Cookies Get A Tech Makeover Through Digitized Commodity Management

Cookies Get A Tech Makeover Through Digitized Commodity Management

SUMMARY

Digitizing of commodity management is helping farmers & traders to operate efficiently with fewer resources at a lower cost

Access to advanced analytics allows for better planning, purchasing and decision making

Use of blockchain has made traceability from farm to fork possible

Whether your preferred indulgence is chocolate chip cookies, gingerbread cookies, or cupcakes, chances are it includes an international mix of ingredients. Sugar, flour, fruit, chocolate and dairy products are procured from all over the world. These ingredients need to be grown, marketed, transported and eventually sold to you so you can enjoy your favourite cookies.

So, how does commodity management help satisfy your cookie cravings?

Sourcing

Progress in agri-tech is helping farmers efficiently produce more with fewer resources. Data captured at source combined with big data analytics help farmers analyse real-time data with respect to plant health, soil health and moisture levels, enabling them to make informed decisions about the use of fertilizers, water, and pesticides.

This results in an increased output from each acre of land and keeps the use of expensive fertilizers and clean water – often a scarce resource – to a minimum.

Advanced weather analytics provide location and time specific weather forecasts enabling farmers to plan for unusual weather events. Equipped with this information, growers are better prepared to result in less crop damage.

Blockchain lets farmers trace crops across the entire value chain, from farm to fork, ensuring that consumers, retailers, and manufacturers know exactly where their ingredients are coming from and how they were sourced.

If a crop is recalled, action can be taken quickly to replace contaminated food from the value chain, reducing supply disruptions and ensuring consumer safety.

Trading

Typically, traders purchase commodities from farmers and sell the products to manufacturers who package it for sale in your local markets. New technologies enable real-time digital collaboration so that traders know exactly which contracts are open and what prices are available. Hence, traders can now make the best purchase and sell decisions, reducing raw material costs.

Traders need the ability to connect the entire value chain so they are on top of their operations in real time with insights into both supply and demand for crops. This ensures all contracts are fulfilled on time at the best price.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is yet another area reaping the fruits of technology. Manufacturing procurement teams must buy their ingredients from the right supplier at the right time and at the right price. This involves determining which contracts make sense.

Is it more cost-effective to buy sugar from Brazil (which might be cheaper to buy but more expensive to deliver) or to buy more expensive sugar from the EU and spend less on transport costs?  Advanced analytics helps them spot and respond to demand trends, so they can make better planning and purchasing decisions.

Optimisation of logistics, storage and transportation costs is yet another benefit of digitization. Is it better to store materials in a certain location or move them somewhere else? What are the optimal routes for moving raw materials?

When transport, warehousing, and other logistics are optimized, buyers can shorten the time to market for seasonal goods, cut expensive waste, and avoid rent for unnecessary storage.

Manufacturers, growers and traders that embrace a digital edge can successfully cut costs, operate more efficiently, and improve partner relationships. And, we, as consumers, spend less for our cookies.

Note: The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views held by Inc42, its creators or employees. Inc42 is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by guest bloggers.

You have reached your limit of free stories
Become An Inc42 Plus Member

Become a Startup Insider in 2024 with Inc42 Plus. Join our exclusive community of 10,000+ founders, investors & operators and stay ahead in India’s startup & business economy.

2 YEAR PLAN
₹19999
₹7999
₹333/Month
Unlock 60% OFF
Cancel Anytime
1 YEAR PLAN
₹9999
₹4999
₹416/Month
Unlock 50% OFF
Cancel Anytime
Already A Member?
Discover Startups & Business Models

Unleash your potential by exploring unlimited articles, trackers, and playbooks. Identify the hottest startup deals, supercharge your innovation projects, and stay updated with expert curation.

Cookies Get A Tech Makeover Through Digitized Commodity Management-Inc42 Media
How-To’s on Starting & Scaling Up

Empower yourself with comprehensive playbooks, expert analysis, and invaluable insights. Learn to validate ideas, acquire customers, secure funding, and navigate the journey to startup success.

Cookies Get A Tech Makeover Through Digitized Commodity Management-Inc42 Media
Identify Trends & New Markets

Access 75+ in-depth reports on frontier industries. Gain exclusive market intelligence, understand market landscapes, and decode emerging trends to make informed decisions.

Cookies Get A Tech Makeover Through Digitized Commodity Management-Inc42 Media
Track & Decode the Investment Landscape

Stay ahead with startup and funding trackers. Analyse investment strategies, profile successful investors, and keep track of upcoming funds, accelerators, and more.

Cookies Get A Tech Makeover Through Digitized Commodity Management-Inc42 Media
Cookies Get A Tech Makeover Through Digitized Commodity Management-Inc42 Media
You’re in Good company