SCLAA October 2023 Newsletter

OCT ‘23

WHAT’S ON

IN THIS ISSUE

– ASCLA Finalists – Featuring ASCLA Future Leader Finalists – New Platinum Partner - Malec Transport – New National Partner - Access Group – New National Partner - Cognex – New Unfair Contract Terms Regime Commences 9 November P 04 04

APR ‘23 ‘23 OCT

WHAT’S ON

IN THIS ISSUE 04

Message from SCLAA Board Chair

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New Unfair Contract Terms regime commences 9 November

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ASCL Awards Gala Dinner 10 November 2023

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2023 Australian Supply Chain & Logistics Award Finalists2

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2023 Future Leader Award Finalists

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New SCLAA Platinum National Partner - Malec

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Business Challenges: Cost Minimisation vs. Investing in Talent

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ASCL Awards Gala Dinner - Guest Speaker

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When AI came to the rescue in the face of supply chain disaster

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A guide for 3PLs and warehouses coming into peak shopping season

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Still too many work-related fatalities

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New SCLAA National Partner - Cognex

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New Corporate Members

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New SCLAA National Partner - Access

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Straight Talk from David Doherty OAM

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Case Study: Lilydale Instant Lawn, Delivered Where You Need It

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Linde MH strengthens its footprint in New Zealand with new dealer partner, TDX

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Case study: How a Large Manufacturer Seamlessly Moved from Windows to Android Devices in the Warehouse

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The Industrial & Logistics (I&L) sector is the next ESG frontier

Microlise Secures Major Contracts with Two of Australia’s Leading Grocery Retailers

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2024 Microlise Transport Conference

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Divisional Reports

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Swisslog names new Chief Executive Officer

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Upcoming Events

THE SCLAA ACKNOWLEDGES THE VALUABLE SUPPORT RECEIVED FROM ITS NETWORK OF NATIONAL PARTNERS.

Interested in becoming an SCLAA National Partner?

1300 364 160 secretary@sclaa.com.au

APR ‘23

Sue Tomic

The Year Ahead…..

SCLAA Board Chair

Global Supply Chain Disruptions

Managing Director for Chain Consulting Services.

Appointed to the Board in 2019.

Global uncertainties, including trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts, and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to continue, making it challenging for businesses to maintain consistent supply chain operations in 2024.

Labour shortages This year was marked by several profound challenges for the supply chain and logistics sector in Australia.

These challenges, influenced by both global and regional factors, continue to cast a long shadow as we look ahead to 2024. As it is almost a wrap for 2023, let’s review the year that was and what factors are likely to persist.

Australia’s economic vitality is intricately tied to international trade, and the supply chain and logistics industry serves as the conduit for this exchange. In 2023, Australia’s total trade in goods and services was valued at approximately AUD 868 billion, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Australia’s vast natural resources, including iron ore, coal, and liquified natural gas (LNG), remain a cornerstone of the country’s exports. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, mineral and energy resource exports reached a total value of approximately AUD 325 billion, as reported by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources.

Agriculture and food production hold central positions in Australia’s economy. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the agricultural sector contributed approximately AUD 65.5 billion to the country’s GDP, according to the National Farmers’ Federation.

Australia’s retail sector relies heavily on efficient supply chains to meet the diverse consumer demands of its population. In 2023, the retail trade industry contributed around AUD 30.5 billion to the country’s GDP, as per ABS statistics.

All three sectors face disruption in the year(s) ahead.

The Resource sector will continue to come under scrutiny as global pressure to reduce carbon emissions and embrace green energy alternatives increase in momentum.

Our agriculture and food production export capabilities are subject to the changes in weather patterns in our region and all indications of another cycle of drier conditions as we move away from three years of exceptional L Nina weather patterns to El Nino which will reduce crop yields.

The wild card will be the Retail sector as Australian consumers faced increased costs of living, a series of interest rate increases on mortgages and reduced discretionary expenditure to compensate. The trend is likely to continue well into 2024.

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The supply chain and logistics sector provides a substantial number of jobs across the country. In 2023, it employed an estimated 1.7 million Australians, according to the Transport Workers’ Union. These roles span from truck drivers and warehouse workers to supply chain managers and technology specialists.

The issue of labor shortages, particularly in the logistics and transportation sector, remains a pressing concern.

Workforce challenges have led to delays in cargo handling, delivery interruptions, and increased operational costs. With no immediate resolution in sight, this problem is expected to persist through 2024

Infrastructure Constraints Infrastructure congestion, especially in major urban centers and key transportation routes, continues to hinder the supply chain. Ports, highways, and rail networks remain strained, disrupting the smooth flow of goods.

It’s anticipated that continued population growth and urbanization will sustain these infrastructure challenges into 2024

Environmental Sustainability Pressures The call for more sustainable supply chain practices is a challenge that gained prominence in 2023 and will remain a focus in 2024. Companies are under increased pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, adopt eco-friendly practices, and employ sustainable packaging materials. Meeting these demands while maintaining operational efficiency is a persistent challenge.

Regulatory Changes Government regulations and trade agreements have been subject to frequent changes, adding complexity to supply chain operations. This challenge is expected to continue in 2024 as Australia adapts to evolving customs procedures, compliance standards, and import/ export regulations.

Digital Transformation and automation The acceleration of digital transformation and automation in supply chain operations continued in 2023. Australian businesses continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies, including supply chain management software, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and automation. These technologies improved efficiency, enhanced visibility, and helped streamline the movement of goods.

APR ‘23

Cybersecurity Threats Supply chain operations have become increasingly digital, exposing the industry to cybersecurity threats.

Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cybersecurity vulnerabilities will continue to challenge the sector’s integrity in 2024 as companies invest in enhanced security measures.

Resilience Planning The importance of building resilient supply chains became evident well prior to 2023, and this focus on resilience planning will persist in 2024. Diversifying supplier bases, stockpiling critical components, and implementing contingency plans will continue to be priorities for the industry.

The ability to address and resolve current and emerging challenges depends on the collective efforts of professionals who share common interests and goals. This is where the SCLAA will continue to play a crucial role.

By creating a sense of community, sharing knowledge, advocating for industry interests, fostering collaboration and providing education and mentorship, the collective efforts of our members and partners often lead to innovative solutions and best practices that benefit industry as a whole.

I look forward to sharing some of those best practices and celebrating industry innovation at our upcoming ASCLA awards gala dinner on 10th November in Sydney.

New Unfair Contract Terms regime commences 9 November

What you need to know to ensure enforceability and avoid significant penalties.

Webinar: Friday, 3 November 2023 11am-12pm (AEST) No charge.

Registrations close 2/11/2023 On 9 November, the new Unfair Contract Terms (UCT) regime commences – broadening its application and imposing penalties for breach.

Before the new UCT regime commences, transport and logistics businesses should review their standard terms and conditions to ensure that they will not be unfair in circumstances where the new UCT regime applies.

At our forthcoming webinar, Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Julia Cameron, Partner – Corporate & Commercial, and Travis Johnson, Associate – Corporate & Commercial, will cover the key aspects of the new UCT regime and highlight what you need to know to ensure enforceability and avoid significant penalties for non-compliance.

In Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ latest Transport & Logistics news alert, Travis Johnson sets out some examples of key issues to look out for and change that will help you comply with the new UCT regime, as well as a link to a previous article that summarises the changes and outlines the key concepts of the UCT regime.

REGISTER NOW P 05

PRESENTERS Julia Cameron, Partner Rigby Cooke Lawyers A Partner in Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Corporate & Commercial and Intellectual Property groups, Julia specialises in corporate and commercial advice, commercial agreements, corporate transactions, intellectual property and information technology agreements. She also leads the firm’s Manufacturing industry group and regularly advises manufacturers in a range of commercial and intellectual property matters.

Travis Johnson, Associate Rigby Cooke Lawyers An Associate in Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Corporate & Commercial group and a member of its Manufacturing and Transport & Logistics industry groups, Travis has a particular focus on transactions, shareholders’ agreements, corporate governance and providing commercial advice. He primarily acts for private companies such as start-ups and small-to-mediumsized enterprises, as well as high-net-worth individuals, and has extensive experience spanning various industry sectors, including food and beverage, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, transport and logistics, real estate and technology.

OCT APR ‘23 ‘23 –

ASCL Awards Gala Dinner 10 November 2023 2023 Annual Supply Chain & Logistics Awards Gala Dinner to be held at the Grand Ballroom, Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Date:

Friday, 10th November 2023

Time:

6pm start for pre-dinner drinks and canapes

Venue:

Grand Ballroom, The Fullerton, Sydney

Dress:

Ladies – Cocktail Gentlemen – Lounge Suit

BOOK NOW

REGISTRATIONS CLOSE ON 3 NOVEMBER 2023 These prestigious National Awards, hosted by the SCLAA, have been running for over 60 years making them the most sought after, recognised and influential awards across the Supply Chain, Logistics and Transport industries.

