The Australian Federal Government have added new data to the Supply Chain Benchmarking Dashboard in order to improve Australia’s supply chains.
First launched last October in development with the CSIRO, the Dashboard allows industries to view supply chain performance across road and rail in various locations.
The new data added will provide more clarity to freight operators and their supported businesses, allowing them to continually reduce costs and improve their operations.
The updated data means a further 12 commodities are available on the Dashboard, including asphalt, bitumen, cement and molasses. This additional industry insight means businesses can compare freight task costs and values, travel distances and durations, and geographic areas to maximise their supply chains.
With 150 commodities now on the Supply Chain Dashboard, the new data gives freight operators the chance to optimise their operations and measure both time and cost.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said these updates on the Dashboard will allow freight operators to increase their performance while continuing to limit their costs.
“Australia’s freight sector has done exceptionally well to keep supplies flowing in challenging circumstances throughout the pandemic,” said Joyce.
“As the sector returns to normal, the Supply Chain Benchmarking Dashboard will help freight operators to improve their operations, save on costs and grow on the other side of the pandemic.
“This new data will help more businesses to be more productive, competitive and resilient, driving improved performance across the sector. Robust supply chains keep our economy strong, supermarket shelves stocked, products moving to international markets and people in jobs, which is why we are providing the data the sector needs.”
The Supply Chain Dashboard is part of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, which is the Federal Government’s national plan to increase government and industry action on improving freight performance.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the new data added to the Dashboard is the next step forward in maximising the freight industry in line with the Strategy.
“Better freight location and performance data and improved supply chain efficiency are two key target areas under the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy,” said Assistant Minister Buchholz.
“That’s why our Government is investing $16.5 million over four years to create a Freight Data Hub and provide freely available resources such as this Supply Chain Benchmarking Dashboard.
“The Dashboard builds on other initiatives such as the recently launched National Location Registry, which is also helping businesses get Aussie produce from gate to plate more efficiently.”
“With the current unique challenges of COVID-19, and our national freight volumes projected to continue to grow by over 35 per cent by 2040, we know rail and road supply chain staff have been working hard to keep delivering for Australians.”
The updated Supply Chain Dashboard is a sign of what’s to come for the Federal Government and CSIRO, who will continue to invest in modelling and improving Australia’s supply chains.
CSIRO Senior Principal Research Scientist Dr Andrew Higgins said the new data in the Dashboard is an example of how the freight operation industry can only get better in the future.
“The dashboard is being continually improved to better meet the needs of our freight and supply chain industry,” said Dr Higgins.
“I would like to thank the 400-plus industries and businesses across Australia who supported this effort with data or expertise.”
In related news, Linfox backed the Government’s push to centralise freight data.