Improve your supply chain

By streamlining processes and distribution and by extending e-commerce systems, Mitre 10 trailed the delivery of finished timber in house packs from suppliers to building sites bypassing the more common system of routing the timber via a central distribution centre. Less handling of the timber this way lowers the possibility of injury while a direct-to-site distribution system also means fewer road trips for the companies involved—a saving for them and a bonus for other road users.

Another project funded by the program brought a group of small companies together with Australia’s biggest retail chains, 7-Eleven Stores. A new electronic ordering, replenishment and receiving process allowed overnight delivery of fresh food from a central distribution point into the convenience stores. This opened up new opportunities for smaller suppliers who didn’t have the distribution capabilities themselves to deliver to hundreds of stores, but could otherwise meet 7-Eleven’s requirements.

Total supply chain management could hardly be more important than in the health care industry where timely, accurate, and cost-effective service can literally be a matter of life or death. Furthermore, there is a mandatory requirement for the tracking of medical devices that are intended for implantation. With support of the program, the radiology department at Alfred Hospital moved to an electronic system for tracking medical devices to increase patient safety and enable much better management in the event of a product recall. This also meant nurses could get more time with their patients as they spent less time managing medical inventory.

Your Link?

So if you think your own operation needs to improve its supply chain practices, what should you do next? As with most other business areas driven by specialist technologies and expertise, informed and individually tailored advice is central to making the right decisions. Here you should start by finding a business adviser or consultant with experience of supply chain issues.

And be sure to check with your relevant state government department on initiatives specific to your state or industry.

By aiming for supply chain excellence, you’ll be boosting your own bottom line and becoming another productive link in Australia’s connections with the global economy.