GUEST SPEAKER Paul Graham Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Australia Post

AWARDS MC

Sam McCool – Sam McCool is a world-class MC, comedian, keynote speaker and speaking coach and has completed several International Tours.

Sam McCool

www.ascla.com.au P 06

BOOK NOW

OCT ‘23

2023 Australian Supply Chain & Logistics Award Finalists Automation, Robotics or Emerging Technology

Bruce Drayton - BPS Global Australia

Adiona Tech

Darren O’Connor - Körber

AutoStore

Dean Neville - Ligentia

BPS Global Australia

Michael Farragher - TAFE NSW

iTrazo TraceTech

Pieter Nagel - ASCI

WesTrac Tomago

Yiau Hwei Chan - Körber

Big Data, IT & Business Intelligence

Start-Up

B dynamic Logistics Bestrane Cromarty Koala Living

Environmental Excellence All Purpose Transport AutoStore B dynamic Logistics Cario and Swinburne University CEVA Logistics Officeworks Prological Consulting Winning Group

Future Leader Christopher Kettle - Metcash Limited Jay Zhen - dereOida Jess Sargent - DHL Supply Chain Australia Joshua Kreskas - Kreskas Bros Transport Kavinda Senarath - Körber Lachlan Moore - Coles Paul Antoniadis - ThreeSixty Supply Chain Group Rayleen Woods - SCT Logistics

International Supply Chain Argon & Co Bondi Sands Logility ThreeSixty Supply Chain Group

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Industry Excellence

dereOida Pty Ltd Nexobot provenio.ai ThreeSixty Supply Chain Group uTenant Xpress Freight Management

Supply Chain Management Bondi Sands Explorate Koala Living Myer and Ligentia Primary Connect & Körber Swisslog Australia and Jaycar Electronics Group WesTrac Tomago

Training, Education & Development Americold Logistics ANCA CNC MACHINES Australian Institute of Business (AIB) Edith Cowan University Metcash Trading Limited Ofload Swisslog ITSL, University of Sydney Business School

OCT ‘23

2023 Future Leader Award Finalists Christopher Kettle

Christopher Kettle’s remarkable journey through the technology and logistics sectors has its roots in his passion for technology, fuelled by a Bachelor of Information Technology from Macquarie University. Drawing inspiration from his family’s history in logistics, he embraced tradition and carved a fulfilling career path in this industry. Serving as a National Transport Technical Specialist at Metcash, he finds this role to be defining for his career, with heartfelt appreciation for the company’s support and excellent team culture. Beyond work, he ardently supports Arsenal in the English Premier League and passionately follows Essendon in the Australian Football League.

Jay Zhen Jay Zhen, a rising star known for innovation, dedication, and mentoring at dereOida, has crafted an extraordinary career path. Starting as the company’s first employee, his journey is nothing short of remarkable. Jay’s university years saw him in various roles, from IT Tutor at the University of Sydney to gaining hands-on experience at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research. Joining dereOida, he thrived under the guidance of founder Karl, excelling and advancing. His leadership extended to mentoring talents like Sunwit, and today, he plays a pivotal role in project estimation, HR, and hiring. Jay’s journey embodies dedication and tech perseverance, making him a deserving Future Leader Award candidate, driving innovation at dereOida.

Jess Sargent Jess Sargent, a passionate and visionary leader at DHL Supply Chain Australia, has demonstrated her ability to challenge the status quo and drive positive change. Joining as a graduate in 2022, she swiftly climbed the ranks to become a Site Operations Manager. Jess’s vision for the industry encompasses innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, and she actively supports the growth of the next generation in the field. Her impact at DHL over the past year is evident in her role in improving operations, team-building, and leveraging automation. Jess’s commitment to selfdevelopment, collaboration, and academic excellence, including her recent Master’s degree in Supply Chain and Logistics Management with Distinction, positions her as an up-and-coming leader with a strong foundation in the industry.

Joshua Kreskas Joshua Kreskas is a distinguished presence in the transport, logistics, and supply chain sector in Regional Victoria. As the third-generation leader of Kreskas Bros, a family-owned enterprise with a storied history dating to 1968, Joshua embodies the core values of integrity, reliability, and dedication that underpin the company’s enduring success. He symbolizes the industry’s future, committed to upholding Kreskas Bros’ legacy while propelling innovation and customer-centric excellence. His nomination for the Future Leader Award is a testament to his leadership and dedication to fostering the industry’s ongoing growth and prosperity.

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OCT ‘23

2023 Future Leader Award Finalists Kavinda Senarath

Kavinda Senarath, a dynamic professional based in Melbourne, Australia, with a strong academic background in Computer Systems. He currently serves as an AMR Consultant at Körber Supplychain APAC, where his dedication and innovative thinking optimize supply chain operations across the Asia-Pacific region. Beyond his tech career, Kavinda’s love for adventure shines through 4 Wheel Driving and Camping, providing the perfect escape from the digital world. Kavinda embodies the balance between the digital age and the natural world, showcasing career achievements and a vibrant spirit for the great outdoors.

Lachlan Moore In February 2022, Lachlan Moore embarked on a journey as a Central Operations Graduate at Coles, one of Australia’s largest companies, celebrated for its 840+ supermarkets and 13 distribution centres. Coles is currently investing over $1.4 billion in two Witron Automated Distribution Centres (ADCs) and two Ocado Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs, marking a pivotal supply chain transformation).

Lachlan’s role in the Witron ADC Project involved developing novel operational processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and resolving complex issues concerning non-conformant products. Within the Ocado CFC Project, Lachlan led essential operational testing, planning, managing challenges, devising testing strategies, and integrating the current supply chain with the new CFCs.

Paul Antoniadis Paul Antoniadis, a Senior Analyst in Supply Chain, is an exceptional future leader known for his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovative solutions. In a rapidly transforming logistics and supply chain landscape, driven by technology and global uncertainty, Paul’s passion for logistics and technology, combined with his forward-thinking mindset, consistently yields outstanding results.

Working with major retailers and suppliers, Paul has developed a comprehensive approach to data analysis, optimizing logistics to improve inventory turnover and enhance customer outcomes. His practical expertise in implementing data-backed solutions gives his clients a competitive edge.

Rayleen Woods Rayleen Woods, a Western Sydney native, brings a wealth of experience and determination to the Supply Chain & Logistics sector. With six years in the industry, Rayleen began her journey operating forklifts and cranes at BlueScope Steel, gaining insights into inventory management. Recognizing the importance of future-proofing her career, she pursued Certificate IV qualifications in Logistics and Warehousing Operations at TAFE Meadowbank.

Under her TAFE teacher’s guidance, she secured an administrative role in the heavy vehicle transport sector with the SCT Group. Rayleen’s dedication led her to complete a Diploma of Logistics, which, coupled with mentorship from her manager, Ben Bailey, catapulted her to the position of Regional Transport Planner at the SCT Group.

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OCT ‘23

2023 ASCL Award Sponsors PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNER

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

INDIVIDUAL AWARD SPONSORSHIP

ASCL Supply Chain Management Award

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ASCL Future Leader Award

ASCL Big Data IT & Business Intelligence (BI) Award

ASCL Industry Excellence Award

OCT ‘23

New SCLAA Platinum National Partner

The SCLAA welcomes our newest Platinum National Partner, Malec. As a not-for-profit Industry Association run by members for members, our ability to support the SCLAA infrastructure and to expand heavily relies on our National Partners. We urge all our members to support our esteemed National Partners when possible.

OVERVIEW

GO TO WEBSITE

Malec has joined SCLAA as a Platinum Partner.

Originating in 1997 as a small, locally family-run courier business out of Geelong, Malec’s logistics model and footprint have grown remarkably.

Today, 25 years later, Malec has transformed into a national one-stop transport & logistics company, boasting multi-state operations with a commitment to safety, sustainability, and service.

The company now employs over 200 individuals, ranging from office staff to truck drivers and forklift operators.

Coast, Brisbane, and Toowoomba. Expansion plans for Sydney and Perth are also in motion. Recently, Kyle Rogers, the current Independent Director of the SCLAA, joined Malec as their Director of Strategy & Development. Malec would also like to welcome James Fischer-Myall as COO.

With a fleet surpassing 100 trucks and equipped container-handling depots, Malec partners with some of Australia’s foremost importers and retailers. Their extensive supply chain, logistics, and transport experience positions them as a provider of choice for shipping lines, ports, freight forwarders, importers, and exporters. Services also extend to empty container park services for a primary shipping line at their newly inaugurated 50,000 sqm site on the Port of Brisbane. Additionally, Malec offers services such as container unpacking, bonded storage, fumigation, DAFF inspections, reefer points, and more.

Malec maintains operations, equipment, and offices in locations like Melbourne, Adelaide, Gold P 11

James Fischer-Myall brings unparalleled transport logistics expertise to the table. James remarked, “We aim to become Australia’s leading independent port logistics carrier and the freight forwarders’ first choice for wharf cartage transport.”

