Business South June 2021

48 | DAIRY INDUSTRY Danone New Zealand T Karen Phelps Danone partnered with Kiwi company OCONZ to develop an app that could quickly report back on milk quality to farmers. E mbracing new digital trends for efficiency and customer experience is at the core of Danone’s digital strategy. Last year the Danone team launched a Milk Data mobile application to support its farm suppliers in the South Island. “In a changing world where digital brings so many opportunities, Danone is conducting its own digital revolution,” says Danone New Zealand operations director Leon Fung. He says that the Danone Spray Drying plant near Balclutha receives fresh milk daily, direct- ly from local dairy farmers. When each batch of milk arrives it’s thoroughly tested to ensure it meets quality standards. Prior to 2019 the only communication chan- nel to relay this information back to farmers was via SMS message, which Leon says didn’t provide enough data for the farmer to be able to effectively manage their milk quality. The solution was to co-develop the world- first mobile app with local kiwi company QCONZ to ensure Danone could quickly report back on milk quality to its suppliers and facilitate communication between its milk manager and the farms. Now when each batch of milk arrives and is thoroughly tested to ensure it meets quality standards the Danone milk team feeds this information back to the farmer through the mobile app. “The app gives farmers visibility of their milk quality and allows them to make changes based on real time results to ensure they are providing the highest quality milk. “For example if a particular batch of milk had lower than usual fat or protein the farmer would be able to see this immediately after our testing is complete and as a result alter their practices, like increasing the volume of feed to improve their next batch. If they have questions the app even includes a chat tool to facilitate easy communication and fast support to farmers,” explains Leon. On a larger scale, Danone in New Zealand has also been at the forefront of another consumer digital innovation. Track & Connect is directed at consumers to meet the need for full traceability of products. Customers can access the service through their smart phones by scanning two unique QR codes on specific products. The dual QR code packaging innovation sees one QR code laser printed on the outer pack as well as a second inner QR code laser printed behind a tamper-resistant seal, which can only be scanned after purchase. Leon says that the dual QR code system enables customers to verify the quality, traceability and authenticity of the formula while providing a new way for consumers to connect with the brand for after-sales support and services. “Through this technology we are involving our customers in the provenance of their prod- ucts. It also helps us fulfil our future goal to create a system that supports our customers and we hope Track & Connect will provide a new way for them to connect with us and join our Danone community.” Another worldwide digital innovation designed to improve supply chain efficiency has also been launched internally. Danone IT teams designed a new system where data from all Danone warehouses could be upload- ed automatically to a central platform. “This means we can now benchmark ware- house efficiency and performance and our lo- cal procurement and logistic teams can make simple and meaningful comparisons and track improvements,” explains Leon. “The result is better transparency, better understanding and better performance across our warehouses. Warehousing is just one of our many crucial links between farm and table. “This project is an early step toward unifying the way we collect and improve data across our supply chain, ultimately helping us to get healthy food to more people safely, using less energy and fewer of our planet’s valuable resources.” Digital focus core strategy “The app gives farmers visibility of their milk quality and allows them to make changes based on real time results to ensure they are providing the highest quality milk.” www.southroads.co.nz Call us on Specialists in: • Drainage • Earthworks • Aggregate supply & cartage • General siteworks and landscaping • Subdivisions & driveways 0800 822 833 PROUD SUPPORTERS OF DANONE NUTRICIA WaterForce Southland provides industry-leading knowledge, technical expertise and experience. Working with Danone Nutricia, we provide integrated water management solutions to make their land more productive and sustainable. For the latest, most experienced advice and 24/7 after-sales support, contact us at your local WaterForce branch. 0800 436 723 | waterforce.co.nz PUMPING IRRIGATION WATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY STOCKWATER Proud to be associated with Danone Nutricia