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Food Logistics: A Focus on Safety
Scott Hothem • August 4, 2014
According to 86% of Americans are seriously to moderately concerned about health or safety related food recalls. And rightfully so, considering that many foodborne illnesses are potentially lethal, including salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and even Hepatitis A. As a core concern of American families, there is nothing more important to preserving your brand image than maintaining a safe and clean food supply chain. Do you remember the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA)? In 2008, they were forced out of business shortly after it was discovered that they were the cause of a major salmonella outbreak. More than 700 people became seriously ill. 9 people died. The PCA underwent Chapter 7 bankruptcy and is still fighting civil lawsuits in court to this day. The damage didn’t stop there either, but extended to retailers who used the peanuts in their products. PCA had distributed contaminated peanuts as raw goods for companies such as Kellogg and Walmart, costing the two retailers over $70 million in recall related expenses. This may be an extreme example, but it is an eye-opening anecdote illustrating the potential impact that poor oversight of your food supply chain can have.
As you can see, it is not enough to control what happens inside your facility. Your suppliers and vendors are also responsible for the safety of your products. In recent news, to popular fast food chains, including McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell. Already, Yum! Brands, owners of KFC and Taco Bell, have announced . As you can see, it is not enough to oversee your own operations. It is crucial to have oversight of your supplier’s operations in order to ensure that what comes in the door is safe.
In order to protect your company from a potential disaster, it is imperative to establish procedures approved by the major food regulatory agencies. The two regulatory agencies responsible for monitoring the Nation’s food safety are the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). FSIS is responsible for the safety of meat, poultry and eggs. Every other food product falls under the jurisdiction of the FDA. The latest effort from the FDA impacting food safety controls is the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Signed into law in 2011, the FSMA influences your fulfillment operations are now being influenced from every angle. The new authority at the FDA’s disposal can mean a variety of things for your supply chain operations.
- Preventative Measures: The FDA is now more focused on pre-empting recalls than responding to them. This will be done by holding any facilities that produce, distribute or handle food accountable for leveraging FDA-approved safety measures to combat contamination. This can mean an upgrade to facilities, hiring better skilled staff or implementing new practices.
- Response Authority: The FDA now has the authority to issue mandatory recalls on all food products. In an effort to prevent these dangerous health issues to the public, recalls can be put into effect when standards and regulations are not met and a potential contamination could occur. This new ability for the FDA places a higher than ever obligation on your company to safely produce and transport your product.
- Science Based Standards: These will be the new minimum for acceptability. Along with these modern standards, inspection frequency will increase based on risk. This could be another reason for the aforementioned changes to infrastructure. All of these changes will put an even greater importance on not only streamlining, but enhancing your logistical processes to maintain the same level of distribution service.
The safety and security of the food supply chain is monitored closer than ever before, and rightfully so. With over 300,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths each year, food safety processes need to be enhanced. However, as a food product producer, the resources and expertise necessary to navigate this changing landscape aren’t always available. At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½Centers, the facilities, staff and experience can all be leveraged to maintain the safety of your food product and fulfillment service competency to which your customers have become accustomed.