OCT ‘23

Business Challenges: Cost Minimisation vs. Investing in Talent In the June Quarter, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a modest 0.4% increase in GDP.

a growing number of businesses on hiring freezes are limiting organizations’ ability to secure skilled staff.

While Australia may not be in a technical recession, we are now officially experiencing a per capita recession, with a significant decline in living standards across the country.

In an effort to cut costs, some companies are resorting to hiring less qualified staff, resulting in lower productivity.

As households prioritise spending on essentials, savings have plummeted to their lowest level since the Global Financial Crisis.

Additionally, the Australian job market is showing signs of strain, with an increasing number of hiring freezes. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in August revealed a 9.2% decline in private sector vacancies and a 6.3% decrease in public sector vacancies since May 2023.

In response to this economic uncertainty, businesses are starting to feel financial strain and exploring ways to reduce resources to mitigate risk in a potential decline of the economic climate.

Challenges for Companies: Companies are facing several challenges in the current market.

There has been a shift towards stricter adherence to salary ranges and a focus on cost minimisation rather than investing in new talent. Budgetary constraints and

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Hiring processes and salary reviews are also taking longer as hiring managers become more cautious.

Internal negotiations for the smallest increases above salary bands are prolonging decision-making. As a result, inflexibility and slow decision-making are escalating the risk of losing highly skilled talent in elongated review and recruitment processes.

Recommendations for Companies: a. Conduct a thorough analysis of workforce needs: Evaluate organisational objectives and identify key roles that are crucial for driving growth and achieving core goals. Prioritise and allocate existing resources accordingly. Where necessary, go out to market to fill vital roles. b. Optimise internal resources: Identify skill gaps within the current workforce and provide training opportunities or reassign employees to areas where their skills can be effectively utilised. c. Consider alternative solutions: If there’s a hiring freeze, explore options such as engaging contractors, outsourcing, or redistributing workloads among existing employees to meet immediate requirements.

OCT ‘23

Bastian’s thoughts: In today’s rapidly changing market, the supply chain and tech sectors play a vital role in driving the economy forward.

These industries have proven to be essential during challenging times, keeping the world moving.

Businesses continue to find themselves facing a constant dilemma: should they focus on cost reduction or invest in talent? This question has become increasingly relevant as organisations strive to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.

On one hand, cost minimisation is a crucial aspect of running a successful business. By reducing expenses, companies can increase their profit margins. While cost minimisation can be an effective short-term strategy, it may not always be sustainable in the long run.

On the other hand, investing in talent is essential for companies to thrive and grow. A skilled and motivated workforce can drive innovation, improve productivity, and enhance customer satisfaction. By attracting and retaining top talent, companies can gain a competitive edge and position themselves as industry leaders.

The challenges of cost minimisation versus investing in talent are complex and require careful consideration.

While cost minimisation is important for short-term profitability, investing in talent is crucial for long-term growth and sustainability.

In our opinion, Supply Chain and Technology is and always will be essential to successful business operations. It has been clear that those that persevered, pivoted and were quickly able to adapt strategies whilst continuing to invest in these areas gained a significant competitive edge even in the most challenging of times.

Conclusion: As financial stress becomes more widespread, companies will carefully analyse their workforce needs and explore alternative solutions to bridge the gap during uncertain times.

Adapting to circumstances will empower businesses to navigate challenges effectively and emerge stronger when the market flourishes once again.

Companies that want to remain competitive should not hesitate to invest in supply chain & technology, even with predicted challenging times ahead.

Supply chain and technology are not just important, they are indispensable services that will always be essential to business success.

If you’re looking for support in sourcing talent, email contact@bconsult.io and Bastian can show you how we’ve helped businesses not only continue to source great talent, but save tens of thousands through a tailored subscription model.

ASCL Awards Gala Dinner - Guest Speaker The SCLAA is pleased to announce that Paul Graham, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Australia Post, will be Guest Speaker at the 2023 ASCL Awards Gala Dinner.

Paul is a supply chain industry leader, with more than 30 years' experience, starting his career at 18 in customer service in the international cargo industry.

Paul comes to Australia Post from Woolworths Group, where he was Chief Supply Chain Officer and Managing Director of Primary Connect. In this role he oversaw a strategic rebuild of the supply chain network, including over $2 billion of infrastructure investment. He has held senior roles working across logistics in Australia, the UK, Taiwan, Singapore and Germany, including as Global Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa for DHL. Paul was presented with the Public Service Medal by the government of Singapore for services to the logistics industry and regional development in 2015.

Paul Graham Group CEO and MD, Australia Post

In addition to his executive roles, Paul has also served as Chairman of a global digital marketing group based in London, served on various University and Government advisory Boards and also on Boards in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods and farming sectors.

Migrating from Northern Ireland, Paul knows the value of Australia Post as an essential service; trusted to connect Australians to each other and to friends and family around the world.

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OCT ‘23

The Industrial & Logistics (I&L) sector is the next ESG frontier There are rapidly rising expectations of what a building or estate needs to deliver – and not just within a building’s four walls.

Developers, investors and occupiers are also zeroing in on how to foster a sense of community within industrial estates as well as ways to combat the mental health and loneliness issues that can arise from the often repetitive work involved in warehouse and transport & logistics roles.

However, there are many inherent challenges to overcome and hurdles in the I&L sector that differ from those in the office market.

To help unpack what’s next, CBRE recently hosted a Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) event in Western Sydney to discuss the emerging trends and what ESG means from a supply chain point of view, including how it affects warehouse construction, DC operation, freight transport, procurement and people well-being.

Key take-outs included: – Developers are heightening their focus on delivering more sustainable, resilient buildings with more programs and initiatives being rolled out to upgrade existing industrial assets – A growing number of owners are seeking to participate in the Green Star Performance Rating program, as the industry’s focus on health and wellbeing rises – Power availability and record low vacancy rates across Australia’s industrial & logistics sector has created a range of immediate hurdles, crimping the ability to achieve ESG targets and upgrade existing stock You can read more about the event and the speaker insights here: https://www.cbre.com.au/insights/articles/how-esgconsiderations-are-reshaping-australias-industrialand-logistics-sector

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OCT ‘23

When AI came to the rescue in the face of supply chain disaster Artificial intelligence (AI) has been feted as everything from timesaver to the end of the workforce as we know it – yet few in Australian business seem to have tapped its apparently boundless potential. In our experience within the world of supply chain management, investment in understanding and utilising the current technology can reap substantial rewards.

We recently worked with a food supplier encountering a crisis when their largest supplier abruptly went out of business due to a complex web of unethical operations, geopolitical conflicts, and local regulations.

Unexpected disruptions can pose significant challenges to even the most successful companies. This beloved Aussie king of convenience snacks had achieved longterm success driven by brand loyalty and market growth, but their prosperity faced a daunting challenge when their largest supplier unexpectedly ceased operations overnight.

The company faced the risk of running out of stock for 70 percent of their product range by week 11. Customer orders were already committed for the next six weeks, and sales forecasts projected a seasonal demand peak for the quarter, intensifying the urgency to find a viable solution.

Faced with the risk of losing market share and decades of brand loyalty, the company swiftly convened a crossfunctional crisis meeting to find a solution and save their business. Leveraging the power of AI and machine learning with their newly developed supply chain optimisation platform, they evaluated multiple disruption and mitigation scenarios, considering costs, margins, revenues, service levels and risks across the extended supply chain.

The recommended scenario proved to be a sophisticated blend of all alternatives, strategically applied across various ingredients and finished goods. The solution accounted for multiple suppliers, both local and international, and considered pricing and competitor activities.

Within a remarkably short time frame, the team reviewed and approved the recommended scenario. The revised sales forecast, inventory targets, production plan, purchasing plan and pricing strategy were swiftly integrated, and the company gained a significant competitive advantage over competitors who might have faltered following such a substantial supplier shutdown.

This case study exemplifies the importance of leveraging AI now to be ready for times of crisis. Through the innovative use of technology, the Australian food manufacturer not only averted potential disaster but also emerged with a revised strategy that aligned with their business goals.

This was only possible because they had already invested in creating an AI-driven platform to support their business functions.

This successful adaptation underscores the transformative potential of AI-driven analytics in guiding businesses towards data-informed decisions, ensuring their ability to weather unforeseen challenges and thrive in an everchanging marketplace.

The next disruption is just around the corner – and it doesn’t need to be as significant as a global pandemic. The world remembers it took just one ship in March 2021 to upend global supply chains, and more localised incidents can be just as impactful on a company or sector level.

The AI-driven platform performed millions of complex calculations in a matter of seconds. The team reviewed advanced analytics and adjusted business policies and parameters to refine the scenarios, ultimately leading to the identification of the optimal solution.

Professor Ben Fahimnia Chair of Supply Chain Management The University of Sydney Business School.

