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In an effort to simplify the processing of goods through the supply chain
while improving the accuracy and communication of vital shipping data, the Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Standards Association (VICS) is currently enacting a standard bill of lading (BOL) guideline among its member companies, with a goal of full implementation by January 2001. Lee Bowers, senior e-commerce technical principal of Springs Industries and a member of the VICS Bill of Lading Committee, recently answered a few key questions about the standard BOL, how it works, and what it will mean for those companies that participate.
AIM: Why is it necessary for a manufacturer in the retail industry - or any other industry - to adopt a standard BOL nt this time? What are the benefits of doing it, and what are the perils of not doing it?
The VICS standard BOL: A quick glance
Approved: November 1998
Published: February 1999
Implementation target date:
January 2001
Key features
Standard numeric BOL number
Separate sections for customer and carrier detail information
Implementation guidelines
Key benefits
BOL number simplified into a usable primary key within supply chain
Accurate transfer of information
Improved scheduling and receiving processes
Lee Bowers: There is continuing demand within the supply chain for logistical information that can be used to strengthen the relationships of all concerned. The...