Biomass generators need contract management technology

Biomass power generation provides many benefits to producers and consumers. But as with any fuel type, it has its own unique challenges, whether in a unit converted from the use of coal or in a purpose-built biomass facility.

[...]

Operational risk in 2020: lessons from the last year

At Gen10, we believe that commodity management technology should help organisations manage operational risk to a far greater extent than many CTRM systems currently allow. We have been promoting the advantages of proactive operational risk through digital transformation for several years and so are delighted that 2019 was the year that operational risk was placed firmly on the industry agenda.

[...]

There is no place for repository-style CTRM systems in today’s commodity supply chains

Commodity supply chains are under pressure. This is nothing new. But what is new is the scale of the challenges the industry is facing and the wide range of factors impacting on global commodities. From political uncertainty regarding trade tariffs, to changing consumer demand patterns and increased global competition, the price pressure is on the industry, who need to maintain their profitability in the face of shrinking margins.

[...]

Biomass Sustainability: supply chains for 2020 and beyond

Environmental issues and climate change have played a larger role in the public consciousness in 2019 than possibly ever before. From Greta Thunberg’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination to the Extinction Rebellion protests that culminated in over 1,100 arrests in just one week in London, 2019 has been a year of climate activism. And within the biomass industry, where European subsidies in particular are closely linked to environmental issues and renewable energy targets, debate continues over how environmentally friendly biomass power generation really is.

[...]

Data visibility in biomass; improve risk, traceability & profitability

Demand for biomass energy generation continues to rise sharply. The use of bioenergy for electricity grew by 98% between 2008 and 2015, and the market for wood pellets in particular is expected to grow to $6150 million by 2024, up from $4120 in 2019. This provides many opportunities for biomass and energy traders, but it does also mean that the challenges the industry faces are changing as well. From increasing regulation to new players and changing market mechanisms, biomass companies need to be prepared to meet these new challenges as well as capitalise on new opportunities.

[...]

Marginal Gains in Sports – its relevance to managing commodity supply chains and the intelligent use of technology

The concept of identifying and delivering cumulative marginal gains as a winning strategy in sport was popularised by the Sky Cycling Team, under the management of Sir Dave Brailsford. The exceptional and sustained success of both Sky in the Tour de France / Grand Tours and Team GB Cycling in recent Olympics was built upon delivering small marginal gains in every aspect of a cyclist’s performance and the equipment used to deliver it. It is the sum of these marginal gains that provides the winning edge rather than any single “silver bullet” improvement in one factor.

[...]

Risk management and reporting; why the biomass-to-bioenergy supply chain needs commodity management apps

Reducing operational risk, improving reporting & compliance and bringing operating costs down are some of the most important challenges faced by organisations across the biomass-to-bioenergy supply chain.

[...]

Sales, Trading, Operations and Finance; Working better together

A modern commodity management system not only helps ensure each trade is correct and the associated instructions are accurate. It also distributes data across the company so that everyone has real-time access to the latest information and knows when it’s time for their area of responsibility and expertise to step in.

[...]

Traceability and Sustainability in the Biomass Supply Chain

Sustainability is one of the main challenges faced across the biomass supply chain. Savvy consumer demand and political influence impact on this sector more than possibly any other commodity, and a breakdown in traceability can mean both reputational damage and the withdrawal of critical subsidies. Due to the serious nature of these traceability risks, meeting sustainability reporting requirements can be one of the more onerous tasks facing stakeholders in the biomass supply chain.

[...]

Why one size does NOT fit all in commodity management

Every commodity business is different depending on your supply chain position, commodity and internal processes. Gen10 understand how important it is to support these differences in our technology, and we have developed our entire approach to ensure any Gen10 apps you implement have the flexibility to work with the realities of your day-to-day activities.

[...]