Simplifying Supply Chains in the Produce Industry
The fresh produce industry operates at a breathtaking pace, constantly striving to transport fruits and vegetables from fields to grocery store shelves while preserving their peak freshness, taste, and quality. As industry leaders continue to search for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems that are intuitive, efficient, and tailored to meet the unique demands of the fresh produce sector, Fresha is setting a trend.
Founded in 2019 in Minnesota, Fresha, a forward-thinking carrot producer, has rapidly expanded its operational footprint from an initial 1,000 acres in Minnesota to a new location in Georgia, facilitating the year-round cultivation of carrots to meet rising demand.
In 2023, Drew Schmidgall joined the Fresha team as a controller. Recognizing the need for a modern ERP system, he and his team embarked on the search for a solution that would not make them mere experimental subjects. “We wanted to go to a system where we weren’t the guinea pig,” Schmidgall explains. “We had our non-negotiables and needed to make sure it worked.”
Enter Fusionware, an operations platform meticulously designed for growers, packers, processors, and shippers. Fusionware focuses on streamlining workflows and enhancing efficiencies throughout the supply chain. By implementing automated software that consolidates data and optimizes inventory management, companies like Fresha are finding valuable allies in Fusionware.
Creg Fielding, CEO at Fusionware, emphasizes the transformative potential of their offering: “Our ERP system replaces outdated systems and overly complex solutions by providing a platform that is as intuitive as it is powerful.”
For Fresha, adopting this cutting-edge technology has empowered the company to make prompt sales decisions, manage inventory with precision, and efficiently utilize scheduled dock times for rapid load movements.
The partnership with Fusionware saw the implementation of their platform at Fresha completed in just three months, inclusive of comprehensive staff training. Schmidgall expresses an understanding of the fresh produce industry’s “scars” from unreliable legacy systems, which can make transitioning to fresh solutions somewhat daunting.
“Fusionware sought to understand how we were set up and, at the same time, how we could get better,” Schmidgall states. “They adapted to our needs and accepted feedback. The system has allowed us to be proactive. We can adapt and forecast potential interruptions before they become a major issue.”
This collaboration between Fresha and Fusionware exemplifies a shift towards a more streamlined and resilient supply chain model. By embracing technology that aligns with their operational ethos, companies within the fresh produce industry can not only anticipate disruptions but also strategically navigate them, thereby ensuring continuous growth and improvement.
For further information, you can contact Fusionware directly:
Fusionware
Tel: +1 (208) 557-9056
info@fusionware.com
www.fusionware.com
