Ioannis Manikas

Traceability data management for food chains

Purpose – The main objectives of the paper are to identify the needs in data that are considered as fundamental for the efficient food traceability and to introduce a generic framework (architecture) of traceability data management that will act as guideline for all entities/food business operators involved.Design/methodology/approach – The traceability system introduced is based on the implementation of XML (eXtensible Markup Language) technology. In the first stage, the necessary traceability data are identified and categorized. In the second stage, the selected data are transformed and inserted into a five‐element generic framework/model, using PML (Physical Markup Language), which is a standard technology of XML.Findings – The assessment of information communication and diffusion underlines that the particular model is simple in use and user‐friendly, by enabling information flow through conventional technologies.Practical implications – The main feature of this framework is the simplicity in use and ...

Traceability in the Greek fresh produce sector: drivers and constraints

Purpose – In this paper, the key drivers and constraints for implementing traceability are examined in the Greek fresh produce supply chain. The main objective is to identify the main factors affecting the implementation of traceability schemes, under the current supply chain structure and evaluate the theoretical framework identified in the literature.Design/methodology/approach – A specific executive research was conducted, including interviews with key representatives of the sector. The scope of the research was to collect qualitative data with the aid of an unstructured questionnaire with no close‐ended questions. The research sample included 22 agricultural cooperatives and private packinghouses located in northern Greece where the core value adding activities of the fresh produce supply chain are taking place. Northern Greece is of high importance for the examined sector as a high percentage of all value adding activities, from production to distribution, are taking place within this region.Findings...

A case study assessment of the operational performance of a multiple fresh produce distribution centre in the UK.

Purpose – The aim of this research is to evaluate the current operational status of fresh produce distribution centres in the UK and identify the nature and magnitude of the main logistical problems within them.Design/methodology/approach – A critical evaluation of space and time utilization efficiency has been achieved by studying on‐site operations in a multiple produce handling and short‐term storage facility in Kent, UK. The objective of this research was to measure operational performance of distribution centres for agricultural perishables in terms of through‐put and space utilization.Findings – The inefficient utilization of storage space within cold rooms has been identified and quantified accurately, whilst the quality control task has been recognized as the most time‐consuming task and a critical cause for hindering product flow.Practical implications – Despite their importance, distribution centres for fresh fruit and vegetables have received little attention in the distribution and performance...

A case study evaluation of the factors affecting fresh produce traceability

This paper examines the different approaches given in literature on the factors that influence the efficiency of traceability in the agri-food sector in a particular fresh produce supply chain. An empirical research was conducted, which enables a more descriptive and exploratory approach. The technique used in this research was semi-structured in depth interviews with key personnel from each firm. Lack of vertical integration is observed in the particular supply chain. Ephemeral dynamic collaborations prevail, not allowing information flow transparency. Multi fragmentation is evident in all levels of the supply chain. Most of the transactions are based on personal relations built with suppliers and customers, while e-communication and e-transactions act complementarily, if exist. This reveals a non-systematic approach towards essential supply chain activities such as information flow and traceability.

A review of factors affecting traceability in agrifood supply chain

The efficiency of a traceability system lies on the ability to collect information related to product quality and consumer safety. There is a wide range of traceability systems currently used in food chains; from paper-based to IT enabled. In this paper, the different approaches given in literature on the requirements of a successful traceability support system are reviewed, and the factors that influence the effectiveness of traceability in the agrifood sector are identified. Moreover, the objectives of such system were determined as well as its individual operations, the needs and the attitude of agrifood industry toward such systems.

An activity-oriented web application for fresh produce traceability

The successful control of the physical flow of the products along the supply chain and product safety assurance depends on the existence of an efficient traceability system. This system must be able to identify each and every single unit produced and distributed from farm to fork. In this paper we present a web-based application that enables quality, origin and processing-related data entry in real time. The applications theoretical background lies on the Traceability Data Pool (TDP) model described in the literature and aims to offer a practical solution for traceability support, especially for the stakeholder operating in the supply chain base, such as the farmers and agricultural cooperatives. This activity-oriented web application connects field treatments with the rest of the supply chain without implementing additional physical labelling. This application aims at integrating the existent labelling systems implemented in different levels of the supply chain, under a common standard virtual crop codification following the produce along the supply chain, from farm to fork, thus achieving total traceability.