In the first phase of enhancing livestock traceability, RMIS is implementing Global Location Numbers (GLNs) to pinpoint every significant location within the red meat supply chain. GLNs are unique identifiers based on the GS1 standard, and they play a crucial role in streamlining and organising the red meat industry.

What Are Global Location Numbers?

GLNs are specific codes assigned to physical locations within the supply chain, including farms, auction houses, feedlots, and abattoirs. These codes ensure that each location is uniquely identified and easily accessible within the global and local systems. By incorporating GLNs, RMIS aims to create a comprehensive and clear map of South Africa’s red meat industry.

Benefits of GLNs in Traceability

The integration of GLNs into the traceability system provides several key benefits:

Enhanced Tracking: With each location marked with a GLN, stakeholders from farmers to processors can efficiently track and manage animal movement throughout the supply chain.

Improved Coordination: GLNs facilitate better alignment with local retail sectors and international standards, ensuring smooth communication and accurate referencing across the entire value chain.

Operational Efficiency: Geofencing each production unit with GLNs helps in optimising supply chain management, making it easier to address issues such as disease outbreaks, stock theft, and compliance with ISO standards.

Achieving a Clear Supply Chain Map

RMIS envisions a fully mapped agricultural landscape where each location is geo-fenced and assigned a GLN. This detailed mapping not only supports traceability but also underpins critical functions such as disease reporting, implementation of standard operating procedures, and biosecurity measures.

Development of the GLN Application

To facilitate this process, RMIS has appointed a systems development company with 26 years of experience and a team of 80 developers. A dedicated group of four developers is working closely with GS1 to create an RMIS industry application specifically for issuing, managing, and viewing GLNs. This application will focus on accuracy, adherence to GS1 and ISO standards, user-friendliness, scalability, and integration with various systems.

Objectives of the GLN Application

The RMIS industry application will achieve several key objectives:

1. Identify Locations: Owners will register their locations, such as farms and auction houses.
2. Verify Locations: RMIS will facilitate third-party verification, involving multiple stakeholders.
3. Issue GLNs: Verified locations will receive a GLN in collaboration with GS1.
4. Visualise GLNs: The GLNs will be displayed on a national map, providing a clear view of all registered locations.

Significant Considerations

• Amendments: The application will allow for updates to GLNs due to changes in ownership or other factors.
• Livestock Traceability: GLNs will form the basis for livestock traceability and will be integrated with other systems through an API.
• Disease Outbreaks: The application will log disease outbreaks, update geo-fenced areas, and share relevant information with stakeholders.

Development Phases

The development of the GLN application will proceed through the following phases:

• Analysis: Completed 5 July 2024.
• Design: Finalised 22 July 2024.
• Development: Scheduled from mid to late October 2024.
• Commercialisation: Set for 1 November 2024.

A Foundation for Future Developments

Phase 1 lays the groundwork for future phases of the traceability project. By establishing a robust system of GLNs, RMIS is setting up a solid foundation for enhanced data sharing, disease control, and overall supply chain optimisation. This structured approach will ultimately help the red meat industry improve its efficiency and competitiveness on both a national and global scale.