VIL Programmes

Supply Chain Organisation

A well organised supply chain is of paramount importance to a company’s competitiveness. The present economic situation, (international) competition and quickly changing market conditions require logistics providers and shippers to be able to alter and update their logistics processes and systems quickly and effectively in an innovative and sustainable way. The Supply Chain Organisation programme focuses on three areas:

  1. Optimising the flow of goods: making efficient use of the multimodal network and having a minimum impact on the environment and the infrastructure.
  2. Distribution centres and warehouses: developing a cost effective logistics network, managing logistics activities cost efficiently and developing more VAL and VAS activities.
  3. Employment and logistics: having sufficient numbers of available and skilled logistics workers and organising labour efficiently.

Supply Chain Intelligence

The logistics sector is increasingly evolving into a high-tech sector. Without advanced technology (e.g. EDI, RFID etc.), it is often no longer possible to ship and follow up goods in an economically responsible way. With the Supply Chain Intelligence programme, VIL wishes to make the logistics information flow visible and manageable through the use of intelligent and innovative technologies. The programme focuses on three areas:

  1. Intelligent and automated Proof of Shipment & Delivery for high-quality, critical goods.
  2. Managing logistics containers (e.g. pallet containers, crates, roll containers, etc.)
  3. Real-time follow-up and steering of critical products based on environmental conditions.

Supply Chain Security

The increased liberalization of world trade, the increased (complexity of the) flow of goods together with the threat of terrorist activities have all lead to an increased concern about the safety of these flows. This concern formed the catalyst for a number of security initiatives including international programmes (WCO, ISO, ISPS, etc.), government initiatives (EU: AEO; USA: C-TPAT; China: S&STL; etc.) as well as private initiatives (TAPA, BASC, etc.).

Along with supply chain security, it is also important to strive for better facilitation of trade. Within Europe, companies have the AEO statute, which forms the basis for all future customs facilitation in the chain.

It is an indisputable fact that both shippers and logistics providers within the surrounding regions are much quicker at capitalizing on the move towards certification. It is possible that chains may emerge in the near future which only consist of AEO certified companies, thus forming a “secure chain”. This presents clear dangers for the competitive position of our Flemish companies.

VIL also wishes to develop projects that can lead to the benefits of such security programmes being realized much faster and which can also guarantee the competitive position of Flemish companies.