Part 7: Getting it right

The opportunities for automation and an effective long tail strategy cannot be realised without deep implementations.

Deep implementation means:

real-time data capture for every task
real-time data processing to drive coordinated behaviour as new tasks are completed
real-time data exchange with the “Internet of Things” – from processing machinery, robots, smart vehicles, data collection devices etc
real-time data exchange for all types of transactions and other richer information needed throughout a fully digitised supply chain so everyone can act as things change

Deep implementations capture, in near real-time, every task that is required for the whole process flow of data through a single database. For fresh produce, this must be within the specific consignment.

The majority of fresh produce companies do not have an ERP that delivers deep implementation focused on inventory control.

The software needs to be sufficiently smart to be capable of deep implementation – focused on controlling and reporting all tasks in the fresh produce business process through an integrated set of applications in one real-time multi-user database.

While the use of ERP smart software has not been a key focus for many decades when margins were more generous – the increasing pressure on margins makes this a core requirement. Implementing the right ERP for fresh produce in the right way provides the greatest opportunity for automation with the fresh produce supply chain.

Any meaningful exploitation of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology in the next decade, within the fresh produce supply chain, will depend upon managing the more complex transactions per consignment through all of the processes. This includes consignment mixing, such as packing and processing, and accounting for the quantity, weight and value, through these transactions accurately.

Prophet works closely with its customers to iterate the software design based on customers feedback and the knowledge of their commercial needs. This is another key foundation for deep implementations – allowing adaptations to evolve with the next set of technologies and disruption.

Prophet’s software environment is a highly configurable toolkit that allows users to build, adapt, and iterate their system and processes. The flexibilities of the Prophet approach, allows its users to incrementally improve supply chain efficiency and discover the remaining 50% of automation opportunities not being captured.