Element

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Confirm features of specific supply chains.

1.1.Determine position of the business in the supply chain.

1.2.Analyse features and impact of business relationships with suppliers to the business.

1.3.Establish benchmarks of supply chain efficiency.

2. Maintain information on suppliers.

2.1.Obtain and store information on suppliers of products and services to a retail or wholesale business according to business policy and procedures.

2.2.Update and regularly review information on suppliers of products and services to a business.

2.3.Store information on nature and feature of business relationship with suppliers to a retail or wholesale business and report, according to confidentiality, security, and business requirements.

3. Review distribution arrangements.

3.1.Review, compare and analyse sales, customer satisfaction and performance reports.

3.2.Review factors affecting supply of retail or wholesale products and services.

4. Devise policy and procedures for distribution and supply.

4.1.Establish policy and procedures for supply and distribution to business customers and end consumers.

4.2.Establish procedures to collect and analyse information on distribution chain management.

5. Forecast future contingencies affecting supply chain management.

5.1.Analyse forecasted market demand to confirm future requirements.

5.2.Communicate forward supply needs for the business to suppliers according to policy and contract provisions.

5.3.Confirm factors affecting forward purchasing and supply arrangements.

5.4.Set standards for supply of products and services to the business in qualitative and quantitative terms.

5.5.Communicate procedures for enforcing quality of supply to the business to relevant internal and external personnel.

6. Improve supply and distribution chain effectiveness.

6.1.Evaluate supply chain against agreed benchmarks and overall impact on business performance.

6.2.Benchmark comparative performance of supply chain against best in class or competitors.

6.3.Assess factors affecting future distribution and supply of products.

6.4.Make recommendations to relevant personnel to respond to opportunities for improvements in customer supply and distribution relationships.

6.5.Confirm impact of proposed improvements to supply and distribution activities against budget and operational plans.

6.6.Use prevailing trading terms to enhance supply and distribution chain management.

6.7.Generate reports on business relationships with suppliers to the business using available business technology and agreed measures.

6.8.Complete reports to relevant personnel (internal and external to operational unit) to promote recommended implementation of improvement to supply and distribution chain.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills

interpersonal skills to:

communicate forward business needs to suppliers

communicate procedures to relevant internal and external personnel through clear and direct communication

ask questions to identify and confirm requirements

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication

literacy and numeracy skills to:

interpret a range of workplace documentation

access and maintain information on suppliers

generate reports and recommendations for supply and distribution chain improvement to relevant personnel

analytical skills to collect, organising and evaluate information

management skills to:

implement benchmarks of supply chain efficiency

devise effective policy and procedures

Required knowledge

relevant business policy and procedures

principles and techniques in analysis, assessment, development and implementation

approval processes and key personnel

supply cycle

supply chain for business and typical supply chain models used in different industry sectors and businesses

procedures for collecting and analysing distribution chain management

position of the business in the supply chain

factors affecting supply and distribution management

work and team priorities

current forecasts and trends

market information and data collection

sales plans

principles and techniques for measuring supply chain efficiency and quality standards

Work Health and Safety (WHS) aspects of job

relevant commercial law and legislation

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

evaluates and seizes opportunities to improve supply chain for a product or service within an operational context

identifies and understands a range of current and emerging supply chain management models

applies tools to measure and quantify supply chain quality standards and efficiency for a retail or wholesale business

develops clear and effective policy and procedures for wholesale or retail distribution or supply activities

develops and implements realistic and measurable performance benchmarks for supply and distribution into a business.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

a retail or wholesale work environment

relevant sources of supply chain information

relevant documentation, such as:

policy and procedure manuals

supply and distribution reports

supplier records

a range of suppliers.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of performance in the workplace

third-party reports from a supervisor

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.

Business relationships may be influenced by:

due diligence requirements

risk sharing

market position

planning cycles and timing

cost and price analysis

terms and conditions agreed

intellectual property and technology rights

value management

continuous improvement

supply chain management

infrastructural and capital outlay requirements

organisational systems integration and compatibility.

Suppliers may be:

commercial companies

public agencies or organisations

governments

community and not-for-profit organisations

internal.

Benchmarks may include:

Australian standards

international standards

professional standards

industry standards

performance indicators

quality measures and criteria

planning milestones and timeframes

manufacturer and supplier standards.

Information on suppliers may include:

representative's name and contact details

range of products and/or services

transaction records

contact history

account terms

prices

dispatch and shipping procedures

records of supplier performance

details of items supplied or returned.

Business policy and procedures may relate to:

purchasing

supply and distribution of products or services

approval processes

storage and transport of goods.

Methods used to store information may be:

manual

electronic or digital.

Factors affecting future distribution and supply of retail or wholesale products and services may include:

merchandise availability

transport availability

time requirements

budget requirements

logistics.

Relevant personnel may include:

manager or supervisor

colleagues

business or area manager

specialist or technical personnel.

Reports may be delivered:

verbally

in writing

in groups

individually.