Industry working group to drive supply chain efficiencies

The ALC Supply Chain Standards Working Group will be comprised of industry experts from across the supply chain who will focus on better aligning the transport and logistics sector with Australian industry in the adoption of global standards for identification, information capture and sharing across supply chains.

"Australia’s rising freight task, coupled with low levels of productivity in the transport sector means industry must use all the tools at its disposal to improve supply chain efficiency," Michael Kilgariff, ALC's managing director said.

"Central to this is adopting a whole of supply chain approach to the way in which we identify and utilise new and emerging technologies, as well as foster new opportunities on the horizon.

"The ALC Supply Chain Standards Working Group will play an important role in the future growth and prosperity of the freight logistics industry by improving productivity through improved supply chain efficiency and product and shipment traceability."

Many Australian industries have adopted GS1 standards to reduce supply chain costs and are now seeking the same approach from their transport and logistics providers, according to Maria Palazzolo, GS1 Australia's CEO.  

"The limited use of global standards is not confined to Australia and has resulted in the recent establishment of a GS1 Global T&L Interest Group," Palazzolo said.

"I am extremely pleased that the ALC has agreed to create this working group to align with industry requirements both locally and globally."

The working group objectives are to: work with industry groups to help resolve supply chain issues including non-compliant pallet labelling, poor intermodal visibility, rapid recall and withdrawal of defective products and poor data quality; align the T&L sector with Australian industry in the adoption of global standards for identification, information capture and sharing across supply chains; consider the potential benefits that other relevant technologies and services may provide; develop a work plan that provides a possible T&L industry roadmap to implement global GS1 standards and related industry solutions; and develop industry guidelines and case studies.

ALC Members are eligible to be on the Working Group. Other industry members may be invited to contribute by invitation of the ALC Board.  

The terms of reference for the Supply Chain Standards Working Group is available at www.austlogistics.com.au under the regulation tab.