Collaborative solutions provider Collaborative Xchange (CX), a division of supply chain consulting and technology provider VSC Solutions, has developed a specialised computer-based electronic data interchange (EDI) service that enhances mine supply chain management, integration and visibility.
CX operations manager Grant Marshbank says that the company’s EDI model was originally developed for the automotive industry, but the model has been replicated to enable the mining industry to enhance its supply chain management.
The company explains that supply chain information is designed to operate in a hosted environment, which supports multiple customerscrusher feeder and screen and business models in a single computing environment.
„EDI has evolved drastically, as it is no longer merely electronic data transfer. Rather, EDI encompasses electronic portals and dashboards, which can improve management, efficiency and productivity,“ says Marshbank.
An EDI service is essentially business-to-business communication, but CX has developed an ‘isilica sand washing equipment price malaysiantegration hub‘, enabling real-time messaging that links companies, organisations and systems in the supply chain.
This means that supply chain communities have the ability to exchange information across disparate information technology systems. A web portal has been established to publish all the raw data transmitted between the manufacturers andiron ore mining effect in philippines the suppliers.
The process entails the receipt of a message on a system, then translating this raw data and transforming it into information that all supply chain partners can view and understand. Real-time messaging is delivered in a format that all trading partners can understand regardless of the data format an organisation uses in its back-end system.
It abentonite granules plant equipmentlso enables full visibility of the movement of goods and events through the supply chain.
Marshbank believes that this visibility of the movement of goods and raw materials empowers industry to be proactive.
The company notes that complete visibility of the supply chain enables greater efficiencies in all processes. „It is no longer just about moving data from one place indian stone powder making equipment supplierto another, but increasingly about using the information contained in the data in order to support that business while it is still relevant,“ it says.
Marshbank says that CX has been largely involved with the automotive industry’s supply chain logistics, but has recently equipped themselves to focus on mining logistics.
The same principle will apply and all those involved in the mining industry, from mine managers to suppliers and manufacturers, are able to securely collaborate on planning and supply forecasts. „Further, supply chain companies and transport providers use that information to eliminate delays and reduce costs,“ adds Marshbank.
Besides reducing costs, the system increases sales forecasting accuracy and a reduction in non value-adding supply chain activities, such as in the areas of procurement, urgent consignment management and redeliveries, he notes.
Other benefits of using this system include increased automation.
Raw data is imported and translated automatically and so there is less chance of human error in the capturing of comprehensive information. This also means increased security and traceability.
There is a current downturn in the mining industry, but Marshbank assures that investment in a collaborative exchange system is vital. „It enables efficiency at all levels and in all parts of the supply chain,“ he concludes.