Revolutionising Bayer's Food Supply Chain Dynamics

Bayer plays a significant role in the food sector, particularly through its Crop Science division. The company focuses on developing products to protect crops from pests, diseases and weeds, helping to increase yields and food production. The company also creates improved seed varieties with enhanced characteristics, such as drought tolerance or pest resistance. With a turnover of more than €40bn and a million employees, Bayer is a giant by any standards.
Like many global corporations, Bayer Crop Science has faced significant fluctuations in its supply and demand aspects recently. From unexpected weather events and material shortages to transport issues, a range of challenges have impacted its operational strategies, despite agriculture's seasonal cycles. Confronted with these hurdles, Bayer maintained its commitment to delivering products timely and efficiently.
Blue Yonder, a leader in digital supply chain and omni-channel commerce fulfilment, was enlisted by Bayer to enhance operational efficiency, asset utilisation and customer service.
Optimising logistics with Blue Yonder
Blue Yonder is a leading provider of digital supply chain solutions, offering an AI-powered platform that enables retailers, manufacturers and logistics providers to optimise their operations. The company's end-to-end solutions cover planning, execution and commerce, helping businesses improve efficiency and reduce costs, as well as enhance customer experiences.
Bayer initially aimed to perfect its transportation and logistics operations across 50 locations in over 70 countries. Previously, the operations depended on varied tools, outdated systems and manual procedures to manage an intricate logistics network. Blue Yonder's expertise is now guiding Bayer to unify transportation practices and support business expansion globally.
"No matter where they are based and what markets they are serving, our employees need to share consistent practices and the same set of analytical tools and fact-based decision-making processes," said Johnny Ivanyi, Global Head of Logistics Operational Excellence at Bayer Crop Science. "Our supply chain strategy empowers our employees worldwide to make fast, agile logistics and transportation decisions, whilst also ensuring actions are financially beneficial based on a common set of values and priorities."
Strategic advancements and future plans
With Blue Yonder's digital solutions, Bayer has modernised its entire logistics operations, leading to a 4% cut in logistics costs and a 3% increase in timely delivery and carrier performance. The integration of advanced technologies like mobility, data tracking and geo-mapping has significantly boosted real-time decision-making and responsiveness, notably enhancing customer service.
Bayer’s integration with track-and-trace platforms means its customer service teams can now provide real-time delivery updates, swiftly respond to inquiries, or proactively tackle issues as they arise.
Furthermore, Blue Yonder's recent acquisition of One Network Enterprises has equipped Bayer with tools like the Control Tower for enhanced real-time collaboration and visibility across its vast supply and logistics network, potentially offering even greater operational benefits and value to its ecosystem of partners and carriers.
In light of ongoing supply chain volatility, Bayer is focusing on further digitalising its logistics through initiatives such as robotic process automation (RPA), moving towards a more centralised strategy in its global operations.
"Our supply chain strategy empowers our employees around the world to act with speed and agility," said Johnny Ivanyi, Global Head of Logistics Operational Excellence, Bayer Crop Science.
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