March 2020. Supermarkets were empty. Production stalled. Traceability gaps were exposed. What started as a supply hiccup turned into a global awakening for the food and beverage industry.
Now, automation isn’t an option. It’s survival.
But here’s the real challenge:
Can you scale operations to meet rising demand while maintaining traceability, expiration control, and food safety?
Why Traceability Isn’t Just Compliance—It’s Your Competitive Advantage
When lot tracking fails, recalls cost millions. Worse, they erode consumer trust. With stricter FDA and USDA mandates, real-time traceability isn’t just about regulatory compliance. It’s about operational control and risk mitigation.
That’s where barcode and RFID labeling, mobile inspection apps, and smart FIFO picking come in—transforming every touchpoint from raw material intake to final delivery.
Food & beverage supply chain automation now integrates seamlessly with ERP and WMS platforms, ensuring visibility across every entity—from warehouse to store shelf.
How Mobile Technology Simplifies Lot Traceability
Barcode scanners and mobile apps are replacing paper trails. You can track the journey of every lot, every unit, across facilities and distribution points. Whether it’s lettuce or lager, automated systems enforce lot segregation, expiration tracking, and instant product recall capabilities.
But what happens when temperature-controlled goods travel thousands of miles and data gets lost in transit?
This is where RFID-driven cold chain monitoring and HACCP logging shine. Paired with real-time IoT data, they ensure temperature compliance from dock to door.
Track More. Waste Less. Fulfill Faster.
Here’s how top-tier food manufacturers and distributors are using supply chain automation to streamline workflows and enforce compliance:
| Process | Tech Solution | Benefits |
| Raw Material Intake | Barcode/RFID Scanning | Automated lot tracking, supplier traceability |
| Inventory Management | Mobile WMS + FIFO Logic | Expiration control, minimal waste |
| Picking & Packing | Expiration-Based Picking | Compliance with freshness standards |
| Transport & Delivery | RFID Tags + Mobile Inspection Apps | Cold chain validation, proof-of-delivery |
| Compliance Logging | HACCP Integration via Mobile Devices | Real-time audits, temperature compliance |
These solutions don’t just capture data—they create a closed-loop traceability system from supplier to customer.
The Role of ERP-WMS Sync in Real-Time Visibility
When your ERP and WMS platforms sync in real time, your operations go from reactive to predictive. You know what’s expiring, what’s delayed, what’s compromised, and what’s ready to ship. That’s the kind of visibility large enterprises need to scale without risk.
And here’s a number to back it up:
According to GS1 US (2024), 82% of food and beverage companies reported improved traceability and recall readiness after implementing barcode and RFID-based systems.
That’s not just efficiency—it’s resilience.
Expiration Control: The Silent Margin Killer
You can’t afford to stock items that expire before they sell. Expiration-based picking—driven by mobile barcode scanning—ensures FIFO compliance and reduces shrinkage.
Are your expiration control systems smart enough to avoid hidden losses at the pallet level?
With smart bin tracking and automated alerts, systems today don’t just track dates—they trigger actions. Products nearing expiry are prioritized for picking, discounting, or redistribution—before they hurt your bottom line.
Why You Need Custom-Fit Supply Chain Automation Now
You can’t plug a one-size-fits-all platform into a complex food distribution network and expect precision. Each business has unique needs, regulations, and workflows.
That’s where 5th Wave steps in—with a range of barcode, RFID, and mobile data collection solutions tailored to your operation size, regulatory demands, and product types. Whether you’re a multinational or a mid-sized distributor, our systems adapt to your process—not the other way around.
And yes, it all integrates seamlessly with your existing warehouse automation systems.
Ready to Take Control?
Today’s supply chain needs to be transparent, fast, and safe. With mobile-first, data-driven tools, you can meet demand, enforce expiration compliance, and trace every item in real time.
But the question remains—how traceable is your supply chain when the pressure is on?