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At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Distribution, continuous improvement is at the core of everything we do. Our commitment to operational excellence and employee engagement drives us to find innovative ways to enhance efficiency, quality, and teamwork. One of our key strategies for fostering this culture is our Quarterly Mini Games—focused initiatives encouraging teams across our facilities to collaborate, set measurable goals, and implement process enhancements that drive business impact and client satisfaction. Celebrating Success: Q4 Mini Games The Q4 Mini Game presentations highlighted ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s dedication to improving quality and efficiency. These initiatives targeted reducing incident creation, improving LP accuracy, and strengthening collaboration. Teams reported significant incident reductions, cost savings, and increased client satisfaction. Employee engagement and open communication were key drivers of success, reinforcing the power of teamwork and innovation. Mini Game themes at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½:  - Quality is Just Around the Corner - Race to Receive - Kicking it into High Gear Quality Assurance and Incident Tracking Daniel Ryder, Assistant Operations Manager, led the team’s quality assurance efforts by tracking pallet quality, monitoring shipping errors, and categorizing incidents for research. Their goals included: Reducing incident creation Improving LP accuracy Implementing a new pick auditing process Increasing leadership presence on the dock These efforts resulted in a 31% reduction in weekly incidents and a 9.3% reduction in cases impacted. The improvements had a significant financial impact, proving the effectiveness of their auditing process and revised cycle count program. Inbound Process Improvements and Cost Savings For the Race to Receive Mini Game. Joe Reynolds, Assistant Ops Manager, discussed the implementation of a new one-step receiving process in the inbound department for a popular apparel brand. By implementing a new one-step receiving process, the team: Increased dock-to-stock efficiency from 75% to 90% Reduced inbound headcount from three employees to one Achieved $100,000+ in annual cost savings Cleared 40 inbound containers with 100% accuracy in January and February These results showcase the team’s operational excellence and commitment to continuous improvement. Mini Game Success in Inbound Processes Walter Gonzalez, Operations Manager, and Nick Morello, Warehouse Lead, demonstrated the impact of an initiative focused on inbound and put-away processes for a leading apparel brand. The team: Increased put-away units per hour from 205 to 252 Achieved 53.2 UPH against a 44.8 baseline Expedited in-transit selling for customers Realized $19,081 in Q4 labor savings, with projected annual savings of $38,000 Walter emphasized that these achievements were driven by associate engagement and ownership, with team members actively tracking daily results. Collaboration and Communication: The Keys to Success Open communication and employee input were essential to these improvements. The team stressed the importance of: Encouraging small ideas that lead to significant efficiency gains Maintaining a proactive approach during challenges like volume decreases and late shipments Fostering a positive work environment to sustain morale and productivity Voting and Celebration After three strong Mini Game presentations, teams participated in the voting, naming one of our New Jersey facilities (NJ3) as the Q4 winner. Driving Continuous Improvement for Better Partnerships At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, continuous improvement is a mindset that fuels our success and strengthens our partnerships. Through initiatives like our Quarterly Mini Games, we empower our teams to optimize processes, reduce costs, and enhance quality while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. These efforts benefit our internal operations and directly impact our clients by improving efficiency, accuracy and overall service excellence. Contact ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ today to see how our expertise can help optimize your supply chain and drive long-term success.
 When you think of e-commerce fulfillment, you probably picture warehouses buzzing with activity, sophisticated inventory systems and fast shipping. However, one significant aspect that doesn’t always get the spotlight is the relationship between fulfillment and marketing. Though these departments may seem separate, they are closely linked and can significantly influence one another. This blog delves into why this connection matters and how e-commerce businesses can use it. The Overlap Between Marketing and Fulfillment At first glance, marketing and fulfillment serve distinct roles; marketing focuses on attracting customers and building a brand, while fulfillment ensures that products are delivered efficiently. However, these functions work together in more ways than one, and when aligned strategically, they can enhance the customer experience and improve business performance. Turning Fulfillment into a Marketing Advantage New Epsilon research indicates that 80% of consumers are likelier to purchase when brands offer personalized experiences. One of the most direct ways fulfillments support marketing is by turning the