Supply Chain Council launches SA chapter

THE INTERNATIONALLY recognised Supply Chain Council has launched a South African chapter. The Supply Chain Council - an independent, non-profit, international organisation - was established in the USA in 1996 in response to the need for common standards and tools in measuring supply chain performance. The council includes leading international manufacturers, distributors and retailers, but also technology suppliers, academics, consulting firms and government organisations. According to Tiger Wessels, chairman of UTi Ð the company which has driven the council move to SA - the globalisation of economies means that SA companies have to become more efficient in the distribution, importing and exporting of raw materials and manufactured goods. "After extensive evaluation of the available options, we found that the Supply Chain Operations Reference-model (SCOR) provides one of the best "fast-track" improvement frameworks for companies interested in improving the supply chain." SCOR is available to all council members. The SA Chapter will host the Africa Supply Chain World Conference in the first half of 2003, in Johannesburg.