Articles by John Peter Koss

Walking through the retail marketplace, observing the myriad beverage packages and visualizing the process that created what now is being observed, the magnitude and complexity of the process becomes evident.

Every segment in the beverage industry experiences constant change syndrome (CCS) at various times during product processing, packaging production, warehousing, pre-distribution and distribution as the supply chain unfolds each operating day.

Throughout the supply chain, materials movement (logistics) is a vital and operating-cost consuming issue. This is especially true in the beverage market because once a case of a beverage is packaged, it is actually available for the consumer; however, realistically, the case is handled many times before it reaches its final destination on store shelves. There is no value added by any movement beyond being placed in storage or loaded directly for delivery.

From an operations perspective, a warehouse is more than just bricks and mortar or metal siding; it’s a day-to-day activity that handles zillions of beverage cases. But what does it cost to do that?

Looking across all the categories within the beverage industry, observations showcase that the slogan marketers frequently use, “packaging sells,” might be a reality. The validity is not being challenged; however, the package array on the shelves in most retail outlets indicates that packages, containers, closures and even labels are going through frequent changes at some phase in the supply chain.

Beverage filling machines never cease to take center stage when planning, designing or integrating complete production line installations.

In many industries, the current broad frame reference seems to deal with an overall view of the supply chain with emphasis on distribution rather than specific areas covering processing, packaged production and related operations.

The maintenance function in beverage facilities is, and always will be, a major contributor to success and profitability. The operational activities within the entire beverage supply chain, from processing raw materials to finished product delivery, usually require the maintenance function to perform effectively, efficiently and economically at the highest possible levels.

Technological changes in beverage processes, machinery and manufacturing methods constantly are evolving into new or different designs, improved methods and procedures, faster and more flexible configurations, cost-effective projects, and in response to consumer preferences or agency regulations.

Time is taken for granted in most industries. However, recognition must be given to the age-old cliché that time is money, and money can hardly be taken for granted, especially in beverage operations. From an operations viewpoint, time is inescapable and plays a prominent role in the beverage industry.