delivery experience into an extension of the brand. This concept, often called marketing fulfillment, allows businesses to use their shipping and packaging process to reinforce brand identity and WOW customers. For example, personalized packaging , handwritten thank-you notes, and small surprise gifts can all create a memorable unboxing experience. These small touches enhance customer satisfaction and encourage repeat purchases and word-of-mouth recommendations. A unique unboxing experience can set a brand apart and turn a routine delivery into a moment customers want to share, especially on social media, where user-generated content can serve as powerful organic marketing. The Role of Branded Packaging Packaging is more than just a protective layer for products; it’s a branding opportunity. Thoughtfully designed packaging can communicate a company’s personality, values and commitment to quality. Whether eco-friendly materials, eye-catching designs, or a compelling message printed inside the box, branded packaging extends marketing reach beyond the digital space. Customers who receive a premium package that aligns with the brand’s image are more likely to develop a strong connection with the business. Additionally, packaging can serve as a form of passive advertising. A well-designed box attracts attention during delivery and may even spark curiosity among potential new customers who see it. Driving Additional Sales Through Fulfillment Fulfillment isn’t just about getting products into customers’ hands—it’s also an opportunity to drive further sales. Businesses can strategically include promotional inserts, discount codes, or product recommendations inside packages, encouraging customers to make additional purchases. Another way to capitalize on fulfillment for marketing purposes is through post-purchase emails. Sending personalized recommendations or exclusive offers shortly after delivery can keep customers engaged and increase the chances of repeat business. Customer Experience and Brand Reputation One of the most important connections between fulfillment and marketing is how it impacts customer satisfaction. Fast, reliable shipping has become a baseline expectation, and any delays or mistakes in fulfillment can lead to frustration and negative reviews. On the other hand, when orders arrive on time, in perfect condition, and with a thoughtful presentation, customers are more likely to leave positive reviews and recommend the brand to others. A positive fulfillment process can turn one-time buyers into loyal customers and brand advocates. Leveraging a 3PL for Fulfillment and Marketing Success Many e-commerce brands partner with third-party logistics (3PL) providers to streamline their fulfillment operations. However, not all 3PLs offer the same level of service, and choosing the right partner can greatly impact marketing efforts. Access to Marketing Partnerships Some 3PLs offer opportunities for co-marketing beyond basic warehousing and shipping. At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, we spotlight our partners and look for ways to provide additional marketing support, social media advertising, or collaborations—all of which can help brands expand their reach and engage with their audience more effectively. By partnering with a 3PL that integrates marketing opportunities, e-commerce brands can extend their reach, enhance customer engagement and maximize the full potential of their logistics partnership. Data-Driven Marketing Strategies A tech-savvy 3PL can provide valuable data insights that help businesses refine their marketing strategies. By analyzing order trends, customer preferences, and delivery performance, brands can make informed decisions about everything from inventory management to promotional campaigns. For example, understanding peak purchasing periods can help businesses time their marketing campaigns for maximum impact, while insights into regional demand can inform targeted advertising strategies. Enhancing the Customer Journey A 3PL that prioritizes the customer experience can directly support marketing goals by ensuring smooth post-purchase interactions. Features like real-time order tracking, hassle-free returns, and flexible delivery options contribute to overall customer satisfaction, strengthening brand loyalty. When customers have a seamless experience from the moment they place an order to the moment they receive it, they are more likely to return and recommend the brand to others. Marketing and Fulfillment: A Powerful Duo When fulfillment and marketing work in sync, they transform from business functions into powerful catalysts for customer satisfaction and revenue expansion. The opportunities to integrate fulfillment with marketing are endless, from crafting memorable unboxing experiences to leveraging data for strategic campaigns. Partnering with a 3PL that understands and supports this connection can further enhance these efforts, helping e-commerce brands scale while maintaining a strong, customer-focused approach. By recognizing fulfillment as a key marketing asset, businesses can build deeper customer relationships, increase brand loyalty and drive long-term growth. Take Your Fulfillment and Your Brand to the Next Level Ready to transform your fulfillment into a marketing powerhouse? Contact us today to learn how ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ can help and receive a complimentary supply chain consultation.
