Regional grocer mitigates supply chain risk

Supply chain issues are a potential threat for any retailer, but grocery chains need to be particularly vigilant in tracking products from source to shelf.



High-profile product recalls in recent years have resulted in brand damage, lawsuits, and even prison terms for executives of companies involved. While the source brands typically face more regulatory and legal ramifications, it is still wise for retailers of produce and other food items to invest in technologies that use automation to minimize the likelihood or impact of such events.



Thus St. Cloud, Minnesota-based Coborn’s Inc. has chosen ReposiTrak to manage regulatory and business documentation compliance within its supply chain. Coborn’s operates a chain of 54 Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods and Save-A-Lot grocery stores in the upper Midwest, along with convenience, liquor and pharmacies.



Powered by parent company Park City Group’s technology, the ReposiTrak platform consists of two systems. Compliance Management receives, stores and shares documentation, and also manages compliance through dashboards and alerts for missing or expired documents. Track & Trace identifies product ingredients and their supply chain path in the event of a product recall, and can identify backward chaining sources and forward chaining recipients of products in near real time.



“For over 95 years, shoppers have trusted our stores to provide them with safe, quality food,” said Chris Coborn, president and CEO of Coborn’s. “We were looking for an automated system that would enable us to better manage our growing list of compliance documentation and help protect Coborn’s brand equity.”