CARGOCONNECT-APRIL2025 - Flipbook - Page 56
cold chain logistics, packaging, returns, and real-time
data tracking. Meanwhile, QSRs retain control over
restaurant operations, quality checks, vendor relationships, menu planning, and technology integration.
Typically, 70–80% of logistics functions are outsourced,
while 20–30% remain in-house, ensuring e昀케ciency,
scalability, and quality control.
Innovative Supply Chain Strategies Driving
QSR Growth
The QSR industry is rapidly evolving with digitalisation,
shifting customer expectations, and
supply chain disruptions. To stay competitive, companies are adopting innovative
QSR companies optimise
strategies such as AI-powered supply
chain management, which helps predict
warehousing with
demand spikes and optimise stock, reductemperature-controlled
ing waste and ensuring availability, as
storage, centralised hubs, seen in Pizza Hut’s approach. Hyperlocal
and JIT inventory to ensure sourcing, exemplified by KFC India,
enhances quality and responsiveness
efficiency and cost
by partnering with regional supplireduction. Automation,
ers for fresh ingredients. Contactless
delivery, introduced by Pizza Hut during
cross-docking, and RFID
pandemic, integrates AI to improve
tracking enhance speed and the
e昀케ciency and customer trust. Additionaccuracy, while FIFO
ally, data-driven demand forecasting
methods prevent waste.
enables QSRs to streamline operations,
Lean warehousing, regional reduce costs, and enhance customer
By leveraging technology,
storage, and sustainability experiences.
localisation, and sustainability, QSRs
initiatives further streamline continue to optimise their supply chains
operations, ensuring fast and maintain a competitive edge.
and reliable supply chains.
Megatrends Transforming
Supply Chains
Several megatrends are reshaping supply
chain and logistics management, requiring businesses,
especially in the QSR industry, to adapt swiftly. Digitalisation and automation, driven by AI, robotics, and
cloud-based tools, are enhancing forecasting, e昀케ciency,
and inventory tracking, making it essential for companies
to invest in technology, train employees, and integrate
digital solutions. Sustainability is now a core priority,
with businesses focussing on eco-friendly sourcing, waste
reduction, and emissions tracking through sustainable
packaging and carbon footprint monitoring. Building
resilience through diversified suppliers, predictive
analytics, and robust contingency plans is crucial to
56 | CARGOCONNECT APRIL 2025
mitigate risks from disruptions. The rise of e-commerce
has intensi昀椀ed the need for faster, tech-driven last-mile
delivery solutions, prompting companies to optimise
delivery networks, automate tracking, and adopt 昀氀exible
options. As geopolitical uncertainties impact global
trade, businesses are balancing globalisation and
regionalisation by nearshoring suppliers and fostering
local partnerships. Meanwhile, consumer-centric supply
chains demand greater personalisation, requiring
AI-driven insights, 昀氀exible inventory management,
and tailored service o昀昀erings. Labour shortages are
driving increased automation and workforce upskilling,
with businesses leveraging training programs, gig
economy solutions, and 昀氀exible work models. Lastly,
Blockchain technology is revolutionising supply chain
transparency, enhancing traceability, compliance,
and integrity. To stay competitive, organisations must
embrace these transformations, ensuring long-term
e昀케ciency, resilience, and adaptability.
Key Skills for Success in the QSR Supply Chain
A career in QSR supply chain management offers
dynamic opportunities amid evolving technology and
growing consumer demands. To succeed, professionals
must understand industry challenges like tight margins,
perishable inventory, and 昀氀uctuating demand. Embracing
digital tools such as ERP, AI-based forecasting, and
automation enhances e昀케ciency. Strong analytical skills,
lean thinking, and process optimisation are crucial for
problem-solving. A cross-functional approach, collaborating with marketing, procurement, and logistics, adds
value. Sustainability and ethical sourcing, including
carbon footprint reduction and responsible ingredient
procurement, are increasingly vital.
Understanding global supply chain dynamics,
including localisation and logistics, helps navigate
international markets. Flexibility and crisis management skills prepare professionals for disruptions like
pandemics or supply shortages. Building strong supplier
relationships ensures steady inventory flow, better
pricing, and fewer disruptions. Customer-centricity
remains key—e昀케cient last-mile delivery and consistent
product quality directly impact satisfaction. Continuous
learning through certi昀椀cations (CSCP, CPIM) and industry
networking enhances expertise. Finally, embracing
innovation in automation, AI, and Blockchain, coupled
with leadership and communication skills, positions
professionals for long-term success in the fast-paced
QSR supply chain.
