News @ Cedar Creek company - November 2011

 

The continuing uncertainty in the global economy (as well as the fresh food industry locally) is challenging everyones business model.

That said, Cedar Creek's solutions are about delivering efficiency and productivity, so the increased interest in our automation systems shows buoyancy is returning to the market.

There is always an excuse for not investing, but those who can will reap the benefits as consumer confidence returns.

Cedar Creek has recently completed Stage One of an upgrade for BMC to integrate their entire supply chain to provide full compliance for EU traceability.  Currently this includes head office, 3 plants and a cold store, with UK office and distribution systems due for an upgrade early in the New Year. 

The Cedar Creek systems now allow for carton records to be electronically traced throughout Southern Africa as stock moves from the plants, through the cold store in Cape Town, then on to Europe.

Significant benefit has also been derived by restructuring the slaughter floor systems to enforce EU compliance utilising RFID bolus tags (implanted in the field) and to meet the requirements of the Botswana Department of Veterinary Services.

FoodChain has already been approved by the EU authorities at the neighbouring Namibian Meatco plants and the roll out in Botswana has brought improved efficiencies, stock visibility, and traceability to BMC as well as compliance.

BMC's IT Manager, Billy Mauco,  says of the recent implementation:

"Like all implementations we have had some issues but are pleased to report that the roll out went to schedule and the upgrade was delivered on time and on budget. We were pleased to note that not only did we gain the expected traceability and control benefits, but users reported the system is very user friendly and that many of the new features have been able to be implemented due to this ease of use. These include improved sales reporting, and better stock control through the use of transactions and qualities. We are looking forward to completing the roll out in Europe in the New Year."

With the recent natural disasters, we are still concerned some customers don't have an effective business continuity plan in place.  Remember, it is your responsibility to protect your business.  Lack of an effective plan will not only cost you money (down time, contractual penalties for non-performance, etc), but also your company's reputation in the marketplace.  We have a whitepaper available that discusses risks and strategies to consider.  Please contact us if you would like a copy.

 

Check out the complete Newsletter HERE