What happens when your business takes off overnight? E-commerce brands don’t fail because they can’t sell. They fail because they can’t fulfill. If you’re an e-Comm. brand, you probably started your business with a system that met your needs at the time. However, success can quickly become challenging without a flexible fulfillment strategy, leading to higher costs, bottlenecks and frustrated customers. In this post, we’ll discuss how scalable fulfillment impacts your business and how to find the right 3PL partner to keep operations running smoothly. What Is Scalable E-commerce Fulfillment? Scalable fulfillment refers to a logistics provider’s ability to adjust operations to accommodate fluctuating order volumes. This includes adapting labor resources, leveraging automation, optimizing warehouse management and fine-tuning order processing. If any part of this system fails to scale effectively, inefficiencies arise—delays, errors and unhappy customers. While early-stage businesses often prioritize affordability and convenience when selecting a fulfillment solution, building scalability into your strategy early on is key to long-term success. Why Scalability Matters in Fulfillment 1. Self-Fulfillment Can Only Take You So Far Most e-commerce businesses start by fulfilling orders themselves. This makes sense—it’s cost-effective and gives merchants complete control over packaging and shipping. In the early days, you only needed was storage space, shipping materials and a label printer. But as sales grow, the limitations of self-fulfillment become clear. More orders mean more inventory, packaging and labor. Maintaining order tracking, SKU management and shipping deadlines becomes a full-time job. Without the right infrastructure, delays mount, errors increase and customers look elsewhere. 2. Maintaining Quality as You Scale You can inspect every package with a low order volume, ensuring accuracy and crafting a great unboxing experience. But as demand grows, maintaining that same attention to detail becomes difficult. Many 3PLs struggle to replicate the same personalized experience, which can impact customer loyalty. Scaling fulfillment ensures that your customers continue to receive the quality they expect—even as order volumes grow. 3. Managing Seasonal Peaks and Slowdowns Many e-commerce businesses experience fluctuating demand. Whether it’s holiday shopping surges or slow post-season periods, fulfillment operations must be agile enough to scale up or down.  Without a flexible system, brands may overinvest in infrastructure they don’t always need or face fulfillment slowdowns when they need to ramp up. A scalable fulfillment partner helps you adjust resources, preventing costly inefficiencies. What to Look for in a Scalable Fulfillment Partner If your business is growing, choosing the right 3PL partner is critical. Here’s what to prioritize: 1. A Nationwide Fulfillment Network A single fulfillment center can quickly become overwhelmed. Instead, look for a partner with multiple strategically located warehouses . This allows you to: ✅ Speed up delivery times by distributing inventory closer to customers ✅ Prevent bottlenecks by shifting fulfillment to different locations ✅ Ensure seamless fulfillment even during unexpected surges 2. Automated Fulfillment Solutions Automation reduces reliance on seasonal labor, improves accuracy and speeds up order processing. With ongoing labor shortages, 3PLs integrating automation—such as robotic picking, AI-driven inventory management and automated sorting—offer a significant advantage. 3. Technology That Grows with You Your fulfillment partner’s tech stack should handle your business’s growth—not just for today but for years to come. Ask potential providers: ✔ Can their systems manage a rapid increase in order volume? ✔ Do they integrate with your e-commerce platform and order management system? ✔ Do they offer real-time inventory tracking and predictive analytics? 4. Scalable Value-Added Services Branded packaging , kitting and special inserts can enhance the customer experience—but can your fulfillment provider handle these extras as you scale? Ensure they can maintain the same level of personalization and quality even as order volumes rise. 5. Reliable Customer Support Fast fulfillment is only part of the equation. A scalable provider should also help you maintain strong customer service, offering: 🔹 Real-time order tracking to reduce customer inquiries 🔹 Streamlined returns processing 🔹 Dedicated support teams to handle peak-season demand The Bottom Line: Future-Proof Your Fulfillment Strategy Scaling your fulfillment operations isn’t just about keeping up with growth—it’s about setting your business up for long-term success. The right fulfillment partner will help you stay agile, efficient and prepared for whatever comes next. If you’re looking for a fulfillment provider who can support your business through every growth stage, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is here to help. Let’s discuss how we can build a scalable, seamless fulfillment strategy for your brand. Contact us today for a complimentary supply chain consultation to meet with one of our ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ experts.
