VIC/TAS Division
Stephen Lakey - VIC/TAS State President The past few months in the Victorian & Tasmanian division has seen our hopes of Covid-19 moving to a distant memory dashed with Victoria moving to stage 4 restrictions due to a spike of cases and deaths of Covid-19 in the community. With New Zealand almost back to business as usual it was a kick in the teeth for the Victorian economy with Tasmania fairing somewhat better remaining on stage 3 restrictions. But a serious illness requires some serious medicine and that is what we got with many non-critical industries going into mandatory work from home enforcement and industries such as abattoirs and meat processing plants having production limits imposed. Once again Supply Chain was the focus of attention as the ripple effect of limiting production caused havoc down the line. Industries such as poultry and pork face many challenges and may need to cull large numbers of animals that simply can’t wait for processing plants to move back to full production all while meat becomes scarce on the supermarket shelves. It reminds me that the Supply Chain is like air – you don’t notice it until you don’t have it! With the spotlight on Supply Chain, Kyle Rogers, VIC/TAS director on the SCLAA board was in hot demand, fielded questions and provided insight into the situation to several mainstream media outlets last month. It is a sign of the intense public scrutiny of modern supply chains as they face unprecedented stress around the world. Post Covid, I think we will see stronger and more resilient Supply Chains - where in the past a low price & quick delivery were the main drivers, Supply Chain leaders will now also be considering the cost of singlesource dependencies and looking for more flexible options. Since July SCLAA VIC/TAS division has been busy starting with a webinar featuring Dale Turner from EMP-onsite. Dale gave us insight into the potential for worker injury in supply chain and the role wearable sensors have in identifying & measuring stress while performing manual tasks and how they can improves processes to reduce injury in a real and measurable way. During July the SCLAA held one of its most popular webinars with Gamma Solutions, RF-Smart & Zebra Technologies joining forces to present an informative webinar on warehouse inventory accuracy – from bullet proofing your warehouse wireless network, improving your inventory accuracy and ideas and tips on warehouse cycle counting. Western Union rounded July off with a webinar on the currency markets. Peter Hughes and Steven Dooley provided a market update and provided insights from a recent global survey, the effect Covid-19 has had on the market and insight in to hedging strategies that can be used to reduce the risk of currency exposure. August featured a webinar from Supply Chain technology giant Honeywell. We heard from Honeywell Solutions 18
SCLAA Newsletter August 2020
Architect, Adam Barnier on the latest technology that allows a safe return to work for workers in supply chain, particularly warehouse & delivery workers. This Lunch & Learn session was made all the better with attendees receiving a complimentary Uber Eats meal, delivered to their door to enjoy during the webinar. Our mentoring program is now well underway – I have received much positive feedback from the participants already and I believe this year is going to be a bumper for the mentees & mentors participating. Participants meet up virtually every month for a 1 hour session, participate in a workshop & we conclude with a end of year event. With the warmth of Spring just around the corner it is a reminder that everything has its season and Covid is no different, it will pass and life will start to return to a new normal. I would encourage you to use this time to prepare for what comes next, to make your plans, learn, make new contacts, network & be confident that the future is bright. For those who are under pressure during this time, know that this season will pass, take time to focus on what matters to you most & reach out to your friends and family. The SCLAA is a place where the supply chain community can connect, learn & where the doors of opportunity are opened. I would encourage you to take advantage of the many programs that SCLAA have to offer and to get involved! I hope to see you at one of our upcoming events very soon. In your service Stephen Lakey VIC/TAS State President stephen.lakey@sclaa.com.au
Lookout for these upcoming events hosted by SCLAA VIC/TAS Division 1 September 2020: Migrating to hands-free in the warehouse using wearable technology 10 September 2020: Leveraging ERP, Improving Business Value 24 September 2020: The critical importance of MENTORSHIP in navigating your way through the Australian Supply Chain & Logistics Industry Date to be confirmed: Warehouse of the Future Check the Calendar of Events on the SCLAA website for full details