Elton Brown Senior Consultant in Supply Chain Management

A guide for 3PLs and warehouses coming into peak shopping season How to equip your teams, optimise systems, and manage inventory for surging customer demand now, and strategies to ensure sustained success in the future.

To view article, please click here.

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OCT ‘23

Still too many work-related fatalities Safe Work Australia has unveiled a comprehensive report providing a nation-wide overview of work health and safety for 2021 and 2022. Highlighting the significance of workplace safety, data reveals that in the past decade, Australian workplaces have witnessed over 1,850 traumatic injury fatalities. Furthermore, over 1.14 million serious compensation claims have been lodged, representing about 1 in 12 workers.

In their compelling report titled “Key Work Health and Safety Statistics 2023,” it’s indicated that the annual cost burden of work-related injuries and illnesses is a staggering $28.6 billion on our economy. This figure equates to a potential 1.3% wage increase for all workers or an addition of 185,500 jobs if these incidents hadn’t transpired.

Key Insights from the Report: A predominant cause of fatalities remains vehicle incidents and being hit by moving objects.

Alarming trends show a surge in work-related mental health conditions. When these arise, affected workers take over four times the standard leave compared to other injuries.

A Snapshot of 2022 Data: 195 individuals tragically lost their lives due to workrelated injuries, marking an increase from 172 in 2021.

However, a silver lining is the declining trend since 2007.

New South Wales recorded the highest fatalities at 51, closely followed by Queensland at 49. Western Australia and the Northern Territory observed the highest fatality

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https://myosh.com/

rates, emphasizing the urgency to address this issue.

2022 Fatality Statistics: An overwhelming 93% of fatalities were male.

Vehicle incidents were the leading cause, accounting for 42%.

Machinery operators and drivers were the hardest hit, with 74 fatalities.

The agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry remained the most hazardous.

Regarding compensation claims for 2021-22: A total of 127,800 serious claims were lodged, with “serious” defined as cases warranting a week or more off work.

Body stressing – encompassing falls, slips, trips, and hits by moving objects – was the primary claim cause at 32.6%.

There was a notable rise in claims related to mental health (9.2%) and COVID-19 (from 400 in 2020-21 to 9,500 in 2021-22).

For a detailed dive into this report and further information, we recommend members review the original articles: “Still too many work-related fatalities and injuries,” SafeWork Australia, 28th September 2023.

“Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia,” SafeWork Australia, 2023.

OCT ‘23

New SCLAA National Partner

The SCLAA welcomes our newest National Partner, Cognex. As a not-for-profit Industry Association, run by members for members, our ability to support the SCLAA infrastructure and to expand is highly dependent on our National Partners. We ask all our members to support our valued National Partners where they can.

OVERVIEW COGNEX is now a National Partner at SCLAA. COGNEX is the world’s leading provider of vision systems, software, sensors, and industrial barcode readers in Logistics/Warehouse Automation.

Our vision solutions help companies in Retail Distribution, E-commerce Fulfilment, and Parcel Processing industries continue to meet customer demands and improve their own operation performance metrics. Successful companies are scaling and optimizing operations while minimizing manual work and equipment downtime.

Our machine vision and barcode reading solutions help improve overall productivity by improving traceability,

GO TO WEBSITE throughput, and reducing costs. In addition, those companies that fully leverage performance data and trending information from these solutions can fully optimize their operations and maximize their investments.

COGNEX serves an international customer base from offices located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and through a global network of integration and distribution partners. The company is headquartered close to Boston in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. COGNEX is publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol CGNX.

SCLAA WELCOMES OUR NEW CORPORATE MEMBER Airstack Intralogistics Pty Ltd NSW/ACT P 17

OCT ‘23

New SCLAA National Partner

The SCLAA welcomes our newest National Partner, The Access Group. As a not-for-profit Industry Association, run by members for members, our ability to support the SCLAA infrastructure and to expand is highly dependent on our National Partners. We ask all our members to support our valued National Partners where they can.

OVERVIEW The Access Group is one of the largest UK-headquartered providers of business management software to small and mid-sized organisations in the Asia Pacific, UK and Ireland. It helps more than 70,000 customers across commercial and non-profit sectors become more productive and efficient. Founded in 1991, The Access Group employs approximately 6,300 people, including 900 in the APAC region.

One of the Group’s flagship solutions is Access Mintsoft, which is revolutionising the world of supply chain, and logistics. A cloud-based order fulfillment and warehouse management software for online retailers, warehouses and 3PLs, Mintsoft is helping these businesses stay ahead of the increasing demands of e-commerce and multichannel selling.

The solution boasts more than 175 integrations from a single platform, including 89+ courier integrations and 67+ online shopping platform integrations, including Amazon, Shopify and eBay. A truly connected order, warehouse and inventory management solution, Mintsoft helps our customers to fulfill every order, on time and in full to their customers.

“We wouldn’t win new business if we didn’t have Mintsoft supporting our fulfillment operations. We are grateful that Mintsoft’s large portfolio of integrations

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GO TO WEBSITE allows us to quickly onboard new clients by allowing us to connect with their existing systems and channels,” Sally Pera – Commercial Director, Ogden Fulfillment.

The all-in-one solution automates order and warehouse processes, reducing errors and saving customers precious time and money. It removes the need for manual data entry by integrating with all the external platforms you and your customers need, which speeds up your time to despatch and deliver more.

“The solution is so good that I could quite literally grab someone off the street and have them trained up to be picking and packing within an hour. We simply couldn’t do business without Mintsoft,” Mack Blunsom | Owner Operator, Black Bear Fulfilment.

These reasons (and more) are why thousands of ambitious small and mid-sized organisations trust Access business management software to simplify their biggest challenges. Our purpose is to provide powerful solutions that free our customers to do more of what’s important to them.

OCT ‘23

Straight Talk from David Doherty OAM

David Doherty OAM is a past President and Life Member of the SCLAA and a highly regarded logistican. Send your Straight Talk feedback and comments to davidoh1@optusnet.com.au Turbulent times around the world will certainly impact us in days and months to come. Supply Chain disruptions are looming again soon after the Pandemic disasters. Supply Chain professionals and practitioners at every level will endure the resultant stresses. Of course, we have experienced many crises in past decades and survived and thrived. Hopefully our training, experience, and developed resilience will again deliver prosperity.

“It isn’t so much that hard times are coming: the change is mostly soft times going” (Groucho Marx) Effective Supply Chain people must have the capacity to react and adapt to changing circumstances. They do that every day, every week, every month, every year.

Even more importantly they must have the capacity to anticipate and manage risks proactively. Risks come in many forms, and ongoing processes to consider, plan, and act are critical. I am an enthusiastic believer in the value of Scenario Planning. It takes an imaginative mindset and a capacity to embrace all relevant team members to develop and assess a kaleidoscope of scenarios. Every possibility is discovered and discussed with a positive viewpoint.

I am also an unashamed fan of Sales and Operational Planning (SOP) in relevant situations. My experience clearly demonstrates that truth telling, openness and genuine collaboration are crucial elements of effective SOP. Unfortunately, pretence, finger pointing, and blamestorming is often evident in SOP meetings.

Curiosity is a key quality for Supply Chain Professionals and Practitioners. Curiosity breeds boundless adventure, research and learning opportunities that mundane status quo attitudes never display.

Demand Management is another key tool kit skill that drives much of our Supply Chains. It is also often damaged by unreasonable subjectivity, whims of management, and belief that technology provides all the answers. Effective and timely decision making remains an essential tool. Customers are fickle and rapid changes in demand can occur. Ability to react and adapt to those changes is a Supply Chain Management hallmark. Demand Management must be a continuous process with frequent updating and communication.

Over my career lifetime one of the most significant developments has been the ability to develop real time data in a form that allows quick assessment and decision making. Data where and when it’s needed is now expected without delay or omission. Technology has undoubtedly been the crucial enabler but human decision making embracing the range of experiences and learning remains as a significant determinant of success.

Career expectations will be different for the upcoming generation. We must strive to understand and learn from them as we current stakeholders make ready

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to pass the baton. Education and training institutes must address the desires and expectations of the next generation as well as the likely objectives of future business and customers. Professional Associations also need to reimagine offerings to assist development of Supply Chain people.

I have always believed that real Supply Chains (not pretend Supply Chains) are value generating with all participants benefiting from genuine collaboration with elimination of process waste and superior outcomes for customers. In my world additional value generated from supply chains implementation must be shared across the network for all participants to benefit. That does not always ensue.

“As you get older three things happen. First your memory goes, then I can’t remember the other two” (Sir Norman Wisdom) Are you satisfied with your Supply Chains?

Are you satisfied with your role and future in Supply Chain?

Are you satisfied with the training, education, and learning that you have access to?

What do you need to improve your tool kit skills to progress to satisfy your Career dreams?

These turbulent times are indeed a time for reflection and hope for better days to come. But previous generations have told us that such times often present opportunities for new thinking and progression.

