The Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) is a not-for-profit member-based organisation run by volunteers. Its main purpose is to provide guidance and direction to professionals working in this sector.
The membership of the association includes supply chain and logistics practitioners working in organisations of all sizes from SMEs through to large corporates. The SCLAA organises a number of events at the state and national levels to serve and advance the interests of professionals in this field.
The association adopts various methods for the development of the profession. It regularly collaborates with industry stakeholders to promote best practices. The SCLAA has the distinction of organising the greatest number of logistics and supply chain events at the state and national level amongst all associations in Australia.
The SCLAA has a national footprint with representation from across the country. It actively promotes women in the supply chain and in 2015, many of the State Division Presidents nominated were women.
Amanda O’Brien, CEO of Australian Worldwide Logistics Pty Ltd and National Board member of the SCLAA describes the functioning of the association, “The SCLAA gives a voice to the supply chain. It’s about the network, people and their collective experiences aimed to drive development of the highest standards in the industry. We have very professional corporations that contribute to the knowledge base of supply chain professionals. The association is known as one of the most influential National Associations delivering the best benefits for networking, expanding knowledge and driving excellence in the Supply Chain & Logistics Field end to end.
“The supply chain is growing and becoming far more complex. It is more demanding and more IT-focussed than ever before. We have aligned ourselves to various organisations that we work for and with. We offer logistical solutions to clients both large and small by advising them not only what they should do to improve their transport costs but what VAS will enhance their productivity with the aim of achieving a very high level of service with good ROI.”
Certified Professional Logistician certification
The association’s Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) course is a popular certification recognised by Australian industry. The CPL program, which was launched in 2007 has become a benchmark of excellence for measuring capability and proficiency within the profession of logistics and supply chain management.
The CPL program was conceptualised and formulated by a committee comprising representatives from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and the SCLAA. It provides those undergoing the course with knowledge and training on various topics including warehousing, freight, transportation and distribution through to supply chain management.
The program is highly regarded by employers as it brings together the breadth and depth of skills required of a modern logistician. Individuals undergoing this course gain in-depth knowledge in several areas that are crucial to the management of a supply chain. These include training in IT, transportation, economics and business areas.
The CPL is also recognised globally and can be upgraded to an international certification through the tie-up that the SCLAA has with the Asia-Pacific Logistics Federation.
Membership
The SCLAA has over 8,400 members and industry contacts. It has been in existence for over five decades and has a proven history and governance framework to deliver valuable inputs to both SMEs and large corporates.
The association’s footprint covers the entire country. Committees have been established in ACT / Southern NSW, New South Wales, Victoria / Tasmania, South Australia / NT, Queensland and Western Australia. Each committee is led by a Division (State) President and organises regular events in its area.
Each division elects a committee member who forms part of the National Board. This Board, in turn, elects a Chairman to head the organisation. The SCLAA has a depth and breadth that cannot be matched by any other supply chain and logistics association in Australia.
Members benefit in several ways including getting the opportunity to upgrade their skills through the continuing education programs offered by the association. The regular events organised by the SCLAA offer them the opportunity to share ideas and knowledge with fellow professionals.
In its endeavour to provide focus to its efforts to promote the growth and development of the profession, the SCLAA has constituted various committees amongst its members. These include committees that work on education, awards, social events and regional development. Additionally, there are sub-committees for projects on Women in Logistics, Mentoring, career development, Future Leaders and school-based training.
For over 50 years the SCLAA has been running the Australian Supply Chain & Logistics Awards, the most prestigious and influential recognition in the country’s supply chain, logistics and transportation industry. In addition to this, it has been organising the Supply Chain & Logistics Conference for the last 16 years. This national event attracts professionals and practitioners from across the country.
Increasing importance of the supply chain and logistics function
In Australia, there are over 1.4 million companies with supply chain / logistics functions. Speaking about the great relevance of this function for the efficient working of organisations that range in size from SMEs to large corporates, Amanda O’Brien says, “Technology has changed things because people want real time results.
“Business partners want to know how their freight has been moved at every stage of the supply chain cycle. Time is very important and we really do have to look globally for solutions because in Australia we can become a little bit myopic in our view. We are working to increase our efficiencies and our productivity. There are a lot of benefits we can derive by looking outside our shores.”
The SCLAA has entered into affiliations with a number of international associations to give its members the opportunity to be involved in events and information sharing opportunities. It has tie-ups with the Asia-Pacific Logistics Federation (APLF), Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), Supply Chain Management Association-Canada (SCMA), China International Logistics and Transportation Fair (CILF), Global Supply Chain Council (GSCC), Vietnam Supply Chain (VSC) and Supply Chain Council (SCC).
Speaking about the SCLAA, Amanda O’Brien says, “We are the largest association for supply chain and logistics professionals and we have a proven history of value for money and strategic reach in looking after professionals and practitioners who work in the supply chain industry. More and more employers are expecting professionalism in the industry and we enhance and advance the interests of supply chain professionals in Australia.”