In the world of fresh produce, the journey from farm to table is often fraught with inefficiencies and data disconnects.
Many businesses in this sector still rely on paper records, spreadsheets, and a variety of unconnected systems to manage their operations.
Agro Contracts, a technology provider based in Poland, is pioneering tools to bridge these gaps by creating a seamless data flow from harvest through the supply chain.
Kacper Dach of Agro Contracts highlights that according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 13% of food is lost globally between harvest and retail, a significant portion of which could be mitigated with improved data management.
The system developed by Agro Contracts is designed to work in conjunction with existing farm-management software, enhancing rather than replacing it.
- Data disconnects hinder efficiency in fresh produce supply chains.
- Agro Contracts improves data flow from harvest through distribution.
- Integration with existing farm-management software enhances functionality.
- Real-time data capture minimizes administrative errors and increases efficiency.
- RFID and GPS ensure reliable data tracking even in remote areas.
This integration is crucial because a reliable product history begins at the point of harvest.
By capturing information as it is generated, growers and exporters can gain immediate visibility of volumes and commitments, allowing for timely adjustments in picking, labor, and transport.
Such real-time data capture can prevent scenarios where, for example, 20 tons of produce are allocated to a customer despite already being committed elsewhere, thus reducing administrative errors and improving overall efficiency.
Agro Contracts also addresses the challenge of maintaining traceability as products move through the supply chain.
In situations where produce from different suppliers is aggregated or repacked, losing its identity, the system ensures that the source remains identifiable.
This capability is particularly important for wholesalers who might face issues like a 20% rejection rate on deliveries when they expected only 5%.
By providing a digital identity that accompanies the product, Agro Contracts enhances traceability and accountability throughout the supply chain.
The innovative approach of Agro Contracts extends beyond individual companies, aiming to establish a digital identity that persists as produce moves between businesses.
Their work on digital passports and RFID infrastructure is set to revolutionize how product information is maintained across different entities.
With features like offline communication and GPS automation, the system is designed to function effectively even in areas with unreliable connectivity.
This ensures that as produce travels from field to packhouse, its data travels with it, maintaining an unbroken chain of information and enhancing the overall efficiency of the fresh produce supply chain.
