Traceability benefits: Gundagai Meat Processors

With over 3,500 animals a day going through their abattoir, the team at Gundagai Meat Processors (GMP) are glad to have some time and workload saved thanks to the eNVD Livestock Consignments app.

Michelle Henry, GMP Supply Chain Manager, said it’s good to see the business moving forward and taking steps to increase traceability and efficiency.

“Things take time, and we need patience during this transition towards digital, but we have to start somewhere,” Michelle said.

Using the app as a processor

The eNVD app is the complete mobile solution for livestock consignments. Designed to overcome connectivity challenges using QR codes, it enables eNVDs to be shared along the entire supply chain journey, from producer to transporter, saleyard, feedlot and to the processor.

For processors using the eNVD app to receive livestock, the consignment will be immediately available to you once it is submitted by the producer. Please note that the consignment will not appear in your app until the producer has internet connectivity.

Before downloading the app, it is recommended processors create a myMLA account and link their NLIS processor account to receive eNVDs submitted by producers ahead of time. 

If you can’t locate a consignment within the NLIS database, or if a transporter has arrived without documentation being submitted by the producer, you can still receive an eNVD as a PDF file. To do this:

1. Ask the transporter to navigate to the consignments page in their eNVD app.
2. Tap the three dots at the top right corner of the consignment you wish to receive.
3. Tap Share consignment to have it sent as a link to your email address or via SMS.

Michelle said that usage of the eNVD app should be driven by producers – and that using the app will help processors avoid issues caused by paper NVDs down the line.

“As a processor, we have to use what is given to us – whether that be paper or eNVD – it's guided by the supplier. The advantage we have when it comes to eNVDs, however, is efficiency.”

“Our biggest issue with paper NVDs is making sure the correct information is written and we can read it properly – we can't decipher scribble. If we don't have the info, we have to make phone calls to fix it, and that delays processing. This app, and its capacity to pre-fill information and confirm information will greatly reduce our workload in that area.”

Benefits for processors

Digital consignments using eNVD and the mobile app provide significant benefits and savings for processors including:

• increased efficiencies for livestock teams, such as avoiding the need to transfer hard copy information to internal systems
• no more blank fields in the documentation (the app prevents users from continuing to the next section until all necessary questions are answered, helping to avoid delays along the supply chain)
• improved data flow through integration with current software and systems
• insight into consignments ahead of their arrival, enabling earlier and more streamlined management.

Michelle specifically highlights how the move to digital consignments will help supply chain connectivity, especially in a time of growing concern for biosecurity and traceability.

"This is really going to help the flow of information. Streamlining our processes without chasing up producers will hopefully make it easier for everyone along the way. Not only that, this is a huge step for traceability – something that is really important to us.”

Communicating with your supply chain

Michelle said that the first step producers should be taking is communicating their desire to go digital with their supply chain.

“It’s about communication, at the end of the day. If we know a producer plans on using the app and know if stock is coming in with digital documentation, then we are prepared and know what to do – it makes it easier for all of us."

The team at GMP are also working hard to ensure they’re ready for anything – and are encouraging producers to not be afraid of change if the benefit is clear.

“We now have an app working group – producers in our Pioneers Program – to help us trial and get acquainted with the system. We want to make sure we have an understanding of the best ways to use it, and any other challenges there may be."

"There are definitely people who feel nervous about such a big change, but if you’ve got a value proposition around how it can make your life easier, then you should try it – for the benefit of yourself and the broader supply chain."

Getting started with the eNVD app

The app is available for download for free through the Apple Store and Google Play Store.