The Challenge
Smithfield, one of the world’s largest food producers, wanted to improve on-time delivery rates to its major retail customers. Prior to FourKites’ involvement, the company’s on-time delivery rate was 87%, and the company saw opportunity for improvement.
FourKites Solution
Smithfield implemented FourKites to track shipments across its supply chain, to know precisely when shipments would arrive at processing plants, when they would leave for distribution, and when they would arrive at retailers. That level of visibility enabled Smithfield to book more accurate delivery times with retailers and to adjust those windows proactively, leaving enough time for retailers to react without disruption.
“Smithfield’s on-time delivery rate improved to 94%, from 87%, after it began tracking truck freight with software from FourKites Inc. Smithfield plans to test its use for ocean freight, and is incorporating a new temperature- tracking feature introduced in June.”
Smithfield
Benefits and What’s Next?
Using FourKites, Smithfield improved its on-time delivery rate to 94%, significantly lowering its missed appointment fines and defending its valuable shelf space. Additionally, Smithfield was able to analyze aggregated data available only in FourKites’ platform to drive a broader supply chain transformation that included:
- Identifying best-performing supply chain partners for future business decisions
- Streamlining warehouse and dock operations to optimize operational efficiency
As a result of that success, Smithfield is extending its usage of FourKites beyond over-the-road location tracking to include real-time temperature tracking and ocean freight tracking.
The FourKites Difference
Unmatched Accuracy
Broadest
Coverage
Quickest Time
To Value
Superior Customer Service
