Logistics experts from Defence and industry have combined their collective experience for scenario-based training at RAAF Base Richmond.
Up to 40 members of the Australasian Supply Chain Institute (ASCI) worked alongside logistics counterparts at RAAF Base Richmond on September 26, responding to a notional cyclone in northern Queensland.
RAAF Logistics Officer, Squadron Leader Ben Barber, said Defence and ASCI members worked in four-person teams to conceive a plan to deliver relief to affected communities.
"We began by si mulating their deployment on board a C-130J Hercules Fuselage Trainer, and provided an ‘in-flight’ briefing on the situation," Squadron Leader Barber said.
"The teams each then developed a plan using Defence assets to overcome damaged infrastructure, deliver urgent supplies, and restore services."
"Throughout this event, the ASCI members were able to understand the operational challenges we face, and share their experience and knowledge with Defence members."
Each team presented its response plan, with ASCI President Henry Brunekreef announcing a ‘winning’ team for the day.
"It’s our hope to make this an annual event to continue a working relationship between the Commonwealth and industry," Mr Brunekreef said.
"This event tested the knowledge and decision-making of our members, and allowed them to gain new perspectives on supply chain challenges they might not ordinarily experience."
"We’d like to thank the RAAF Base Richmond for hosting this scenario, and Oracle as a sponsor for this event."
As well as focusing on current challenges for logistics, the event at RAAF Base Richmond provided an opportunity for Oracle to present on emerging technologies within the industry.
Simon Smithers, Oracle’s Cloud Supply-Chain Management Solutions Director, said the field was already being shaped by developments in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Internet of Things.
"Having worked with many organisations to modernise their supply chain, we know the transformational effect that these technologies can have on the supply chain when used in conjunction with the cloud to track, optimise and secure every step," Mr Smithers said.
"The event at RAAF Base Richmond was a great demonstration of this, allowing us all to re-imagine what is possible when emerging technology is combined with a talented group of industry peers, and a fresh outlook on a new challenge."
