Communication in the Supply Chain

For these substances, the waste life stage of the substance needs to be covered by suitable exposure scenarios, the corresponding exposure estimation and the related risk characterisation. The conditions ensuring control of risk in the waste life stage of the substance need to be documented in the chemical safety report (CSR) and also communicated in the supply chain by means of the extended safety data sheet. [19]. 

The state provides to industry a harmonised framework for determining, evaluating and communicating risks in the European market (REACH). This also includes a form of standardisation for procedures, responsibilities and time frames in the chain, and options for state sanctions. This increases the market potential and innovation incentives for demonstrably application-safe chemical products. At the same time the basis is created for efficiency gains by employing universal IT solutions in the European market. However, the required framework also means that implementation is left to the industry and the market in many areas in order to leave enough scope for diversified solutions that are specific to the different supply chains. Simply the announcement of the REACH system has improved vertical communication in the supply chains and supported the consolidation of substance and application knowledge. 

Under REACH, the safety data sheet (SDS) will become of increasing importance as the key tool for communication in the supply chain. The headings are not changed from those in the requirements of the safety data sheet Directive 91/155/EC [8-6] (for more details see Secion 4.2). However, it is important to realize that the sequence of Sections 2 and 3 has changed and a separate annex may be necessary the following is the required order in REACH Annex II ... 

Chapter 6 - Communication in the Supply Chain - this chapter is divided in two sections The first section is dedicated to the description of general communication... 

Standard phrases this is a catalogue of phrases that facilitates the completion of eSDS and standardises communication in the supply chain. Available in German... 

Coordination and open lines of communication in the supply chain can provide more accurate information however, information does not always flow freely. When communication is lacking, companies upstream in the supply chain typically use past orders instead of actual demand to produce forecasts. Unfortunately, past orders may not translate into shipments or actual demand. Orders, production, shipments, and actual demand each can be significantly different. Quantity discounts and large lots, pricing policies and promotions, purchase incentives, and company safety stock policies all can skew actual demand. 

A more marked acceptance of responsibility by the market actors - such as within the future framework of REACH - requires the development of new forms of communication and co-operation along the supply chains. If substance-related information (by substance manufacturers) and user-related information (by preparations mannfacturers and/or nsers) are not collected in the supply chains, the market actors remain dependent on assessments by state bodies. 

All in all the state framework for determining, assessing and communicating chemical-specific risks in the supply chains of the European market has an important significance. Localising responsibilities with the market actors at the individual stages of the supply chain, harmonisation of demands and standardisation of instruments are the essential challenges. 

Communication and co-operation in actors networks supports innovations (especially in vertical communication along the supply chain). Where these factors are missing the result may be (undesired) innovation blockades because a lack of concurrence, differences in interests of the actors involved or the lack of desire to co-operate of individual important players cannot be overcome (negative network effects). 

It is also important to consider communication along the supply chains as a chance for more customer-orientated iimovation. In particular, chemical traders and the formulators of preparations could expand their areas of business by adding information and consultative services (with improved customer retention). 

All available and relevant information on substances on their own, in preparations and in articles should be collected to assist in identifying hazardous properties, and recommendations about risk management measures should systematically be conveyed through supply chains, as reasonably necessary, to prevent adverse effects on human health and the environment. In addition, communication of technical advice to support risk management should be encouraged in the supply chain, where appropriate."... 

In Guidance Note 14, the MCA states that hospital trusts, health authorities and independent hospitals should have clear policies on the use of unlicensed medicines, explaining liability considerations and requiring all those involved in the supply chain to ensure that the unlicensed status of a product is communicated and fully understood. 

Downstream users as well as any others in the supply chain have the obligation to inform up the supply chain in cases of new information on hazardous properties, regardless of the uses concerned or any other information that might call into question the appropriateness of the risk management measures identified in the safety data sheet supplied to him, which shall be communicated only for identified uses. 

The trend for companies to focus on core competencies has forced enterprises to collaborate closely with their suppliers as well as with their customers to improve business performance (Lutz et al. 1999). The next step in the supply chain concept is the production or supply networks (Figure 15), which are characterized by intensive communication between the partners. TTie aim of the system is to allocate among the collaborating partners the excess in production demand that could not be faced by one of them alone. This capability provides the entire network with the necessary flexibility to respond quickly to peaks in demand for the products. A tool developed at the Institute of Production Systems at Hanover University, the FAS/net, employs basic methods of production logistics to provide procedures for the efficient use of capacity redundancies in a production network. The tool satisfies the following requirements derived from the capacity subcontracting process ... 

The community impacts are also everlasting on community infrastructure. Over 85 percent of carbon and water used in a company is used in the supply chain processes. To ensure potable water, clean air, and a safe environment, the community depends on GSR programs and ethical supply chain leadership. 

Each registration dossier must reference specific indentified uses of the substance [which includes its use in mixtures (and even articles)]. To help enable this process, downstream users have certain rights to enable their use of a substance (whether on its own or in a supply chain) to be communicated through the supply chain. 

As will be described in Chapter 6, the presence of a SVHC in a product (whether a substance, mixture or article) at a concentration >0.1% w w must be communicated through the supply chain. 

Do you distribute substances/preparations produced in EC Yes You are Distributor, if you only store and place on the market substances and you are not in orter, you have only few obligations under REACH, mainly an active communication of information down and up in the supply chain. ... 

REACH legislation requires that manufacturers/importers of substances and preparations communicate how the substances can be used safely for humans and the environment. The main method of this communication down the supply chain remains the SDS. The requirements for SDS are laid down in Annex II to the REACH Regulation enforced from the D of June 2007. REACH has introduced a few changes to the information required in a SDS compared to the previously applied Directive 2001/58/EC. The main changes are ... 

These actors play the primary parts in the supply chain of substances and products. All of them are involved in the communication process because a correct communication process requires a bidirectional approach involving all actors (upstream and downstream). 

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