Question

What are C-TPAT, CSI, AMR, and ACI ? and what are their importance for supply chain? Please explain and add examples if it is possible.

Answer 1

C-TPAT: Customs-Trade partnership against terrorism: It is a voluntary partnership and security measure between private and public sector. It is between The US, Canada, and Mexico. It offers additional security to the supply chain and ensures security measures at the US borders.

CSI: Container security initiative: After 9/11 terrorist attack on the US, the US has come up with a system to scrutinize high-risk container. It’s a check against containers carrying dangerous cargo like arms or weapons through marine transport to the US. Any container departing for the US will be checked by a team of security personnel assigned by the government on the foreign port before dispatching. To ensure that the cargo is evaluated and prescreened as early in the supply chain as possible. The containers are screened by X-rays, gamma ray machines, and radiation detectors so trade is not slowed down.

AMR: (Advanced Market Research) It is an independent research and analysis firm based in The US. They focus on best practices in the global supply chain and use of technology. They conduct research on trends in global supply chains, best practices, use of technology, and other logistics issues. The use of data and analysis is critical in finding the changing trends and arriving at conclusive business decisions. They compile a list of the top supply chain in the world based on 5 criteria’s, it was given to world leaders like Nokia, Honeywell etc.

ACI: American Controls, they handle component procurement, inventory management and provide a solution to supply chain management. They provide an end to end solution to supply chain processes using internal management information systems to achieve, reduction in lead times, avoiding stockpiling, ensuring on-time delivery, rapid response to customer requirements etc. for example their system is successfully used in the airport baggage handling system manufacturer