UC San Diego hosts ULSCA Conference

In October, UC San Diego’s Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions hosted the 2016 University Logistics and Supply Chain Association (ULSCA) Annual Conference. The conference provides higher education supply chain professionals with an opportunity to network, develop strategic partnerships, and share best practices as well as evolving challenges.

ULSCA was initially founded and focused on improving the warehouse-based supply model. Over time it has partnered with the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP), and continues to seek opportunities across the supply chain process.

Attendees at this year’s conference represented 20 universities from across the country, including representation from four UC schools and UC Procurement Services. Conference organizers, Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions’ Gisella Higgins and Robbie Jacob, created a schedule that balanced informative presentation sessions with unique San Diego experiences.

Sessions included Arizona State University’s robust recycling program, UC San Diego’s dashboard metrics, how to use key performance indicators to drive business strategy, and a ‘hot topics’ open discussion forum. Sprinkled throughout the conference were activities such as a tour of the USS Midway, dinner at San Diego’s first microbrewery, and a seaside breakfast and tour of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Time was also dedicated to letting attendees walk around the various logistics facilities on the campus, giving them time to chat with staff onsite to learn about their practices around such areas as receiving and distribution, surplus sales, and mail processing. 

Maintaining partnerships with fellow logistics and supply chain professionals allows the UC system to improve upon existing strategies, ensuring that we continue to lead the way in supporting campus administrative processes.

ULSCA attendees at the USS Midway in San Diego, CA