Final answer:
Frito Lay used weather-forecasting software to secure contracts with potato farmers, ensuring a steady supply for their chip production. This utilization of data-driven predictions is vital for modern agricultural practices and business decisions, allowing companies to manage their supply chain effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Frito Lay used weather-forecasting software to forge contracts with the right potato farmers to lock in enough supply to keep making potato chips - even when broader shortages arose. Utilizing advanced forecasting tools allowed them to predict the weather conditions, which are crucial for agricultural activities and crop yields. Access to reliable weather forecasts helps in making informed decisions about when to plant and harvest crops, thus securing the supply chain for ingredients needed for production.
In today's data-driven agriculture, information from various sources including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Weather Channel, as well as global positioning systems, historical rainfall patterns, and complex weather monitoring services, provide valuable data that can impact farming operations and business decisions alike. This capability to anticipate and manage production based on weather patterns is a significant competitive advantage for companies like Frito Lay in ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for their products.