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Encouraging cross talk The National GS1 Traceability Advisory Group (NGTAG) consists of GS1 members, relevant federal and state government representatives, and industry peak bodies who will be making recommendations regarding the need for supply chain traceability standards and priorities. The group’s stated objectives include informing GS1 Australia on the requirements of industry and government relating to traceability standards, and communicating with industry and government on supply chain traceability priorities in this country. At the inaugural meeting on 10 September, chaired by GS1 Australia CEO Maria Palazzolo, more than 60 senior executives from government and industry discussed the way forward for enhanced traceability in Australia. “This meeting is not only very timely, but very, very important,” Ms PalazzoIo said in her opening address. “Our world is continuing to evolve in many strange ways, but one thing is certain: consumers are becoming much more curious, and much more demanding around transparency and the safety of the goods they purchase and consume. “Today, full traceability across the supply chain is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s actually a must-have,” she said. Outlining the group’s purpose, Woolworths business partner (technology), and NGTAG Co-chair Ram Akella said: “It’s a matter of understanding what’s missing and how we can bring the different pieces of the puzzle together. It’s about exploring how we can make things work together and how to work with other entities in the same supply chain. “We’ll be discussing what’s important from a customer point of view, what’s important from a regulation and government point of view, and how changes can be made cost-effectively at the same time.” Following the inaugural meeting, the group identified key use cases confirming the need for enhanced supply chain traceability. These include: • Improved food and consumer safety through the availability of more robust, accurate and complete product data. • Product authentication through accurate and rapid detection of counterfeit products and instances of unauthorised distribution. • The need for improved end-to-end product visibility across the supply chain, to deliver greater transparency between trading partners and consumers. • More efficient and accurate regulatory compliance, including provenance, country of origin and modern slavery. • Greater supply chain efficiency through cost savings resulting from simplified and automated business processes such as order to cash, inventory management, order fulfilment and returns management. • Improved cross-border/market access and biosecurity. • Over the next 12 months, NGTAG plans to lead the future of transformation and innovation for Australian traceability, including communicating, educating and co- defining a strategic master plan for implementing end-to-end supply chain visibility for Australian trade. TO PAGE 60 SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS Smart Media Product content made easy Ingredients and nutritional information How do customers view your brand online? Do they have all the information they need to pick your product? Smart Media’s Content Creation service provides you with everything your customer needs. Country of origin Marketing Messages CONTACT US NOW OCT, 2020 RETAIL WORLD 59