and glaring supply chain issues have also encouraged some traditional foodservice establishments to add local or regional suppliers to their regular supplier list. Having greater reach and diversity in suppliers can pose some challenges and increase spending, but it can also increase your chances of getting the products and supplies you need to operate efficiently.
5. Apply digital solutions
Technology is a driving force in shoring up supply chain issues. Leading the pack is artificial intelligence (AI). This tech comes in many forms, but the gist of it is that AI learns as it goes and configures algorithms to help operators achieve more success. One way AI works is by meticulously forecasting supply and demand to help manage procurement schedules. It also contributes to illness mitigation by tracking food suppliers affected by contaminants or recalls and determining which suppliers are safe and can still be used in the supply chain (a win-win).
Track and trace is also a popular tool for supply chain management. This technology uses GPS, radio frequency identification systems (RFIS), and real-time location service (RTLS) to track products across the entire supply chain. As a result, you can benefit from having digital records and information at your fingertips to better plan for the unexpected — rather than scrambling key products don’t end up on your dock.
Smooth operation.
Ensuring your foodservice supply chain flows smoothly is a vital part of running a successful operation. Interested in learning other ways to drive your success? Take a peek at our blog: Four Hidden Revenue Opportunities Foodservice Operators Should Explore.
