Page 75 - FoodFocusThailand No.187 October 2021

STORAGE, HANDLING & LOGISTICS

not match the number of products and the location of storage. However, Augmented Reality (AR) AR is a technology that
many companies have not adopted these technologies because of a enhances the visualization of machines, area sizes, and
lack of knowledge and understanding of technology, investment costs, inventory more realistic. It visualizes actual events in a virtual
and maintenance after implementation. Therefore, technology transfers world, facilitating problem investigations and on-site operations, including
and mechanisms to support development from the government are design and workspace planning. AR technology will support a clearer
necessary for the overall development of food logistics. vision and more convenient communication with stakeholders. However,
today’s hardware and software are still expensive, and users need to be
Big Data The development of Big Data will greatly benefit trained to use AR in food logistics. As a result, this technology has not
food logistics. These critical data are generated multiple times received broad attention, but it is likely to be used more in the future.
a day before being stored as Big Data. It can plan operations
more efficiently and maintain product quality. For example, Big Data Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial Intelligence or AI
encourages the ability to plan a truck route by avoiding heavy traffic has been discussed a lot in the industrial business world over
routes. Products will be delivered quickly, on time and prevent food the past decade. Obtaining data from collecting data from
spoilage from transport caused by delays due to traffic congestion. The technologies such as sensor technologies, imaging technologies, IoTs,
use of forecasting techniques based on historical data and production as well as data from Big Data, or from the organization’s own ERP system.
planning has a high probability of error. As today’s business is changing When data types can be separated and correlated, AI technology can be
rapidly, the use of Big Data will enable more accurate demand used to predict things more accurately. Forecasting future events using
forecasting, production planning, and distribution. However, the use of AI brings information closer to reality than relying on historical data and
Big Data in connection with various corporate information systems, forecasting using linear programming techniques. Therefore, sufficient
particularly financial information, could cause data security issues. Big Data will enable more accurate analysis and prediction of events. It
Organizations that use Big Data and exchange it with other internal can plan and control operations quickly. Instead of following the plans
and external information should have knowledge and competence and from the past, it is interactive, but not according to real-world scenarios
a robust data security protection system. such as Big Data and data categorization. It allows us to know the age,
gender, educational level, and consumer behavior of choosing a product
Simulation and Augmented Reality (AR) With type and price. Previous purchase preferences and payment behaviors
today’s increasingly sophisticated food business dynamics will allow us to design products and distribution patterns easier and faster
and food logistics, it is making rapid changes. It can be used without time-consuming analysis.
as an analysis tool; mainly, the risk analysis and decision-making
caused by changes in factors during production are much faster. Blockchain Technology Blockchain is a technology
Manufacturing design, planning, operations, logistics networks, and that brings clear benefits to food logistics. It enhances the
supply chains may require a range of reviews, adjustments, and knowledge of transactions that occur in the supply chain through
solutions and be able to analyze and find the best solution within a smart contracts. It is beneficial for traceability to upstream, preventing
short time. But in terms of simulation issues, most companies lack harmful food adulteration. For example, Walmart known as large retailers
knowledge and understanding of quantitative analysis techniques and in the United States has applied the Food Trust application, a blockchain
rely on a corporate culture of experience-based decision making. technology from IBM, to its products imported from China for in-store
Therefore, simulation techniques for analyzing and making operational distribution. In addition to being used in Cryptocurrency which is known
planning decisions are still challenging for food businesses.
financially, block chain technology can also give consumers confidence
Internet of Things (IoTs) IoTs are tools that enable in terms of safe products. Consumers can track the production from the
networks to connect, communicate, and exchange data source of raw materials, the factory address and the location of the
among physical devices. Investing in IoTs will allow integration warehouse, as well as looking for information on the source of production
with other technologies to increase operational efficiency in supply upstream. It can accurately verify the origin and safety of products
chains. It can be integrated with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) throughout the supply chain. When manufacturers and customers plan
or blockchain technology. For example, using IoTs in combination with to use blockchain technology, various logistics operations have to adapt
ERP systems for planning supply chains in pig production from the to provide services. Third-Party Logistics must support future blockchain
rearing stage, using IoTs as an early warning signal in case of where services. Although food exporters are interested in blockchain adoption,
quality problems are encountered in order to reduce logistics costs and it is necessary to integrate it with other communication devices. For
increase operational efficiency or the use of IoTs in food transport can example, if an organization does not invest in the infrastructure to
determine vehicle positioning, monitor temperature, monitor cargo implement the Internet of Things, EDI remains a barrier to the adoption
volumes and assess the need for maintenance of transport vehicles. of adopting blockchain today.
However, IoTs also face problems where the infrastructure to support
internet signal expansion is not fully covered in some areas, or the use Conclusion The business dynamics of the food industry have forced
of connected devices from different companies may cause installation food logistics to adapt to digital transformation. With the current adoption
and usage problems. of digital technology in logistics management, there is a lack of personnel
with the knowledge and the ability to use digital technology and data
3D Printing 3D technology has been known for many
years but has become very popular in today’s industries, analytics because most of the problems are caused by the product is a
including the food industry. Food production with 3D food safety risk. Personnel development of organizations mainly work in
technology uses computer-controlled processes to produce, mix and food logistics and warehousing systems in terms of food safety, but it
decorate ingredients. It can design, manufacture and obtain products lacks the development of digital technology, data science and data analysis
according to the different needs of customers. lt can plan the use of skills. Therefore, it is necessary to develop competence and increase
raw materials and transport according to the quantity required by the personnel skills in this area to support the current and future food logistics
customer. Because 3D technology can usually be used in make to 4.0 management.
order production system, planning and handling will be more precise
in procurement, storage of raw materials and delivery finished than
make-to-stock production that products are manufactured for inventory
based on sale forecasts in anticipation of receiving customer
demand. More Information Service Info C014

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