Time for you to pick up the baton and become a progress champion. A sense of awe and wonder about the good things we encounter is vital if we are to build a future we can be proud of.

I am relying on you!

Be vigorously curious, learn every day, challenge the status quo, embrace others to develop their skills and opportunities, and collaborate honestly and openly. Be an authentic best version of you!

Enough said. Enjoy every day with the knowledge our Supply Chain Professionals and Practitioners play vital roles in our communities.

My thoughts are with all those people, regardless of their nationality or religion, who are being brutalised in conflicts around the world. Time for humanitarian values to become the driver of conflict resolution everywhere.

“One day we will be in a brand-new world. A new world is coming” (Billy Graham) Namaste David Doherty OAM davdoh1@optusnet.com.au

OCT ‘23

Case Study: Lilydale Instant Lawn, Delivered Where You Need It

The Lilydale Instant Lawn team prides themselves on their commitment to extraordinary customer service and being known as the supplier of choice for premium quality Instant Lawn in Australia.

Lilydale’s requirements for their last mile delivery solution included • Ability to integrate order information directly from NetSuite

Operating out of three farm locations at Bairnsdale, Pakenham, and Yarra Glen – Lilydale Instant Lawn manages a fleet of over 10 vehicles dedicated to delivering bulk Instant Lawn to over 1,200 locations monthly.

• Automated route planning and optimisation considering specific constraints including harvest requirement, customer delivery time windows, changing pallet weights based on rainfall, road networks and the capabilities of their fleet

Challenge In 2022, Lilydale Instant Lawn began the process of upgrading their legacy IT solutions with the objective of streamlining operations.

NetSuite was selected as the core ERP solution providing sales order entry, purchasing, inventory management, multi-company accounting, and CRM functionalities.

To facilitate successful last-mile delivery experiences for their customers, Lilydale Instant Lawn needed a solution that would integrate with NetSuite and enhance their supply chain performance.

“Our route planning process consisted of manually finding delivery addresses, plotting these dots on a map and figuring routes for each truck. This was inefficient and lacked any ability to scale.”

• Integrated Driver execution apps, and • Dynamic Customer Notifications that reflected actual arrival times Lilydale Instant Lawn understood that these capabilities were key to improving their operational performance and customer satisfaction but also had to be delivered through an integrated platform

Solution Lilydale Instant Lawn partnered with Bestrane to implement a comprehensive Route Planning, Driver Execution and Customer Notifications solution. This involved integrating solutions from NetSuite, Boomi, The Descartes Systems Group and Glympse.

Delivering solutions for complex logistics problems.

Reduce Costs.

Improve Efficiency.

Discover how Bestrane’s Route Planning and Optimisation solutions allow you to reduce cost, improve efficiency and customer service outcomes across a wide range of planning modes from dynamic and same day solutions, to territory or master routing.

No two route planning or optimisation problems are the same.

Using different optimisers for different problems, we enable a broad range of industries to create optimal daily routing solutions featuring capabilities such as background optimisation, same day routing, and dynamically generated delivery time windows that maximise customer experience.

Contact us to move forward.

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• Less vehicles used and distances driven • Reduced planning and dispatch costs • Improved fleet and driver utilisation • Improved customer service outcomes 150 Albert Rd South Melbourne 3205 b e st r a n e . c o m . a u +61 3 9001 1565

OCT ‘23

This cloud-based fleet management solution provides a comprehensive set of functionality including optimised route planning, dispatch, vehicle tracking, proof-of-delivery (POD) and dynamic notifications to end customers, that is fully integrated to NetSuite and maximises customer service and efficiency.

The Descartes OnDemand suite provided a seamless way to optimize delivery performance while considering a broad range of operational and customer requirements with an intuitive user experience. When combined with the Descartes MobileLINK driver application, drivers are also supplied with turn-by-turn navigation, real time order information and other workflow instructions critical to each delivery.

Changes to the daily plan are sent directly to drivers’ devices, with updates made by them including the status of their deliveries and POD’s visible to the planning team in real time.

Lilydale Instant Lawn‘s customers are also provided with real time updates on their order and delivery using Glympse Customer Notifications. Notifications including the ‘due for delivery the next day’ and a same day ‘en route’ message are sent direct to the customer’s allowing them to track the deliveries and synchronise labour to assist with unloading.

Operational: • Significant reduction in the time taken to plan the delivery routes and manage any exceptions and issues that arise • Consistent achievement of promised delivery times • Seamless capture and storage of key proof of delivery information • Guidance for drivers with turn by turn directions, and work flow instructions tailored to the delivery, such as site access policies and other delivery requirements • Centralised and real-time visibility of all deliveries, and • Enhanced reporting of key operational metrics including resource utilisation Financial: • Direct integration between NetSuite and OnDemand ensuring all orders translate into the correct deliveries and the completed deliveries are reflected in NetSuite for billing purposes • Reduced distances driven with routes accurately planned through OnDemand Customer: Significantly enhanced customer experiences with • Consistently improved on-time delivery performance

“We have traditionally been very good at achieving our expected delivery times however our customer experience now with our Glympse Customer Notifications has taken us to a whole new level of customer satisfaction”. Steve Cole - General Manager - Lilydale Instant Lawn Pty Ltd

• Direct customer notifications advising of when the order is routed and enroute for final delivery, and

Results

“We’ve had fantastic feedback from customers about being able to see where their delivery truck is.”

Sarah Head – Project Lead

Working with Bestrane, Lilydale Instant Lawn and their customers have realised significant benefits including:

Learn new supply chain and logistics skills in days or weeks Lift your career with a short course TAFE NSW Trade and Logistics RTO 90003 | CRICOS 00591E | HEP PRV12049

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• Enhanced engagement with customers – enabling easier deliveries as they are prepared for the delivery and often out in the street waving the drivers down!

OCT ‘23

Linde MH strengthens its footprint in New Zealand with new dealer partner, TDX Linde Material Handling has proudly served New Zealand for over 40 years — and over 100 years globally — providing some of the most powerful, innovative and safest material handling equipment available. At the forefront of our innovations stand our automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and our commitment to emission-reducing technologies.

We’re pleased to announce our new partnership with TDX, and equally excited for the mass expansion of Linde Material Handling into New Zealand.

Linde MH equipment, as well as Baoli equipment, will now be sold, rented, and serviced through TDX across New Zealand.

Ben Buddo, General Manager - NSW/NZ, spokesperson at Linde Material Handling Australia added, “This partnership is a huge step forward for Linde MH Australia. TDX is highly regarded as providing New Zealand customers with local know-how and a world-class customer experience. We are excited to have them on board, supporting our Linde customers in New Zealand and to continue to grow the brand with their support.”

Starting mid-November, TDX will launch its new company and become Linde Material Handling’s official dealer partner. Contact the team or register for further updates at www.TDXLTD.co.nz/linde About Linde Material Handling Australia Regardless of your business size or requirements, whether you’re after new or used forklifts, service, spare parts, fleet management services or specialist assistance with warehouse design and configuration, Linde has you covered. With the combined strength of Linde Material Handling, Baoli Forklifts and Linde certified used trucks providing a range of equipment that can service low, mid and high demand applications, Linde is able to provide a fit for purpose solution that caters to any budget.

About TDX Group TDX excels in delivering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers. While we collaborate with, service, and advocate for some of the world’s premier brands, we believe that understanding local nuances is essential. Our team brings deep insights into local conditions and industries, ensuring we remain in tune with the needs and priorities of our local clientele.

TDX, formerly known as TransDiesel, has over 40 years of experience and is the leading supplier of construction equipment, diesel engines, generators, and transmissions to various industries throughout New Zealand.

“We are delighted to partner with Linde. We will be setting up a new company to give focus to this great opportunity and ensure we deliver the very best service possible for our new customers.” says TDX CEO, Colm Hamrogue.

Being 100% New Zealand owned and operated entity, TDX delivers top-notch customer experience and outstanding products – something they achieve by pairing top global brands with local expertise.

As part of their strategy to introduce the Linde and Baoli brands to New Zealand, TDX will be setting up a new company. The new company will have specialists dedicated to Linde’s vast product range and will also support existing customers who have previously purchased their trucks in New Zealand.

“Since we started talks with the Linde team, I have been impressed with the quality of the Linde product range, the passion they have for their products and above all the focus they have for their customers. They like us, are committed to delivering a great customer experience in New Zealand. I believe we can achieve great things together and I am looking forward to getting out and about and supporting our Linde customers.” added Colm.

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Ben Buddo, General Manager - NSW/NZ and Colm Hamrogue TDX CEO

OCT ‘23

Case study: How a Large Manufacturer Seamlessly Moved from Windows to Android Devices in the Warehouse The UK arm of a leading manufacturer of paper-based packaging had experienced a surge in demand for its sustainably sourced and produced packaging, in line with the movement of companies seeking to mitigate their environmental impact.

