Trading in meat is Trading in meat is expensive and difficultexpensive and difficult

l Non-standard raw material

Picture ofthin cow

Picture offat cow

Long distribution chain

Long distribution chainfarmer

with cow cattle lorrycattle market

cattle lorry cattle lorry

consumer

abattoirs

packing plant

supermarket

factory

butcher restaurant

abattoirs

abattoirs

packing plantfactory

abattoirs

Long distribution chainfarmer

with cow cattle lorrycattle market

cattle lorry cattle lorry

supermarketbutcher restaurant

What are the real problems?

text

• Long distribution chain with critical processes to control

• Specification is primarily visual• Normal communications are non-visual

fat cow thin cow

What are the real problems?• Long distribution chain with critical processes

to control• Specification is primarily visual• Normal communications are non-visual• Product is primarily judged on appearance

Costs of the problems

• Consumer confidence in product performance

• Buyer and seller interface confidence• Increasingly expensive quality control• Expensive communications

– travel– time & resources

Imagine a system that enables all parties in the distribution chain to have the same unambiguous specification for transactions• the same picture• the same language• the same critical information

– weight– colour– texture– cutting lines

All of this applicable to standard and non-standard requirements

Added Value

• cross reference to national standards• reduces language problems• low communication costs• speculative market for buyers and sellers• product data

Various uses

• Government and other official bodies

• Health professionals

• Meat inspection services (UK and overseas)

• Meat purchasing (commercial and official)

• Meat traders and meat plants

• Training organisations

• Veterinary (practice and training)