Food logistics definition and keys to keeping it optimized

food logistics is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. The pressure to ensure full traceability, optimize energy costs and comply with food safety regulations is pushing companies in the sector to digitize and automate their processes.

Table of contents:

1. What is food logistics and why is it key to competitiveness?
2. Today's challenges: traceability, cold chain and energy costs.
3. How to optimise logistics in the food industry
4. Technology and traceability: the basis of modern food logistics
5. Challenges and opportunities for the industry: sustainability and energy efficiency
6. The role of intelligent automation: from the factory to the consumer
7. Compliance and traceability checklist

In this article, we show you how technology, from ERP systems to IoT sensors, is redefining the food supply chain, and how to prepare your factory for more efficient, sustainable and competitive logistics in 2026.

What is food logistics, and why is it key to competitiveness?

Food logistics comprises the end-to-end management of food products from their origin to the final consumer. It includes the stages of supply, storage, transportation, distribution and quality control, ensuring that food arrives in perfect condition and within legal standards.

Today, this logistics is no longer focused solely on transportation or warehousing. It has become a digital ecosystem in which information flows in real time between the production plant, suppliers and points of sale.

Today's challenges: traceability, cold chain and energy costs.

The food industry is facing three major challenges:

• Full traceability: each batch must be identifiable and traceable from its origin.
• Control of the cold chain: maintaining stable temperatures during handling and transport is critical.
• Energy efficiency: consumption in cold storage and refrigerated transport accounts for up to 60% of logistics costs.

Overcoming these challenges requires a connected vision of the entire supply chain, supported by automation, intelligent sensors and integrated industrial software.

How to optimise logistics in the food industry

Process digitisation and inventory control

Digitising food logistics is not only about incorporating software, but also about unifying information and processes. With an ERP such as RPS Next, companies can centralise orders, stocks and production planning, while WMS and MES systems make it possible to visualise inventory status in real time and reduce losses due to expiration.

A seamless digital flow facilitates faster, more accurate and cost-effective decision making.

Automation of internal transportation and picking

Automation of internal transport using AGVs, conveyors and intelligent shuttles speeds up the movement of goods between cold zones, warehouses and production lines.

In picking, robotisation and machine vision systems reduce errors and picking times, especially in low-temperature environments. The result: less waste, higher productivity and greater food safety.

Integration of ERP, MES and WMS systems

Integrating ERP, MES and WMS solutions ensures complete traceability and efficient logistics flow. This connection allows production orders to be automatically triggered, batches to be digitally labelled and information to reach all levels of the organisation.

With Overtel, companies in the industry can integrate these platforms into a single operating environment, from the plant floor to distribution.

Technology and traceability: the basis of modern food logistics

Software for real-time tracking and batch control

Digital traceability systems record every product movement within the factory. With them, it is possible to know in seconds the exact location of a batch, the operator who handled it or the equipment involved in the process. This not only improves efficiency but also ensures regulatory compliance (IFS, BRC, ISO 22000).

Benefits of ERP + MES integration in food management

Although the WMS is key to warehouse management, true traceability comes from the integration between production and management.

With the ERP and MES/MOM connection, companies achieve:

• Control stocks and expirations.
• Synchronise production with actual demand.
• Generate complete and auditable traceability reports.

IoT, UWB and sensors for traceability of perishable products.

The future of food logistics relies on the Internet of Things (IoT) and location technologies such as the Ultrawide Band (UWB).

These sensors collect data on temperature, humidity and location in real time, avoiding breaks in the cold chain and improving the final quality of the product.

Industry challenges and opportunities: sustainability and energy efficiency

Reducing consumption in cold rooms

One of the biggest challenges is to minimize energy consumption in refrigeration. Automation and the use of intelligent compaction technology make it possible to reduce the volume of refrigerated air, lowering the energy bill without compromising food safety.

Sustainable logistics and circular economy

Food logistics 2026 is closely linked to the circular economy: reducing waste, recycling packaging materials and optimising transport routes to minimise CO₂ emissions. Companies that digitise their supply chain will be able to accurately measure and improve their environmental impact.

Food certification and standards (IFS, BRC, ISO 22000).

Complying with international standards is not only an obligation, but a competitive advantage. Digital management systems allow you to automatically document every step of the process, facilitating audits and certifications.

The role of intelligent automation: from factory to consumer

How intelligent systems reduce errors and time

Intelligent automation makes it possible to predict demand, optimise production and synchronise distribution.

Algorithms analyse historical and real-time data to anticipate stock requirements and prevent supply disruptions.

Direct productivity and food safety benefits

• 40% reduction in loading and unloading times.
• Increased inventory and quality control accuracy.
• Less exposure of personnel to risky or extreme cold environments.

Each technological improvement translates into operational efficiency, cost reduction and increased food safety.

Regulatory Compliance and Traceability Checklist

Before 2026, make sure your company is compliant with the new standards:

• Digital traceability at all stages (ERP + MES + WMS).
• Automated temperature and humidity control.
• Real-time process auditing and records.
• Predictive maintenance plan and energy sustainability.
• Compliance with IFS, BRC and ISO 22000 standards.

Food logistics 2026 combines efficiency, traceability and sustainability thanks to digitalisation.
Automating processes not only ensures regulatory compliance but also multiplies productivity and reduces operating costs.

Overtel integrates advanced solutions such as ERP RPS Next, INEXION MES/MOM and OT/IT traceability systems for companies in the food industry to optimise their end-to-end supply chain.

Request a personalised demo and discover how to turn your factory into a model of efficiency, safety and total control.

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