Oct 23, 2024
F49s efforts with WK87215 help align terminology and improve comprehension and communication in international maritime.
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Aug. 28, 2024 ASTMs digital information in the supply chain committee (F49) has begun a review of the most commonly used supply chain glossaries to compare with the Maritime Transportation Data Initiative (MTDI) Lexicon.
The MTDI Lexicon, an effort developed and led by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), consists of 200 terms that will be used for future FMC rulemaking. The goal of the review (WK87215) is to publish a technical paper that provides recommendations for harmonizing the most commonly used supply chain glossaries with the MTDI Lexicon. This aims to improve the clarity and accuracy of intra-supply chain communication, and in turn, allow for more efficient goods movement and greater supply chain resilience. The FMC has neither commissioned nor endorsed this effort, but ASTM F49 leadership is providing periodic progress reports.
As part of the review, subcommittee F49.01 considered glossaries developed by standards development organizations conforming to World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade's Six Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides, and Recommendations, as well as widely recognized trade glossaries.
"There are several overlapping vocabularies that support digitalization of cross border trade, including those from UN/CEFACT, WCO, GS1, IMO, IATA, ICC, and many more,? says Steven Capell, vice chair of the United Nations Center for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT). ?While each organization has a different mandate and focus area, the overlaps remain. Mapping the overlaps via a common lexicon will release greater value to all supply chain actors by providing interoperability between overlapping vocabularies."
This work item supports various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), by virtue of making transportation and logistics more efficient. These goals include UNSDG #8 on decent work and economic growth, #11 on sustainable cities and communities, #12 on sustainable consumption, #13 on life below water, and #14 for life on land.
?In supply chain management, many stakeholders are involved in each part of the goods movement process,? says ASTM member Michael Darden. ?The point of this comparison is to illustrate the misalignment of terminology and the need for a collective, collaborative method to suggest best practices, defined with terms that are commonly understood.?
Darden notes that those involved in transport and logistics will benefit from the review. Its first phase covered seven glossaries, with plans to cover dozens more. F49 has received numerous endorsements for undertaking this review and additional endorsements may be submitted through this online form.
The committee is seeking active participation across standards development organizations and from anyone involved in the maritime industry interested in this harmonization effort, including:
university students, beneficial cargo owners, carriers, terminal operators, and vessel operators. Media Inquiries: Gavin O?Reilly, tel +1.610.832.9618; goreilly@astm.org Committee Contact: Jennifer Tursi, tel +1.610.832.9653; jtursi@astm.org
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