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Harnessing the power of dataIt is exciting to see the industry recognising the value of digitalisation. The chemical supply chain event encouraged companies to adapt their “workforce, systems and resources to foster end-to-end supply chain connectivity” and “harness the power of master data integration” for “real-time visibility and risk mitigation.”This requires a transformation, and there are challenges to face which supply chain partners must work together to overcome. Digitalising operations is no small undertaking, not least because the chemical industry must also navigate geopolitics, regulation and security considerations.Yet, companies recognise that collaboration and interoperability will help them leverage data insights more effectively and use them to improve supply chain management. They want to improve agility, sustainability processes and reduce costs.They acknowledge the challenge isn’t only to improve information exchange with external partners; they also must streamline internal communication. Supply chain and logistics, procurement, compliance and other teams can only collaborate fully and effectively when they have the right data and resources. In this, as with their external environment, they are finding new ways to partner and work together.
Standards for bidirectional data
Standards for bidirectional data are very important for reliable, fast access to information. DCSA’s message at the event was that standardising data can help the chemical supply chain achieve interoperability, efficiencies and reduced costs.The workshop was an opportunity to explain DCSA’s role in container shipping, build awareness of digital standards, discuss how they can support strategies in the supply chain, understand industry goals and unpack obstacles to implementation. Understandably, manufacturers want to know what is in it for them. Like all cargo owners and freight forwarders they suffer from inadequate access to accurate, timely digital data. This increases operational costs by creating inefficiency, uncertainty and waste.
On-demand access to shipping data and documents
They need a fully interoperable global trade ecosystem, in which all stakeholders have on-demand access to accurate, timely digital shipping data and documents. DCSA’s standards align data, processes and technology so trade participants can automatically exchange critical information in real-time. This improves container visibility into the end-to-end cargo journey as stakeholders progressively eliminate manual processes.By adopting DCSA standards, chemical manufacturers equip their logistics teams to make more effective business decisions and improve resource utilisation, but they also want to be more flexible and able to respond rapidly to changing events. This fuels their appetite to work on new business methods.Added to this, chemical manufacturers supply automotive and pharmaceuticals, industries that must be transparent, are heavily regulated, and have sustainability aims. These customers demand their suppliers help them achieve these goals, and that spurs the chemical industry still further to pursue every opportunity to sharpen practices, improve processes and work smarter.In this, software solutions providers, also in attendance at LogiChem 2024, play a key role. Their solutions facilitate the exchange of shipping data and documentation between cargo owners, terminals, banks and other stakeholders. With DCSA’s digital standards, solutions providers can create channels for this data exchange to be seamless, by using interoperable data models and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This enables more effective collaboration and reduces the resources required to develop solutions that maximise value.
Taking the next step
The chemical supply chain recognises that collaboration is key to addressing its challenges to align and harmonise data in the internal and external environments. The technology and data are there to support a digital transformation that will enable interoperability, boost efficiency, improve the customer experience and support sustainability objectives.  At LogiChem EU, we saw a willingness for change and the talent to make progress happen.
Discover more
To learn more about DCSA’s mission, take a look at our vision for transforming the container shipping industry, explore our digital standards and dip into our range of articles, ebooks and videos.  And to learn more about industry terms and their definitions, check out our shipping glossary.We’d love to hear from you, so do contact us with any questions. We’d welcome your feedback too and hope you’ll stay in touch by subscribing to receive our news and updates. 

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