As consumers, our expectations for the goods we purchase have shifted. This is in part due to technology advancements that have promised 48-hour delivery windows and made it possible to buy just about anything online.
In fact, a recent study found that online orders, despite their relative newcomer status, make up about 10 percent of total U.S. sales. And, while our culture of “need it now” is helping boost the U.S. economy, it’s putting a strain on businesses and business models to meet and keep up with these demands.
Efficiency and speed are king for consumers when it comes to delivery. However, as consumers continue to push for quicker turnarounds, another factor must take a starring role: quality.
While we have high expectations for our goods and their arrival, most people put little thought into the actual journey of their products. There’s an inherent trust in the process, and the arrival of our order on the doorstep is all the proof most need that it works. That’s why the infrastructure of transport for perishable items, such as our food, is more important than ever.
In recent news, our society has put an increased emphasis on the importance of knowing what’s in our food. That’s a great trend and one I’d like to see expand: We should stress the same importance of transparency throughout its food journey.
Advancements in the cold chain make it a great story to tell. We are able to use data and technologies to monitor food and other temperature-sensitive items to ensure they maintain safe climate levels. Not only do these new technologies monitor food during transport, we now have data available for grocers and food retailers to make smarter decisions for their businesses – and feel better about the products they are serving their customers.
These investments in technology are empowering more integrated solutions and changing the game for food service and food retail workers with the important job of keeping our families fed and safe.
The Cold Chain has come a long way – and we’re just getting started.
John Rhodes
Group President, Digital & Connected Technologies, Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions
