NutraCast: Incorporating weather forecasting into business models
Long-term weather forecasting helps accurately anticipate shortages, or increases, in the availability of raw materials used in the production process.
By leveraging weather forecasting technology, Cepham has been able to stay ahead of the competition, while staying on top of supply and services. Some benefits include alerting customers of potential delivery delays and disruptions in their supply chain; accurately setting prices that reflect the true cost of production; and protecting employees from hazardous working conditions.
Swaroop’s motivation to share his weather forecasting business model, through a platform he developed called Cepham Sense, is intended to help companies who want to make smart business decisions that impact the environment and supply chain. Cepham believes when companies share their knowledge and are transparent about what makes them successful, the entire natural products industry benefits
Swaroop said that traditionally, ingredients were the least stressful part of the supply chain.
“You have other things out there [like] how to formulate, how to bring new products out in the market, and ingredients were always available. The relation between a formulator, a brand owner, a contract manufacturer and the ingredient supplier was mostly transactional. You have a demand, how many kilos, price and specification, and you get supply. But things have changed now, everybody has to really talk to their suppliers, keeping climate, supply chain and sustainability in a central view–whether you require something down the line or not, you have to ask the question ‘If I need, can I get it? If I'm my needs become double, triple, will you be able to supply It to me?’” said Anand Swaroop, founder and president of Cepham.
“Everybody has to start looking at much deeper relationships and understanding some basic tenets of supply chain, you know climate, the human capital, importing, and shipping crises around the world. So everybody has to be a part of this entire process.”.
To hear more about how weather forecasting can support safety and sustainability while also ensuring the continuation of reliable supply chains, listen to the NutraCast.
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