The problem: Legacy Operating System (OS) Reaching End of Life To upgrade the network speed and performance in their warehouse facilities, the company’s IT team decided to implement a wider technology transformation program.

The program focused on replacing the mobile devices used by its teams to register incoming raw materials, manage inventory, and facilitate production and onward shipment of finished products.

Legacy Windows OS on mobile devices led to sluggish performance, hindering productivity and automated applications. Limited connectivity to a device management platform resulted in lost devices and frequent breakdowns. The priority was granting IT realtime visibility and enabling decentralised setup for new devices across dispersed locations.

The solution: A Transformational Mobility Platform With Windows Mobile approaching end of life, the paper manufacturer decided to standardise its future devices on Zebra Technologies’ barcode scanning and Android mobile computing portfolio – specifically the MC9000 Series Mobile Computers which are tailored for warehousing use. The manufacturer chose Zebra’s MC33xx Series with extended-range scanning (up to 30m) for handheld use, and Zebra’s VC80x VehicleMounted Mobile Computer with DS3608-ER Scanner for forklifts, enabling in-cab barcode scanning.

For many warehouse leaders, making the move to a new OS can feel uneasy as operations can rely on intricate systems that have been refined over the past few years. To mitigate customer concerns over changing ecosystems, Zebra created software tools in its Mobility DNA portfolio, strengthening Android as an enterprisegrade OS platform. A core feature of Mobility DNA is AllTouch Terminal Emulation (ATTE), which converts legacy green-screen apps into all-touch interfaces.

In a separate business area, the paper manufacturer needed a new mobile solution to replace outdated devices with a legacy remote desktop application (RDA).

Using legacy apps on modern devices posed technical hurdles, such as the HD display conflicting with old VGA screens, solved using Zebra’s ERDP client and

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maintaining proper resolution for Windows apps on Android.

Supporting its mobile computers is a Zebra OneCare maintenance plan along with Zebra’s VisibilityIQ Device Intelligence Services which provide real-time data on device location, performance, health and usage patterns (e.g., connectivity and charging) and more.

The benefits: An Advanced Platform Which Boosts Performance The mobile devices within Zebra’s Android portfolio are backed by an OS platform that’s been hardened and secured for the enterprise. The Mobility DNA tools facilitated the transition without altering the SAP backend, avoiding costly and time-consuming changes.

Mobility DNA has delivered other key benefits too. Using StageNow, local depots can easily load apps to their devices to deploy them when they are ready, reducing the need for IT support to attend sites. Furthermore, calls to support have dropped markedly as depots can easily reset and restore their devices themselves.

MC3300 mobile computers are rugged and enterprisegrade, built for warehouse durability. They provide processing power, ergonomic design, and improved WiFi for efficient, comfortable work.

LifeGuard coverage also ensures the paper manufacturer can keep its devices running for years with guaranteed patch and update support, while VisibilityIQ tracks device location, usage, and health, promoting best practices for maximising investment value. Furthermore, the availability of remote technical support also minimises physical site visits, cutting IT expenses.

“By moving to Android devices in our warehouses, we have enabled our users to use new devices that have the familiarity of their mobile phones. For us, as the IT team, we’ve been delighted by our experience of working with Newbury Data Systems and Zebra Technologies.

Problems have been resolved quickly, and the Mobility DNA platform gave us the confidence to transition from Windows to Android and ensured this was a seamless and successful process.” Project lead, paper-based packaging manufacturer.

To learn more, visit Zebra’s website.

OCT ‘23

Microlise Secures Major Contracts with Two of Australia’s Leading Grocery Retailers Group making strong progress toward its strategic goal of international expansion Microlise Group plc (AIM: SAAS), a leading provider of SaaS based transport technology solutions to fleet operators, is pleased to announce the signing of significant contracts with two of Australia’s largest grocery retailers.

Microlise has signed a seven-figure contract over a five-year period with a new Australian grocery retail customer, further cementing Microlise’s growing and substantial presence in the market. The customer will use a range of Microlise products including, Fleet Performance, Journey Management, Digital Video Recorder and 4-Way ClearVision Cameras, and the newly released product, AI driver distraction cameras.

In addition, Microlise has materially expanded its engagement with another leading Australian grocery retailer, worth an incremental £0.85 million with a fiveyear renewal. The customer will also now benefit from the use of the Group’s hosting, support, and third-party integration with Journey Management.

These two significant contracts demonstrate strong progress in Microlise’s strategy of enlarging its geographical footprint. It also demonstrates the attraction of the Company’s expanded product offering and reflects the continued focus by fleet operators globally on achieving safer operations, enhanced efficiencies, reduced costs, and improved sustainability.

Nadeem Raza, CEO, Microlise, said: “We are delighted to secure these contracts with two of Australia’s largest grocery retailers. They are also of strategic importance, highlighting our growing presence in markets beyond the UK while helping to validate and endorse our expanding range of SaaS solutions across multiple target geographies.”

“We are greatly excited, therefore, about further potential opportunities in international markets and look forward to updating the market in due course.”

For further information, please contact: Microlise Group plc Nadeem Raza, CEO Nick Wightman, CFO

C/O SEC Newgate

Singer Capital Markets (Nominated Adviser & Broker) Steve Pearce / James Moat / Harry Gooden

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Tel: 020 7496 3000

SEC Newgate (Financial PR) Bob Huxford / Molly Gretton / Harry Handyside

Tel: 020 3757 6880

Email: microlise@secnewgate.co.uk

About Microlise Established in 1982, Microlise Group Plc is a leading SaaS provider of Transport and fleet management solutions. Its technology is designed to help businesses improve efficiency, reduce emissions, lower costs, and increase safety on the road.

With a range of products and services used by more than 400 enterprise clients globally, Microlise helps companies of all shapes and sizes - across a wide range of industries - to better manage their entire operation.

Backed by a team of experienced professionals who provide excellent customer service, the Group has won a number of awards, including three Queens Awards for International Trade (2018) and Innovation (2019, 2020).

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the company also has offices in France, Australia, and India with a global staff base of more than 670 industry professionals.

Handling over 599,000 subscriptions annually, Microlise joined the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in 2021, qualifying for the London Stock Exchange’s Green Economy Mark.

OCT ‘23

Registration for the 2024 Microlise Transport Conference is Officially Open Registration is now open for the single biggest road transport conference in Europe.

Microlise Group, a leading global provider of innovative technology solutions, has opened registration for next year’s Microlise Transport Conference. One of the most anticipated events in the transportation industry, the premier event will take place on Tuesday 19th March 2024 at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

Speaking on the 2024 conference, Nadeem Raza, Microlise Group’s CEO, said: “As we open registration for our 2024 conference, we reaffirm our commitment to driving innovation and collaboration in the transportation industry. This conference is where the future of transport takes shape.”

Bringing together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the latest trends, technologies, and challenges shaping the future of transportation, the Microlise Transport Conference is renowned for providing a platform for thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and industry insights.

The 2024 conference promises to deliver invaluable knowledge and strategies for industry professionals.

Matthew Summers, Head of Global Marketing, added: “The Microlise Transport Conference is more than an event; it’s a catalyst for transformation. We invite everyone to join us in shaping the future of transportation, unlocking new opportunities, and redefining industry standards.”

Key highlights for the 2024 conference include inspiring keynote speeches from renowned industry leaders and visionaries; interactive sessions – from engaging panel sessions to informative workshops – an expansive exhibition hall featuring cutting-edge technologies, products, and services; and opportunities to network with peers, experts, and potential partners.

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Registration for the 2024 Microlise Transport Conference is officially open and free of charge. To secure your spot at the prestigious event, please click here.

For more information about the conference, including sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please contact Matthew Summers, Head of Marketing, at matthew. summers@microlise.com

OCT ‘23

SA/NT Divisional Report In 2023 South Australia experienced multiple sell out events during the year. It started with a really insightful tour of the Flinders Ports Holdings Container Terminal in quarter 1, followed by a factory tour of the Schneider Electric Manufacturing and Distribution facility in quarter 2 and most recently a tour of SA Water’s Desalination Plant.

Flinders Ports A special thank you to Hannah Davis and Michelle English for helping orchestrate this tour.

fast the containers move on the crane, estimated at 4 to 5 metres per second. The second was how fast the analytics planners need to move in order to determine the strategy required for unloading, rearranging and loading containers on and off the ships. The process needs to consider factors to ensure efficient movement, minimum handling, weight transition on the boat to prevent listing and timing of outbound movements from the terminal. What an exciting job these planners have, when often they are given only days to make these complicated assessments.

The Flinders Port Holdings group is the leading privatelyowned port operator in South Australia, handling the vast majority of the state’s international imports and exports each year. Established in 2001 it has associated assets and licenses for the operation of Port Adelaide and six regional ports across South Australia (Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Thevenard, Port Giles, Wallaroo and Klein Point).

