Wool pipeline organisations are already highly efficient within the constraints of:

• a complex, multi-staged processing pipeline;
• high levels of competition;
• over supply of processing capacity; and
• small margins

Key projects in this program include:

• Annual publication of Sheep's Back to Mill statistics, showing the logistical costs incurred in shearing, transporting and selling wool.
• Landscaping and market research aimed at delivering innovative demand chains to improve efficiency in the pipeline and boost wool sales.
• Compilation of a supply chain model that reflects the global logistical wool pipeline that could be applied in the assessment of alternative supply chain options.
• Delivery of enabling technologies, such as wool bale ID, to facilitate better pipeline traceability.

A joint AWI/AWEX study conducted late 2005 examined the costs, benefits and potential technology for tracking bales from farm to processor via electronic bale tags. It found potential handling efficiencies and cost savings of over $2 per bale. Download the (PDF 36Kb), (PDF 194Kb) or review of in this area (PDF 59Kb)

Electronic Bale Tag