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Understanding Data Collection at Each Step of the Agricultural Commodity Supply Chain
Find out how Era of We can strengthen your data collection, sharing, and analysis.
Published March 27, 2025
Asharita D'Silva
Coffee experts@Era of We
The supply chains of agricultural commodities are complex and multi-faceted, involving multiple stages, each contributing valuable data points that can optimize efficiency, improve quality, and enhance sustainability and traceability. Era of We has the functionality to gather all available data from various systems and combine it into one place, enabling users to create and access a thorough overview of downstream supply chain data.
Understanding what information can be collected at each stage helps stakeholders make informed decisions, reduce waste, and ensure product traceability. Data collection, however, is merely the first step, and businesses also need to consider how they can access, analyze, and share this data as required. Below, we explore key data that can be gathered at every step of the process on the Era of We software and how technology can facilitate data collection and tracking.
1. Cultivation & Harvesting
At the cultivation and harvesting stage, data collection focuses on environmental conditions, crop health, and yield predictions. This stage is the foundation of the supply chain, and it is vital that data collection is accurate, accessible, and traceable. Important data to catalog at this stage includes:
- Weather Conditions: Temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sunlight levels impact crop growth.
- Soil Quality: Nutrient levels, pH balance, and moisture content influence yield potential.
- Pest & Disease Monitoring: Identifying infestations early helps in pest control and reducing crop loss.
- Farming Practices: Data on irrigation methods, fertilizer application, and pesticide use affect both quality and sustainability.
- Yield Estimates: Crop size, harvest timing, and expected production volumes assist in supply forecasting.
How Data is Collected & Traced: Farmers information, satellite imagery and IoT services assess crop health, while farm management software logs farming practices and yield estimates. The collected data is embedded into a QR code generated with the Era of We software that is initiated at this stage and updated throughout the supply chain, ensuring transparency and efficient data management.
Farm-level data is crucial for regulatory compliance, including regulations such as EUDR and CSDDD. Accurate and accessible data and due diligence statements from the source form the basis of a strong and resilient supply chain. Operators further along the supply chain will rely on due diligence statements to meet their own compliance requirements and hence, data collection and management at the source is crucial.
2. Processing & Initial Treatment
Once harvested, raw materials undergo processing to prepare them for transport and refinement. Key data points at this stage include:
- Processing Methods: Whether the product is washed, dried, or fermented affects final quality.
- Moisture Content: Ensuring proper drying prevents spoilage and fungal growth.
- Defect Rates: Monitoring for damaged or unfit products helps maintain quality standards.
- Energy & Resource Usage: Tracking water and energy consumption aids in sustainability efforts.
- Batch Tracking: Assigning batch numbers ensures traceability in case of quality issues.
How Data is Collected & Traced: The Era of We QR code from the cultivation stage is expanded with this additional data, ensuring traceability, enabling seamless integration of processing data for better tracking.
3. Packaging & Transportation
Once processed, goods are packed and shipped. The logistics stage can provide crucial data to improve supply chain efficiency, including:
- Packaging Materials & Methods: Information on sustainable packaging solutions and durability during transit.
- Storage Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and ventilation data ensure product longevity.
- Transportation Routes: Optimizing logistics routes minimizes delays and reduces fuel consumption.
- Shipment Tracking: GPS data, RFID tags, and barcodes provide real-time location updates.
- Customs & Regulatory Compliance: Export documentation and trade regulations ensure smooth cross-border movement.
How Data is Collected & Traced: Bill of lading and contracts between the parties is the first step to ensure visibility from storage to final delivery. GPS-enabled fleet tracking and RFID tags can also be used for increased traceability. The QR code continues to be updated with transportation data, allowing stakeholders to track the product’s journey, if using RFID or GPS it can be done in real-time. Era of We plays a role in streamlining logistics and ensuring all relevant information is accessible.
4. Refinement & Transformation
At this stage, raw materials are further processed into their final form. Data collection here ensures consistency and consumer satisfaction:
- Processing Temperatures & Times: Optimal conditions for roasting, grinding, or refining ensure quality.
- Ingredient Blending: If mixed with other ingredients, precise ratios are recorded.
- Production Efficiency: Machine performance and production throughput data optimize operations.
- Waste & Byproduct Management: Tracking waste levels helps improve sustainability efforts.
- Quality Testing: Flavor, aroma, texture, and chemical composition assessments ensure adherence to standards.
How Data is Collected & Traced: AI-powered ERP and quality control systems provide information to Era of We through API. The cloud-based systems store and can share data across supply chain stakeholders for continuous improvements. The QR code gains additional details on processing parameters and quality assessments, ensuring that selected stakeholders have access to the necessary data.
5. Distribution & Retail
After processing, goods are distributed to retailers and wholesalers. Key data points include:
- Inventory Levels: Ensuring adequate supply without overstocking reduces storage costs.
- Retail Pricing: Data on competitive pricing helps set optimal price points.
- Consumer Demand Trends: Sales data and market analytics forecast future demand.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Weather events, political issues, or supplier shortages impact availability.
- Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing: Documentation verifying fair trade and environmentally friendly practices.
How Data is Collected & Traced: ERP or inventory systems can predict stock levels. Retail analytics software tracks sales trends and consumer preferences in real time. The QR code is expanded with distribution details, making it possible for retailers and consumers to verify the product’s journey, enabling businesses to maintain full transparency and traceability during this phase.
6. End-Use & Consumption
Finally, the product reaches consumers, where final data collection helps businesses refine their strategies and improve customer satisfaction.
- Customer Feedback & Reviews: Insights into taste, quality, and packaging influence future product development.
- Consumption Patterns: Understanding when and how the product is used helps shape marketing strategies.
- Waste & Recycling Data: Tracking disposal habits aids in sustainability initiatives.
- Loyalty & Purchasing Behavior: Repeat purchase trends help forecast demand and improve customer retention strategies.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Monitoring for allergen risks or contamination reports ensures consumer safety.
How Data is Collected & Traced: Digital surveys and social media analytics track consumer feedback. Loyalty programs and POS (point-of-sale) systems monitor purchasing trends and preferences. The QR code, now complete with the entire history of the product, is accessible to consumers, offering full traceability from farm to table. Thereby Era of We ensures that consumers can access a comprehensive history of the product, strengthening trust and transparency.
Conclusion
Data collection at each step of the supply chain is essential for improving efficiency, ensuring quality, and maintaining transparency. By combining and leveraging information from advanced technologies such as AI-driven analytics and automated tracking systems into Era of We software, businesses can enhance traceability and optimize their operations from cultivation to consumption. The use of a continuously updated QR code allows for seamless tracking and consumer transparency, reinforcing trust and sustainability in the global supply chain.
The Era of We platform enables stakeholders to integrate, manage, and share data effectively, ensuring a more connected and sustainable supply chain. Ultimately, a data-driven approach benefits all stakeholders, from farmers to end consumers, fostering a more sustainable and efficient global supply chain.
About the author
Asharita D'Silva
Join me in discovering the wonderful world of coffee! As a writer, coffee is my fuel and newfound passion. I love writing about new coffees, sustainability, and coffee culture around the world. I'm always discovering new things about coffee and the industry, which I share with the great community here at Era Of We.
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