By Mikko Peltomäki, Business Development Director, Cimcorp
Key points to remember:
- Automation Strengthens Compliance and Response: Automated logistics systems ensure accurate traceability records, streamline regulatory compliance and enable rapid response to recalls or contamination incidents.
- Data-driven transparency builds trust: By capturing and sharing accurate data on product movements, automation improves collaboration throughout the supply chain, builds consumer trust, and supports ethical and sustainable sourcing.
- Automation improves safety and sustainability: Beyond traceability, automated systems maintain optimal storage conditions, simplify sanitation, reduce waste and speed up order fulfillment, making food supply chains safer, more resilient and more sustainable.
Traceability is vital in today’s food supply chains, where goods move through a complex network of suppliers, processors, manufacturers, logistics providers and retailers. Each party must collect and maintain accurate data on the origins, statuses and movements of products. This information is crucial to meeting regulatory standards, protecting consumer health and enabling rapid action in the event of a food safety incident.
However, the food industry faces increasing challenges in meeting traceability standards. FSMA Final Rule on Food Traceability Will Come into Force eeffective July 20, 2028, Itnwhich imposes additional recordkeeping requirements. Although 2028 may seem far away, compliance will require a thorough overhaul of planning and traceability systems. On top of that, major grocery retailers like Walmart and Kroger have implemented their own stringent internal traceability requirements, setting the bar high for the rest of the industry. Food companies will need to strengthen their traceability programs if they want to remain compliant and competitive.
At the warehousing and distribution level, automation is essential for any robust food traceability program. Automated logistics solutions are not only transforming the way businesses process food products. They also modernize data collection, management and sharing, ultimately improving traceability, trust and security throughout the supply chain.
Supporting food traceability in warehousing and distribution
As critical points between stages of the supply chain, warehouses and distribution centers play a key role in establishing an accurate and detailed record of each product’s journey from farm to fork. Automated logistics systems support these efforts, combining robotic handling technology and advanced software to monitor and document every step a product takes throughout the distribution process.
In an automated setup, food products are labeled with unique barcodes that enable data tracking and analysis. Robots move products efficiently and accurately from receiving and storage to order picking and shipping, while maintaining the storage conditions required for perishable products like produce, dairy and baked goods. The integrated software automatically captures and stores all required tracking data, including product origins, lot numbers and destination information.
This automated, error-free distribution process helps food businesses:
1. Streamline regulatory compliance
Through automation, food companies can maintain complete and accurate traceability records in accordance with evolving food safety regulations. The ability to quickly access and retrieve critical tracking data also improves audit readiness, allowing businesses to demonstrate compliance when necessary.
2. Respond quickly to food safety issues
Quick and decisive action is essential when food safety issues arise. Whether recalls, withdrawals or contamination incidents, automation allows manufacturers, distributors and retailers to quickly identify, track and isolate affected products. This rapid response prevents compromised products from impacting consumer health, while minimizing the financial and reputational damage that comes with a food safety crisis.
3. Build trust between stakeholders and consumers
By leveraging automation, food companies can drive greater transparency, accountability and collaboration within their supply chain network. By having access to accurate traceability data, stakeholders can work together to meet the highest standards of food safety and consumer protection.
Additionally, improved traceability increases consumer confidence in the food supply chain. Consumers can not only enjoy safe and high-quality food, but also better understand the origin and processing of food. They can make more informed purchasing decisions that align with their personal values, such as choosing products from sustainable and ethical sources.
4. Promote sustainable and ethical practices
Food traceability promotes supply chain sustainability. Food companies benefit from greater visibility into their operations throughout the supply chain, helping them identify opportunities to reduce waste and conserve resources. Additionally, they can ensure that ingredients and food products come from sources that use sustainable and ethical practices.
Securing the food supply chain through automation
As companies look to strengthen their commitment to food safety, implementing automation marks a major step in this process. Beyond improving traceability, automated logistics solutions help distribution facilities address other important aspects of food safety.
For example, some automated systems, such as gantry solutions with floor storage, simplify deep sanitation. This creates a clean and hygienic environment for handling food. Additionally, automation can keep perishable foods fresh and safe for consumption. Systems can monitor environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, to ensure sensitive products are kept in optimal conditions. Automation also speeds up order fulfillment times, further minimizing the risk of spoilage.
In an industry where security and trust are paramount, automation is the key to ensuring a more resilient and reliable food supply chain. By investing in automation, food and beverage companies can deliver significant benefits to their business, consumers and the planet.
Mikko Peltomäki is the Director of Business Development at Cimcorp. With expertise in supply chain automation and optimization, he helps businesses improve efficiency with cutting-edge robotic solutions. Mikko is focused on creating partnerships and delivering intelligent automation to streamline operations in today’s evolving logistics landscape.