Collaboration between the various players in a supply chain is still the exception rather than the rule. Nevertheless, collaboration creates a competitive edge by providing the ability to Track & Trace products to their final destination, the customer.

From practical experience, Zetes defines a collaborative supply chain “a supply chain that simultaneously optimises the processes and promotes end-to-end traceability, with enough room for the individual strategic choices of all those involved in the supply chain”. Each player must not only be able to rely on a solution that perfectly meets his specific requirements, but which at the same time enables the exchange of critical information with partners in the chain, whether they are suppliers or customers.

Collaboration within the supply chain is a primary requirement for competitiveness. The need for collaboration – and thus end-to- end visibility in the supply chain – will, in Zetes’ opinion, grow over the next five to ten years. This change will occur as a result of new requirements regarding security and regulatory measures to respond to the changing purchasing behaviour of the end-consumer.

Collaborative supply chain with the aid of a track and trace repository

Zetes believes the glue between each link in the supply chain is a Track & Trace repository. This works by helping to meet the strictest traceability objectives, whereby supply chain information streams are integrated and correlated with the physical supply chain – not only for each individual player, but between the various players in an ecosystem. A repository system can offer instant answers to questions about which facts have occurred with a single item, product or product group, when and by whom for each link in the supply chain.

A Track & Trace repository allows accurate product data to be safely and simply shared within the entire supply chain, throughout all markets and sectors. This is an antidote suitable for all sectors to fight against the grey markets and the trade in imitation products.

Minimising the risk of discrepancies in the available data facilitates a competitive advantage and optimises the accuracy of all supply chain activities e.g. raw materials, finished goods, logistics units and returnable containers.

In the food, drinks, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors, the system provides complete traceability for the purpose of ensuring the highest possible safety and health protection. The system also provides protection against forgeries in these sectors (as well as the luxury goods sector). For the pharmaceutical industry, another advantage is compliance with the new legal requirements regarding serialisation for the purpose of patient safety.

How will the supply chain evolve over the next ten years?

The need for collaboration in the supply chain will increase significantly in the coming decade, especially in sectors or markets in which stricter regulations and legislation will be applied (e.g. in the pharmaceutical and food industries).

We anticipate pioneering work will be conducted by major manufacturers and brand owners who realise that collaboration between the various links in the supply chain is an absolute necessity if they are to remain competitive. They will be the trendsetters and thanks to their contribution, the collaborative supply chain will become a reality in the decade to come.