Roles of Technology in Improving Perishable Food Supply Chains

Abstract

Food supply chains are considered to be more complex systems than other types of supply chains. This complexity is due to the continuous changes taking place, particularly in ensuring the quality of food products throughout the entire supply chain, from growing, procurement of resources, production, and management of stock, to distribution to the final consumers. For that, food supply chain markets have become more highly developed in the use of modern technologies, and have begun to implement them in their logistical systems to satisfy their customers’ needs. The main objectives of this review are to identify the different technological implementations in different phases of the food supply chain processes and point out the key factors for using technologies to improve the characteristics of the perishable food supply chain. A total number of 137 articles were analyzed in this research to achieve these review objectives. Some of the various technologies found in different phases of the food supply chain were radio frequency identification (RFID), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, three-dimensional printing (3DP), autonomous vehicles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These technologies were found in different phases of the food supply chain and improved the efficiency of supplying perishable foods. The review identified different characteristics of the perishable food supply chain. The main finding indicated that technological implementation enhances the efficiency and sustainability of the food supply chains and helps to retain perishable food characteristics.

Fostering Awareness on Environmentally Sustainable Technological Solutions for the Post-Harvest Food Supply Chain

“…Through the analysis of the diagram of sustainability in the agro-industry, shown in Figure 3, it is possible to verify that the FSC is composed by farming (production), postharvest, processing, distribution, and consumption, and their different goals should be taken in consideration through the circular economy and FLW reduction [29,30]. The political and cultural aspects must be considered in addition to the three pillars of a sustainability society, the environment, and the economy in the agri-food sector.…”

Impact of Bullwhip Effect in Quality and Waste in Perishable Supply Chain

“…Ref. [43] indicates that quality technology helps retain perishable food characteristics. FAO establishes a supply chain that starts from the processes that occur in the Farm, that is, Agricultural production, then Post-harvest handling & storage, Processing, Distribution, and Consumption [44].…”

The implications of Industry 4.0 on supply chains amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

“…22 These technologies will improve industrial processes across the horizontal value chain, including engineering, material utilisation, supply chain, and product life cycle management, 33,60,86 along with opportunities such as improvements in operations, energy conservation, and logistic support. 17,19,87 Productive competency, 23,48 waste reduction, 1,17 inventory management, 19,25 information sharing with supply chain members, 54,55 tracking and tracing warehouse inventory, 29,88 and logistics information 60 are guaranteed by Industry 4.0 technologies. 1,21,22 Via data sharing, these technologies facilitate a decrease in local and international bulk cargo transit, delivery mistakes, and needless waiting periods, as well as the prevention of products being damaged.…”

“…1,21,22 Via data sharing, these technologies facilitate a decrease in local and international bulk cargo transit, delivery mistakes, and needless waiting periods, as well as the prevention of products being damaged. 23,48 The review indicates that Industry 4.0 technologies contribute to improving operations management 4,5,7 and manufacturing processes creating customized products. 89 Limitations and future studies The authors note several limitations in the study.…”

“…1,4 These technologies play a significant role in optimizing the performance of supply chain operations for better results. 6 Many academics believe that Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Internet of Things, 5,9,37 big data, 14,15,21,38 cloud computing, 22,23 additive manufacturing, 48,60 and blockchain, 17,19,20 can encourage supply chains in times of crisis, and they call for more research in this area. 43,45,69 Previous studies on epidemics did not address the employment of emerging technologies in the recovery process 61 as well as the impact on commercial supply chains.…”