CWB embarks on $46 million supply chain overhaul

CWB embarks on $46 million supply chain overhaul The Canadian Wheat Board announced a three-year $46 million project that promises to overhaul its supply chain management.
   'The purpose of this major overhaul is therefore to make our processes operate as smoothly and efficiently as possible,' said Adrian Measner, Canadian Wheat Board president and chief executive officer, in a statement. 'At the end of the day, that means more money in farmers’ pockets.'
   CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. The Winnipeg-based company sells grain to more than 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less the marketing costs, to the controlling interests, which are the western Canadian farmers.
   The CWB's supply chain improvements are expected to improve grain logistics management from the farm gate to customer and back again. The CWB believes the initiative will also tighten relationships between grain companies, railways, terminal elevators and vessel operators.
   The initiative includes new e-business options for farmers, such as online permit applications, cargo tracking, producer car ordering and farm account management, which should be in place by spring 2007. In addition, a fully automated farmer payment system will be created.
   'Resulting efficiencies could save farmers as much as $10 million a year once the project is complete,' the CWB said. 'It will also leave the CWB well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities to offer farmers new and improved services.'