Collaborating across the supply chain
Flinders Port Holdings is a privately-owned port, logistics and container terminal services group based in the seaport suburb of South Australia’s state capital, Adelaide.
The group operates seven ports, located at Port Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Thevenard, Port Giles, Wallaroo and Klein Point and is the parent company of Flinders Ports, Flinders Logistics and Flinders Adelaide Container terminal – the only container terminal facility in South Australia.
The Port has a total workforce of more than 590 employees, and was listed number 59 on the South Australian Business Index of top 100 companies. Across all of its ports, the business handles a diverse range of products ranging from grain, to metal ores to fully manufactured cars.
A crucial aspect of the supply chain, ports work with all sectors of the logistics spectrum. From the trucks that enter the port, to the containers that leave and arrive on cargo ships, to the freight trains that move goods across Australia, collaboration is essential for a port to operate effectively.
At Flinders Port Holdings the organisation has been utilising technology across its core business to better enable cross-collaboration, Andrew Pellizzari, General Manager Group Development, Flinders Port Holdings says.
“We collaborate across various sectors in the supply chain through a number of real time message systems, such as direct Electronic Data Interchange messaging, web services and our operational website. Our platform provides visibility across all of our transactional partners – including shipping lines, packers, exporters and transport companies,” Andrew says.
Over the last decade, the role of technology and data within supply chain and logistics has accelerated and Andrew says this is set to continue. “Technology, and specifically digitisation of data, means that cargo can be moved through different modes, including ports, much quicker and at a greater volume,” he says.
One area that technology has been instrumental in the logistics and warehousing space is through Just-in-time inventory management. “Technology has enabled a new, dynamic approach to storing and receiving goods. Across the sector technology will continue to underpin supply chain continuity, especially where multiple modes are involved,” Andrew says.
While technology places an important role in cross-sector collaboration, Andrew and Flinders Port Holdings also recognise the need to meet and network face to face. This is evident in the organisation’s recent commitment to exhibit at MEGATRANS2020.
“MEGATRANS is an important forum, which enables us to communicate with the logistics industry and keep up to date with key trends. It is also a valuable networking opportunity for us to engage directly with our supply chain partners,” Andrew says.
Find out more from Flinders Ports at MEGATRANS2020.
