Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/706107
Inside ISTA Headquarters 4 ista views • July 2016 • www.ista.org UPDATES: ISTA Advocate Program Researchers are in the Field and Solicitation of Partner and Sustainer Level Pledges to end 9/30/16 The current 20 members of the ISTA Advocate Research & Value Delivery Program have pledged $1,525,000 to fund projects toward accomplishing the goal of the Program "To conduct research and data collection that improves testing and design methodologies to keep pace with the rapidly evolving global supply chain and enhance the knowledge of existing channels." In addition, they are participating in the belief it will advance the goals of their enterprise. We have also received numerous endorsements acknowledging that the research generated by the Advocate Program will serve to minimize the risk of product damage while lowering waste, cost and the environmental footprint of packaging. Significant progress has been made on the five projects originally prioritized by the Advocate Council. Project Name Eliminate Over-Packaging - Develop and validate a new technique that quantifies how far beyond a chosen performance and confidence level a package is able to protect the product it contains. Research of Transit Damage Figures - To assess damage levels experienced during distribution for various commodities shipped via various modes and quantifying their monetary impact in an effort to prioritize ISTA's work. Measurement and Multi-Axis Simulation of Unit Load Stability Transportation Hazards - To collect data on the motions and forces to which unit loads are subjected during transport yielding tools that can assist with package and unit load design. Develop Test Protocol to predict package performance in e-Commerce Retailer and Consolidator Shipping Systems - Identify common handling processes for all e-commerce channels and transportation modes to develop a recommended method for replicating this unique supply chain channel. Distribution Environment Data Collection – Phase 1 - Documentation of the transport modes, storage, and handling methods involved in the distribution of CPGs, including "last segments", in predetermined regions to assess the type and amount of new or collaborative data that needs to be collected. RFP # RFP-0001 RFP-0002 RFP-0003 RFP-0004 RFP-0005 Status RFP ready for distribution to potential researchers for proposals for Phase 1 "Ideation & Scoping of Concepts". Limiting initial scope to LTL mode and have undertaken a pilot study with a large LTL carrier to determine how much data can be mined. RFP with a North American scope ready for distribution to potential researchers. Advocates have provided additional scope input to start with Phase 1, a mapping of existing ecommerce distribution channels to prioritize those that need further study. Automated data collection template has been developed by RIT. They are on the ground doing multiple CPG supply chain mapping and hazard recording in China. Cal-Poly has been awarded the mapping and recording of India. A similar study is under consideration for Brazil. The benefits of being an Advocate member company are numerous: 1. Allows direct input into the type and scope of research that will drive the future of distribution packaging. 2. Demonstrates to your customers you are vested in their goals of design and testing aimed at lowest cost and environmental footprint to get your, or their, products to market safely. 3. Leverages the research dollars and technical expertise of other Advocate Council members and ISTA's international network of packaging experts to deliver meaningful project results. 4. Provides strategic direction to your company by knowing the where package design and testing is headed. 5. Assists in achieving your sustainability goals while supporting your sustainability leadership image in the market.