Food and grocery sector launches upstream integration model
The Australian Food and Grocery Council, in partnership with GS1 Australia and industry partners, this week launched the Global Up Stream Integration (GUSI) model for the supply chain within Australia.
A project leading to the implementation of GUSI standards in the Australian FMCG sector began in late 2007, with Unilever, Lion Nathan, Simplot and Sugar Australia taking part. They then reported to a reference group of 35 businesses resulting in the final endorsement by Australian FMCG manufacturers.
Based on global standards, the GUSI model defines common business processes and data interchanges, with the aim to support electronic trading between raw material / packaging suppliers and manufacturers. The AFGC believes it caters to the major electronic needs of the industry in the areas of procurement, material forecasting, inventory management, despatch, receipt and settlement.
The focus on integrated supply chains has often been led by retailers in consultation with their suppliers, while effective upstream integration between manufacturers and their suppliers has been in comparatively short supply. As a result, it is hoped the new model will create an efficient electronic platform for supply chain management at all levels.
