DIAGNOSTICS OF SHORT SUPPLY CHAINS

The diagnostics process aims to determine the level of logistics maturity, along a standardised scale, and provide solutions towards improvements in line with the relevant area of activity and ecosystem of the company. Diagnostics are carried out with a standardised analysis of 3 angles, and 10 modules :

The 5 stages of the 360° supply chain * :
 

1.    Screening

A concise description is to be prepared by the company from an existing file, and sent back 7 days before the next stage can be undertaken.

2.    Diagnostics

The diagnostics proper are carried out on site, or on a remote basis, with a person designated by the company.

3.    Analysis and report

Based on the information collected on the day of the diagnostics, the expert will prepare a maturity report of logistics activities and devise an action plan for the three crucial points that will have been identified during stage 2.

4.    Results review 

The results report will be shared with the company during a review which will be carried out remotely, unless expressly requested otherwise by the company.

5.    Follow up one year later
 

After a period of one year, the action plan will be reviewed and the three points that are its focus re-evaluated. The dashboard will be updated according to the new results.

* The 5 stages of  diagnostic 360° in more detail :

• Screening

A concise description is to be prepared by the company from an existing file, to be sent back 7 days prior to the undertaking of the next stage.

• Diagnostic

The diagnostics proper are undertaken on site, or remotely, with a person designated by the company. The expert will ask the relevant questions and provide all necessary clarifications/examples. He may also eventually ask additional questions in respect of the modules that he feels are weakest. He will input all results into his diagnostics tool.

• Analysis and report

On the basis of information collected on the day of the diagnostics, the expert will undertake the following steps:

1. Analyse the results obtained
2. Point out ways to make improvements
3. Supply literature and brochures
4. Communicate the level of maturity that has been awarded (out of a scale of 4)
5. Elaborate a dashboard
   • Macroscopic view
   • Microscopic view

STRUCTURiNG OF ANALYSES by MODULE

For all 10 modules of the diagnostics, the report will include the following points:

• Results :
• Percentage of best practice achieved
• Level of maturity reached: eg collaborative logistics
  • Sticking points to address to gain access to the next level : for example using the ABC method, adopting periodic inventories, reinforcing FIFO management…
  • Observations with comments by the expert
  • A review of the literature and provision of literature according to the nature of the module
  • Recommendations : the expert offers his advice in respect of sticking points which once addressed will enable access to a  higher level of maturity
  • For 3 of these 10 modules, an action plan will be also drawn up with the company in addition to the diagnostics report and the dashboards. This will allow for the prioritisation of activities to be undertaken for those modules needing particular attention. The selection of these three modules will be discussed with the company at the end of the day, arbitrated and documented. Furthermore, Sowalfin will provide additional information about further assistance the company can benefit from according to working themes.
     
• Report reviewing

The report will be made available during a review with the company, to be carried out remotely, unless expressly requested otherwise by the company.

• Follow-up at year+1

The action plan will be reviewed and the three analysis points making up the action plan will be re-evaluated. The dashboard will be updated with the new results.

**by short supply chain is meant : « The short supply chain is a means of production and commercialisation that aims to bring the producer closer to the consumer, all areas combined. It therefore implies on the one part a reduction in the number of intermediaries to ensure a fair return for the small-scale agricultural producer, and a fair price to the consumer. The close association brought about by the short supply chain reinforces transparency in the sector, valorises producer know-how, improves the quality of products and services and creates a relationship of confidence between producers and consumers in a given territory, particularly when in relation to quality. The short supply chain implies, on the other part, geographic proximity between all parties, making it possible to reduce the impacts of transport, contributing to a healthier environment. Depending on the  sectors, the short supply chain can be taken into consideration for distances that vary, but these distances should always be the shortest possible. The distribution model of a short supply chain stands out as a result of characteristics that are inherent to it. The short supply chain participates in the strengthening of an economy that is more endogenous, and therefore more resilient. The short supply chain takes into consideration the objective of improving the quality of life and wellbeing in Wallonia, by utilising the environmental context, amongst others, to create commercial opportunities. The short supply chain therefore falls within the scope of employment-environment alliances and, more widely, that of sustainable development ».
*** The cost of the diagnostics is considered as state aid according to the European « de minimis » regulation.