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Current status of process and quality management in food industry supply chains |
J. G. SURAK, Dept. of Food Science & Human Nutrition, Clemson Univ., 224 Poole Agricultural Ctr., Clemson, SC 29634-0371 Food processors face a number of demands from the market which include consistency, accuracy, timeliness, and value. In response to these issues companies have implemented a number of quality strategies such as SPC, JIT, TQM, ISO 9000, etc. These strategies initially improve quality and effectiveness , however, some experts say that these strategies have failed because they have not continued to product the promised gains. Depending on the analyst's perspective, the blame for achieving current market place needs is placed on either the strategy, the company or the consultant. However, the real issue may not be in a failure of the strategy or implementation of the strategy, but rather on the fact that the market place has changed and the strategy needs to be improved so that processes can meet customer needs in a more competitive marketplace. Traditional quality strategies are important and needed. They are not management's silver bullet. Today as a company implements process control and continuous improvement, it needs to simultaneously work with the supplier to improve the supplier's manufacturing processes and raw material quality. In the marketplace, customers are demanding higher quality and customized products that meet their needs. Thus, the next set of significant gains will be achieved by improving the existing quality strategies. One place is moving from customer supplier partnerships to supply chain management. This seminar will review the following issues: The current status of supply chain management in the food processing industry. Trends in supply chain management. Strategies to increase the effectiveness of supply chain management. The global economy is changing the way companies conduct business. Cycle times are getting smaller. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and implement systems that will meet future market place needs. Early implementation can give the processor a strategic competitive advantage. Modern supply chain management techniques can help both large and small food processors respond to the marketplace needs and allow a company to remain competitive and prosperous.
Session 5, Supply chain process and quality management in the food industry
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