They offer a wide range of port related services, which include pilotage, hydrographic survey and marine control services, as well as operation of South Australia’s sole container terminal, landside stevedoring and supply chain, warehousing and logistics services. They also provide services to three other commercial ports in South Australia on behalf of third parties at Whyalla, Port Bonython and Ardrossan.

Their vision is to connect South Australia to the world and they play an important role in facilitating economic growth in South Australia by providing vital linkages to global export markets for South Australian farmers, manufacturers and miners, as well as access to essential imports for consumers and producers.

SCLAA members and guests were treated to a presentation providing an overview of the business, followed by a delicious morning tea. After that we set off by bus to the Container Terminal, where we were able to witness first-hand and up close the movement of containers from ship to dock. The tour provided 2 real take aways for me and they were firstly just how

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Flinders Ports Container Terminal is about to undergo major upgrades with new technology and assets. We cannot wait to see what they will offer the State of South Australia in the years to come.

Schneider Electric A special thank you to Damian Allen for helping to organise this tour and to our guest speaker Max Giudici who provided significant insights into how Schneider Electric is managing their supply chain post-Covid19 pandemic and thanks to Anandaraj Selvaraj for the plant tour.

OCT ‘23

Again, the tour of this manufacturing facility and an overview of the business was well received by everyone who attended. People were able to witness what a world class manufacturing and office environment looks like. Several years ago, the business upgraded office facilities to provide a true workplace of the future, with open space work environments and highly connected meeting rooms and conference facilities for employees, customers and suppliers.

It has also been applying Industry 4.0 initiatives throughout the plant to ensure their manufacturing in Australia remains relevant and provides their customers with world class lead-times to thousands of unique products. We saw the application of machine learning for scheduling of moulding activities, collaborative

robots that remove risks related to repetitive strain injuries, and automated guided vehicles that have allowed the operation to reduce lead-time to customers for Made to Order products to below 4 days. Amazing!!

Our members and guests were able to witness digital systems “Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure” suite of software that does everything from real-time monitoring of plant equipment, cloud data analytics for optimizing energy management across multiple sites and the application of IndoSoft software for the management of quality and engineering information throughout the plant during manufacturing. Feedback from our visitors was that their application of digital technology to manage manufacturing and sustainability of operations is second to none. No wonder Gartner rate Schneider Electric as the #1 Supply Chain company on Earth!!

What another great tour we were able to offer.

SA Water Desalination Plant Finally, we visited the Desalination Plant for Adelaide and special thank you to Jade Cornish for showing us the facility. What another extremely interesting operation here in South Australia. By the end of 2024, SA Water aims to achieve net zero emissions and operate their base load requirements on 100% renewable energy. It’s mind-blowing to witness the incredible technology and innovation behind the scenes.

They have two 25 million litre tanks that they can fill six times a day. These are feeders into the Happy Valley systems that deliver water to the Adelaide area. SA as

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OCT ‘23

a state uses about 220 Giga Litres per annum and the desalination plant has the capacity to deliver 100 Giga Litres per annum if needed. An important insurance policy for continuity of supply to our state. As we all know, our supply chains need to not only be able to deliver “when it’s summer sailing”, but critical supply chains need to be able to deliver “from the eye of the storm”.

They also highlighted that at the other end of their operations is waste water treatment and the only thing that can be processed when flushed down the dunny is toilet paper. We were amazed at what they have found flushed down the dunny at their waste water treatment facilities North of Adelaide. Everything from keys and matchbox cars, to toothbrushes and lego!!

Here are some more key takeaways from our tour: • Currently operating at 5% capacity: If the plant was to operate at 100% capacity, it would have the capability to supply almost 50% of South Australia’s drinking water. That’s an incredible accomplishment of engineering and sustainability!

• 370,000 solar panels: The plant boasts approximately 370,000 solar panels across its sites, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly operations, well on their way to the 2024 vision for 100% renewable energy driving their operations.

• 1L of sea water into 1/2L of drinking water: The efficiency of this desalination process is impressive. For every litre of seawater processed, they produce a remarkable 1/2 litre of clean drinking water.

A true testament to responsible water management!

With pressures of up to 70 Bar during the process.

• 30 dedicated staff on site: Behind all this technology, at any given time, there are 30 staff members on-site, working diligently to provide South Australia with essential drinking water.

It’s inspiring to see the SA Water’s team’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and such efforts in action to ensure a reliable water supply to the community!

Thank you for sharing it with us SA Water.

Brett McGowran SA/NT State President brett.mcgowran@sclaa.com.au

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OCT ‘23

VIC/TAS Divisional Report The VIC/TAS Division has witnessed a flurry of events in recent months, as National Partners seized the opportunity to organise various activities.

Amazon Site Visit Vative orchestrated an exclusive site tour at Amazon’s fulfillment centre, showcasing the profound impact of a culture of continuous improvement on warehousing operations. This private tour brought together members from the supply chain and logistics community to gain insights from Amazon’s leadership team on their strategic focus on cultivating a culture to enhance efficiency to enable Amazon’s growth. The site tour was followed by a workshop led by Vative’s Executive Director, focusing on “Accelerating Warehousing Throughput.”

Ceremony for the evening. The event brought together over forty industry attendees for a delightful dinner and a thought-provoking conversation on best practices in sustainability. Interroll’s CEO also announced their Australian division’s achievement of platinum status for their commitment to environmental and sustainable business ethics through EcoVadis.

Networking Another networking event placed a spotlight on the crucial topic of “Who is Looking after the Leader,” featuring a keynote address by Renee Giarrusso. Given Australia’s high reported burnout rates, particularly within the leadership landscape, Renee shared valuable insights on how leaders can formulate strategies to re-energise and thrive in the dynamic world of supply chain management.

Blue Yonder Webinar Blue Yonder convened a panel of experts for a webinar titled “ How to Quickly Improve Labour Productivity in the Warehouse.” The discussion began with Blue Yonder’s Solutions Director, shedding light on supply chain trends and challenges identified from their customer base. The highly informative webinar delved into strategies for improving productivity and managing change effectively, ultimately enabling a competitive advantage in the supply chain. The event also featured insights from leading experts and a compelling case study from Americold.

Interroll Partner Dinner Interroll hosted an extravagant dinner at the newly renovated Le Méridien Melbourne Hotel, in collaboration with SCLAA, to facilitate an evening of industry executive exchange and a moderated discussion on sustainability. SCLAA’s VIC/TAS State Director, Rakesh Bandipelli, served as the Master of

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Renee Giarrusso and Theo Pappas

OCT ‘23

Tasmanian Representative

Upcoming Events

The 2024 VIC/TAS committee elections are in full swing, and we’re excited to welcome Katie Walacavage as the representative for the Tasmanian region following her

All attention is focused on the highly anticipated Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Awards (ASCLA), which is set to be a grand gala event taking place on Friday, November 10th, at the Grand Ballroom in The Fullerton, Sydney. Eagerness is mounting, with expectations of a record-breaking turnout as supply chain and logistics experts from across the country gather to celebrate industry excellence.

Additionally, our committee is in the final stages of planning another insightful thought leadership event on the 30th November. Stay tuned for the official announcement, as this event marks the last Melbournebased gathering for the year before we conclude 2023 with a festive Christmas Party!

Katie Walacavage

recent relocation from Sydney. Katie has admirably held the position of Vice President on the NSW committee for three years. With her now providing local representation in Tasmania, our VIC/TAS committee is actively preparing for an event set to kick off in 2024.

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Theo Pappas VIC/TAS State President theo.pappas@sclaa.com.au

OCT ‘23

NSW/ACT Divisional Report Industry Collaboration with TAFE NSW I had the privilege of representing the Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) at the TAFE NSW Open Day in August, which took place at the Ultimo campus. We at the SCLAA take immense pride in our partnership with TAFE NSW. The open day achieved remarkable success, drawing a high turnout of prospective students, families, and friends. The event included program presentations, campus tours, interactive demonstrations, meeting faculty staff, showcasing student projects, career guidance, Q&A sessions and much more. There was an immense interest in Supply Chain & Logistics education offered by the Supply Chain and eCommerce Team at TAFE Sydney Region, as well as curiosity about the SCLAA. The ongoing collaboration between TAFE NSW and SCLAA, resulted in a special membership discount offer for all TAFE students who choose to become SCLAA members.

TAFE NSW’s vision is ‘To be the leading provider of lifelong learning, meeting the evolving needs of industry and learners in communities across NSW’. TAFE NSW

works closely with industry and local communities to develop and deliver industry leading training solutions.

TAFE NSW offers a range of nationally accredited courses in Supply Operations, Driving Operations, Procurement and Contracting, Freight Forwarding, Customs Broking and Supply Chain Management to name a few.

I would like to express my appreciation to TAFE NSW Ultimo for their collaborative efforts in promoting this partnership.

