New index soon to gauge productivity in logistics

Benchmarks will help companies improve operations, processes

SCA Founder And President Paul Lim

A new index to show levels of productivity in the logistics sector will be launched early next year.

The aim is to help firms improve their operations and processes by having benchmarks to aim for, said Supply Chain Asia (SCA), an industry body that is working on the index with local and Asian tertiary and research institutions.

Using data from companies - such as space usage, automation adoption, manpower productivity and other factors - the index will track the productivity and efficiency of the logistics industry in the region.

"The focus of the index is to create a benchmark that can show the status of a company's productivity level against the best in the industry," SCA founder and president Paul Lim said to The Straits Times yesterday.

"It also aims to create an understanding of how automation and the use of technology can make a difference to an organisation's ability to raise productivity."

Mr Lim said that the intensifying competition in the industry means companies must find a way to "do more with whatever resources they have".

"There are many more technologies that can be utilised to enhance operations and bring about higher productivity.

"By starting the index, we hope to be able to showcase the best in the industry and encourage the rest to follow."

SCA, which held its annual awards at Orchard Hotel last night, said it is forming a Supply Chain Asia Associates Network.

The platform will allow senior supply chain professionals to mentor and coach newcomers and industry players to help them meet the changing demands of a fast- evolving logistics landscape.

It also announced a new event - the Supply Chain Week - to be held in September next year.

A total of 26 organisations and individuals received awards at the event.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 18, 2016, with the headline New index soon to gauge productivity in logistics. Subscribe