P.PSH.1269 - Summary of Vertically integrated digital platform for WA livestock supply chains and decision to not continue project
Using a digital platform can simplify the distribution and supply of commodities while also improving traceability and customer satisfaction.
| Project start date: | 30 September 2020 |
| Project end date: | 31 May 2022 |
| Publication date: | 31 January 2024 |
| Project status: | Terminated |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | Western Australia |
Summary
The Stirlings to Coast Farmers group (SCF) and the West Australian Producers’ Co-operative (WAPC) partnered on this project intending to develop a vertically integrated digital platform. This platform aimed to streamline procurement, supply and distribution of livestock commodities from farmers and processors to wholesalers and retailers in the domestic WA meat supply chain.
The project was completed early following a go/no-go point when the complexities of the project were identified.
Objectives
-Develop a framework for implementing efficient digital procurement and traceability system, safety, and information transparency.
-Develop and trial a fully operational cloud-based commodity (lamb and beef) logistics management platform with blockchain technology and ‘smart’ digital contracts capability.
-Digitally connect the value chain partners through data sharing agreements and IoTs in the supply chain and on farms.
-Enable optimisation of the product value chain – price, production, and logistics through data aggregation and analysis.
-Enable product traceability and integrity, reliability, and provenance (assisted with digital systems).
-Review project findings and disseminate knowledge to key stakeholders in industry and academia, including grower groups and industry organisations.
Key findings
There is interest from supply chain participants in increasing traceability, information and data sharing using digital tools. However, when it comes to implementation the members of the supply chain find it hard to shift from traditional to digital tools.
This project was completed early due to a combination of COVID-19 impacts on export parts of the chain and also the difficulty in onboarding producers to be part of the project.
Recommendations included more targeted digital capability building activities with supply chain members.
Benefits to industry
Benefits were mainly for people interested in developing similar systems. The findings highlight that there are complexities in designing digital tools and platforms in this sector. This will help streamline similar development in the future.
MLA action
MLA will continue to work to find digital solutions to improve traceability and verification.
Future research
This project was not completed and therefore there are no direct future research opportunities.
More information
| Project manager: | Julie Petty |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