Mary Solimon NSW/ACT Committee

Industry site tour of TAFE NSW Institute of Applied Technology In today’s dynamic business landscape, the Supply Chain and Logistics industry faces ever-evolving challenges. In September TAFE NSW Institute of Applied Technology hosted an Industry site tour at Meadowbank, where they outlined their continuous commitment to tackling these challenges head-on through collaboration with industry leaders.

As the demands on the Supply Chain and Logistics sector continue to grow, it’s crucial that our workforce is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. By working closely with key players in the industry, TAFE NSW are dedicated to identifying the skills gaps and designing training programs that fill them effectively.

TAFE NSW are eager to build on our partnerships with leading industry partners like the Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) and Training Services NSW to name a few, to address these workforce challenges together. By aligning our training programs with real-world industry needs, we are fostering a workforce that is adaptable, innovative, and ready to navigate the complexities of modern Supply Chain and Logistics.

TAFE NSW believe that our robust conversations have laid the foundation for future collaboration and problem-solving. Together, we have the potential to drive positive change in the Supply Chain and Logistics industry.

A massive thank you to Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA),Training Services NSW and other industry members for your active participation and insightful contributions to this event. It’s through conversations like these that we make progress and drive innovation in our industry. TAFE NSW also wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to the team at TAFE NSW IAT Meadowbank that helped coordinate this exciting Industry site tour. They look forward to hosting another in the near future.

Michael Farragher NSW/ACT Committee

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Congratulations The NSW Training Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of Education to recognise outstanding achievement in the Vocational Education and Training sector. The Awards honour and reward the achievements of students, Trainers/Teachers, Registered Training Organisations, large and medium Employers.

Michael Farragher is the NSW Training VET Trainer/ Teacher of the Year 2023 for the Central & Northern Sydney Region. He is a TAFE NSW Teacher in Supply Chain and Logistics and a member of SCLAA Training, Education and Development Committee.

The SCLAA team would like to congratulate Michael Farragher on reaching the NSW State Finals and being shortlisted in the top 3 VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year for 2023 in NSW from thousands of eligible applicants. As a finalist in the state, “you have reached a well-deserved milestone in your career. Your students are fortunate to have you as their teacher, and your influence goes far beyond the classroom. We are proud of you and wish you continued success in your teaching journey”.

a presentation by Booktopia and Grant Thornton Australia, the Management Consulting firm that helped Booktopia design and implement the new CFC. The presentation covered the strategic objectives, the business case, the technology solutions, the project management, and the outcomes of the new CFC. The attendees then had a chance to see the new CFC in action, which spans over 20,000 sqm and has a oneway flow of books from receiving to dispatching. The CFC is fitted with ~100 Locus robots that work alongside ~117 human workers (depending on volume) to pick and pack books faster and more accurately. The CFC also has an area for expansion for future growth and optimisation.

The attendees were able to interact with some of the key pieces of technology that the CFC uses, such as: • Locus robots – this is the big draw card as there is no other implementation of this size in Australia and its market leading technology.

• Packaging automation – CMC machines, Ranpak Flap’its • Interoll conveyors -Installed and designed by Dexion Liverpool • Interoll Outbound Sorter • Adept Inbound sorter • Thomax Technology (.WMS) The tour ended with a Q&A session, where the attendees asked questions and shared their feedback with Booktopia and Grant Thornton Australia. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, as a lot of engagement was around the flexibility and scalability of

Booktopia Site Tour SCLAA held a site tour at Booktopia to showcase its latest implementation of supply chain tech in conjunction with Grant Thornton.

The tour was a great opportunity for SCLAA members and other industry professionals to see how Booktopia, Australia’s leading online book retailer, transformed its supply chain and created a new era of online book retailing with advanced automation and robotics.

The tour was fully booked with approximately 35 attendees, who were eager to learn from Booktopia’s experience and innovation. The tour started with

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the automation with the Locus Cobots.

The tour was a success for both Booktopia, Grant Thornton and the SCLAA, as they showcased the expertise and innovation of Australian supply chain and logistics professionals. The tour also provided some key learnings and insights for the attendees, such as: • The importance of aligning the design with the business strategy and customer requirements.

• The value of using flexible automation that can adapt to changing demand and business conditions.

• The need for detailed transition planning to minimise business interruption during solution cut-over.

• The benefit of having a blended team of client staff

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and consultants to ensure knowledge transfer and ownership.

• The opportunity for horizon 2 planning for the next phases of efficiencies ,cost reduction and value creation.

The SCLAA would like to thank Booktopia and Grant Thornton Australia for hosting the site tour and sharing their knowledge and experience with us. We would also like to thank all the attendees for their participation and enthusiasm. We hope you enjoyed the tour as much as we did.

Julian Brancaccio NSW/ACT State President julian.brancaccio@sclaa.com.au

OCT ‘23

QLD Divisional Report SCLAA and the Chartered Institute of Procurement held a networking event at the Flight Centre in Brisbane, with guest speaker Brad Jeavons discussing how to Improve safety, productivity and reduce environmental impact simultaneously in chaotic times. The event was well attended by both SCLAA and CIPs members with Brad’s presentation both timely and topical. It was well received with many members asking further questions from Brad after his presentation. It was also a great networking opportunity for Brisbane based SCLAA members to engage with Brisbane CIPs members, with a commitment to continue to hold future joint events.

Trivia Night, 20th September 2023 Our SCLAA national partner CoRsafe sponsored and hosted our very first Trivia Night at the Broncos Club on 20th September. MC’d by the incredible Adam Gibson from CoRsafe, he made it an engaging and fun event that left you with a smile even if you didn’t leave with a prize. We mingled with various supply chain professionals from many different industries over food & drinks and nail biting trivia questions. The light-hearted nature of the event was well received, and it has already been pencilled in the books to do again in 2024!

Malec Site Tour, 12th October 2023 SCLAA national partner Malec Transport was kind enough to show us around their brand-new facility at the Port of Brisbane, having opened just a few months

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ago. We covered some very topical and important subjects to both Malec and a lot of our membership base, such as sustainability and circular economy. We saw a couple of reach stackers in action, a 38,200sqm hardstand and wash bay serviced by their own recycled water, container repairs, their warehousing & cross dock facilities and a glimpse of the largest a-double fleet in Queensland! Overall it was a fantastic event and we thank Kyle Rodgers and the team at Malec for hosting us!

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We look forward to closing out 2023 with our Crhistmas party and thank all of our National Sponsors and Partners for their support this year.

Papillion Gordon QLD State President papillion.gordon@sclaa.com.au

OCT ‘23

Swisslog names Jens Schmale as new Chief Executive Officer Jens Schmale is next in line for Swisslog CEO as Antonio Trioschi announces upcoming retirement.

September 2021. Before Swisslog, he held several senior leadership positions with leading logistics providers.

Antonio Trioschi, the current CEO of Swisslog, has announced his intention to retire at the end of the year, prompting this change in leadership.

Antonio leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments, including the orchestration of transformative initiatives that fuelled business growth, financial improvement, and innovation at customer level.

Jens Schmale, has been announced as Swisslog’s new CEO

Intralogistics leader Swisslog has announced Jens Schmale as its next CEO, effective 1 January 2024. Jens is currently CEO of Swisslog EMEA and brings a wealth of experience in the logistics sector to his new role.

Jens, 49, joined Swisslog in 2020 where he was responsible for the company’s AutoStore business unit until he took on the role of CEO of Swisslog EMEA in

Swisslog Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Dan Ulmamei, says “I would like to express my gratitude for everything Antonio has done for our region, for our team, and for me in particular, and to assure our community there will be a smooth transition. We have recently won several very important projects, our pipeline is stronger than ever, and I am looking forward to continuing our growth journey under Jens, who will add further value to customers globally and locally, building on Antonio’s excellent work.”

Enhanced customer focus KUKA CEO, Peter Mohnen trusts Jens will build on the achievements of his predecessor. “I want to extend my profound appreciation to Antonio for his outstanding leadership and dedication. Under his leadership, Swisslog has achieved incredible milestones for its customers. Jens has demonstrated his leadership expertise as the CEO of Swisslog EMEA and is wellequipped to build on this strong foundation and usher in a new chapter of success.”

As the new Chief Executive Officer of Swisslog, Jens’ primary strategic focus will be on enhancing the customer experience and strengthening the company’s relationships with its clients and partners. “I am excited to steer Swisslog on the path to growth and seize opportunities to exceed customer expectations,” Jens shares. “I will also be concentrating on ensuring Swisslog remains a great place to work by fostering stronger collaboration and, ultimately, creating added value for our customers.”

Giulia Colombi, will be taking over as the leader of Swisslog EMEA. Giulia has experience across various business areas, working closely with customers and opening new markets.

Antonio Trioschi has announced his intention to retire at the end of 2023

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OCT ‘23

UPCOMING EVENTS

For More Info > sclaa.com.au/events

For other upcoming events, see

UPCOMING EVENTS on the SCLAA website P 37

OCT ‘23

BOOKTOPIA

1300 364 160 secretary@sclaa.com.au sclaa.com.au

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