Input invited for green-life supply chain review
Soaring transport costs have been identified as a high-priority issue by three States, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. In response, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) has commissioned a supply chain review project.
This HAL/levy funded project will build on the results of previous studies such as NY97047 and NY99038, which are now nearly 10 years old. While many of the recommendations are still valid, it is important to update these in light of the major changes in the industry and its environment.
This first stage work has just begun and will be completed by January. The consulting team comprises horticultural consultant Gerard McEvilly and logistician Tom Rafferty. The team has received valuable input already from initial meetings and site visits in the Sydney and Brisbane areas. Melbourne is the next port of call on October 16 and 17. This will then be followed by phone calls and desk research, including an update on overseas developments.
This project is about more than just trolleys and which transport company carries our product. Discussions have covered production practices on general and specialist nurseries, as well as independent retailers, retail chains, landscape suppliers, transport companies, management software, pot/tray suppliers and trolley/cage suppliers. The sheer diversity of the products we grow is part of the challenge we face in streamlining our supply chain.
The combination of peak sales time for the industry plus the sheer number of members puts limits on one-on-one consultation. However, the consulting team is keen to hear from any member with ideas and input on any aspect of the supply chain from seed to sale.
A key aspect will be identifying ways for the industry to work together on solutions that focus on meeting customer needs. This may mean developing some new business skills. We would be interested in hearing from members who are interested in learning to better manage their supply chain.
Contact Gerard McEvilly via email gmcevilly@gmail.com or 0409 047 117 or Tom Rafferty tom@sto.au.com,
