Not all projects are the same.  In our experience the following pointers are the key to a successful implementation:

	Review and improve the existing business processes, before implementing any IT system.  Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve.
	Ensure that you have project ownership throughout the organisation
	Ensure that there is good project management and effective communication
	Ensure that there is a project champion and a balanced project team
	Train and support both the project team and the system users
	Make sure that there is on-going  proactive support

The UCC.GS1-128 logistics label is a key part of communication across the supply chain. The UCC.GS1-128 bar coded label contains a serial shipping container code (SSCC) which is unique for the pallet, reel etc. across the world for ten years. The label bar code can also hold product code, batch details, quantity details and order details. Further information, such as advanced shipping notifications (ASNs) can be communicated via EDI.

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Access Point - The 'base station' for a wireless network, typically physically connected to a network it provides the wireless transmission to mobile equipment.

ASN - Advanced Shipping Notification. This gives details of despatch, usually at pallet level and is sent electronically, via EDI.

CPFR - Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment.  Everyone in the chain shares information regarding sales and production plans, stock levels, stock usage etc. which synchronises the supply chain and reduces safety stocks.

GS1-128 (UCC.GS1-128) - This uniquely identifies a pallet or container of product so that it can be tracked through the supply chain. UCC.EAN128 is generally represented as a bar coded label which can hold extensive product information such as batch code, quantity, sell-by date.

GS113 - This uniquely identifies a product type, normally using a bar code, and makes it easy for information to be shared between trading partners. EAN8 is an equivalent but shorter code, ITF14 is also similar but generally identifies packs of products.

e-Commerce - Any business that is carried out electronically.  The sharing of information with business partners leads to cost savings, increased competitiveness, improved customer relations and greater efficiency through the redesign of traditional processes.

e-Centre - the e-Centre (formerly known as the ANA, Article Numbering Association) specify article numbers  (see GS1-13), pallet coding (see GS1-128) and electronic data interchange standards (see EDI).
 

ECR - Efficient Consumer Response. Usage, demand-forecast and stock information is shared across the supply chain in order that customers' demands are met as efficiently as possible.

EDI - Electronic Data Interchange. The electronic exchange of information using agreed message standards. Messages can be communicated via the Internet or via private commercial networks.

GTIN - Global traded item number is an article number, ie is a unique number to a product.  A GTIN can be used to identify any traded item – including an individual consumer unit, a multi-pack, a carton, a pallet of known quantity or even a service.  The GTIN is non specific – the number is not meaningful – it merely acts as a look up into a more detailed product database or table.  GTINs can be eight, twelve, thirteen or fourteen characters in length but should be stored as 14 digit numbers, padded by leading zeros where necessary.  14 digit numbers are reserved for items that are not sold at the retail point of sale, 8 digit numbers are reserved for small products.  GTINs can be encoded in a variety of bar code formats – the bar code is merely the ‘data carrier’. 

GLN - Global location number - the equivalent of a GTIN, used to uniquely identify physical locations (eg ship to locations).

Internet - An open network linking millions of computers around the world that belong to commercial companies, Government and education, etc, to exchange data and share information. The computers are linked together like a 'web', hence the term World Wide Web (www) which users gain access to via a friendly 'browser' program.

Intranet - This gives similar functionality to the Internet, however access is by invitation only, i.e. private, and is often restricted to specific computers.

JIT - Just in time - a way of delivering stock to, for example, production lines, just in time.

LAN - Local Area Network, a network typically within a building.

M-Commerce - Mobile Commerce - the use of hand held terminals, mobile phones and pocket computers to carry out business functions.

ODBC - Open DataBase Connectivity. A standard way of accessing information from databases.

PDT - Portable Data Terminal. Similar to an RDT but often works in batch mode, storing information which is then periodically transferred to the supply chain system.

Radio Tags  - Active tags use a source of power while passive tags contain no power source and are powered by a carrier signal.  The tags radiate a unique code, which can in some cases be updated.

RFID - Systems that read or write to RF tags.

RDT - Radio Data Terminal. A terminal, that is either hand-held or used on a vehicle, which updates the supply chain system instantaneously with information such as pallet movements, despatches, stock-takes. The terminal can also display live information, for example tasks, stock information, order information.

Spread spectrum - A high-speed wireless communications network for communicating between RDT5 and the supply chain system. The alternative technology is 'narrow band' communications which is slower in speed but has greater coverage.

SSCC - Serial Shipping Container Code. A pallet, reel or container identifier which is unique across the world for ten years.

VMI - Vendor Managed Inventory. This is where stock at the customer site is managed by the supplier using usage and forecast information provided by the customer.

WAP - Wireless Application Protocol - a way of presenting information on mobile devices.

WAN - Wide Area Network, a network over a wide area, typically linking sites countrywide or worldwide.

WLAN - Wireless LAN.  The use of, eg, spread spectrum radio to provide a wireless network (normally Ethernet) across a local area - linking PC's, printers, RDT's etc.

XML - Extensible Mark-up Language.  XML is often referred to as 'intelligent email' and can be used in many cases as a lower cost easier to use alternative to EDI.

2D Barcode - 2 dimensional bar codes which can contain hundereds of characters of information.

802.11b (IEEE) - The most commonly used standard for spread spectrum wireless networks.  Equipment conforming to 802.11b (otherwise known as WiFi) should work with any other conforming equipment.

A useful checklist of the essential requirements for supply chain control should include the following:

	Easy access to concise and relevant information
	Efficient two-way communication of information between suppliers and customers
	Material movement recording at pallet level
	Real time data collection and validation
	Reliable, 24 hour a day, 365 days per year system
	The ability to accurately rotate and locate stock
	The ability to manage, reserve and call off stock -including customers' and suppliers' stock where relevant
	The ability to optimise warehouse performance and space utilisation
	The ability to provide full traceability and product recall
	Visibility of stock - suppliers' stock, own stock, customers' stock