New RILA interactive flow chart explains supply chain steps and security procedures
Arlington, VA — August 30, 2006 — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), the trade association of the largest and fastest growing companies in the retail industry, posted on its Web site this week a new interactive flow chart called "From Factory to Shelf: Navigating the Global Supply Chain" with a glossary of supply chain terms to help the public, policymakers and the media better understand the processes and security measures in place to protect U.S. maritime cargo.
The chart can be found on the RILA website at www.retail-leaders.org.
"We hope the chart and glossary will help provide those participating in and observing the port security debate in Washington with a better understanding of the way the supply chain system works," said Al Thompson, RILA's vice president of global supply chain policy. "The debate on port and supply chain security often involves numerous acronyms and jargon. We posted the chart and glossary to give a simple overview of the various steps in the maritime cargo supply chain, and the security procedures now in place."
The interactive chart provides users with a step-by-step explanation of the supply chain security processes and procedures from the purchase order to the final destination. By clicking each image, the user receives an explanation of each step made along the supply chain, and the definitions associated with each.
In addition, users can view supply chain security measures applicable at each step, by rolling the cursor over an adjacent inspector icon.
In May, the House of Representatives passed the Security and Accountability For Every Port (SAFE ports) Act by a vote of 421-2. RILA supports the legislation, which seeks to improve security by building on the risk-based approach of the past five years. As the fifth anniversary of September 11 nears, the Senate continues to work toward developing consensus legislation.
Additional Articles of Interest
- — Imminent terrorist attacks or no, your competitive advantage demands that you secure your company's supply chain. Read more in "Supply Chain Security: Is Your Company Complacent or Engaged?," in the February/March 2005 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.
- Making Global Supply Chains Work – Supply and demand chain practitioners take on the challenges and opportunities of world marketplace.
- The Hidden Costs of a Global Supply & Demand Chain - Veteran industry observers warn of potential hidden costs of offshoring.
- Mastering the Complexity Challenge in the Global Supply Chain - While many companies are acting globally, they are still thinking locally.
- Ensuring Security of Supply in the Lean Supply Chain - Balancing the demands of security with the requirements of today's lean supply chains
- The World Is Enough - Making the global high-tech supply chain more accessible.
— For a look at how Tyco Fire & Security is tackling trade compliance issues in its global supply chain, see "Turning Global Trade Compliance Into a Competitive Advantage," in the August/September 2004 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.
— For more information on the challenges and opportunities presented by increasingly global supply chains, see the special in-depth report in the August/September 2004 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive, which includes the following articles:
— For more information on the latest trends in the logistics space, see the article "The Analyst Corner: Fulfillment & Logistics" in the October/November 2004 issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.
