Queen's Wharf, Brisbane

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The trace. team are honoured to partner with The Star Entertainment Group to implement a supply chain operating model that will help shape one of Queensland’s most iconic tourist and entertainment destinations - The Star's Queen's Wharf Brisbane. Together in partnership with Shaun Micallef, Senior Manager of Supply Chain - Brisbane and his team, trace. are helping to implement safe and efficient supply chain operations for the Food & Beverage, Hotels, Consumables, Residential and Retail Outlets that will improve service, enhance supplier collaboration, minimise cost to serve, and contribute to mitigating safety & congestion risks.

As part of the program the trace. team have contributed to the design, development and implementation of a range of new processes and technology solutions for the supply chain operations of the new precinct.

"It is an exciting time for Queensland, particularly with Queens Wharf Brisbane and its surrounding infrastructure coming online well ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. We are supporting the Pre-Opening team at The Star to deliver an end to end supply chain operating model that is transformative in nature for the Hospitality industry. trace. are helping to shape the supply chain infrastructure and operational capabilities for the future F&B & Hospitality Outlets - touching on all areas from planning, ordering, receipting, processing, storage, supplier management, and KPI reporting." said Shanaka Jayasinghe, Partner at trace.

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About trace.

trace. is a leading supply chain solutions provider committed to helping businesses optimise their supply chain operations through innovative processes and advanced technology. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and collaboration, trace. partners with organisations across various industries to deliver tailored, end-to-end solutions that drive success and growth.

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Contact us today, trace. your supply chain consulting partner.

The Importance of Back-of-House (BOH) Logistics in Large-Scale Sporting Venue Developments

When designing large-scale sporting venues, much of the focus typically centres around the fan experience, the aesthetics of the stadium, seating capacity, and advanced technology to enhance spectator engagement. While these elements are essential, the success of any large sporting venue also hinges on an often-overlooked aspect—back-of-house (BOH) logistics.

BOH logistics encompasses the movement of goods, services, and people that occur behind the scenes but are crucial to the seamless operation of the venue. From food and beverage (F&B) deliveries to waste management, staff movement, and event preparation, BOH logistics ensures that a sporting venue functions efficiently, supporting the front-end operations that fans experience.

In this article, we will explore the key considerations for BOH logistics in large-scale sporting venue developments, outlining why it is essential for long-term operational efficiency. We'll also touch on how Trace Consultants’ BOH Logistics Excellence Framework, commonly applied to hospitals and healthcare facilities, can be adapted to the sports and entertainment industry to ensure smooth operations during high-profile events.

Why BOH Logistics is Critical in Sporting Venues

Behind every exciting match or world-class event at a sporting venue, a complex network of logistical operations ensures that everything runs smoothly. Whether it’s ensuring that concession stands are well-stocked, that security staff are where they need to be, or that waste is managed efficiently, BOH logistics is the lifeblood of the venue’s operations.

For large-scale sporting events, particularly those that draw tens of thousands of fans, the pressure on BOH logistics increases exponentially. The stakes are high—any disruption in the flow of goods or services can lead to long queues, dissatisfied fans, safety risks, and even financial losses. As a result, it is crucial for designers, developers, and operational managers to integrate BOH logistics into the master plan of any large sporting venue from the outset.

Key Considerations for BOH Logistics in Sporting Venue Design

1. Loading Docks and Deliveries
   One of the most important aspects of BOH logistics is the efficient movement of goods into and out of the venue. In a large stadium or arena, this includes everything from food and drink supplies to merchandise, maintenance equipment, and security infrastructure.
2. The loading dock should be strategically placed to allow easy access for delivery trucks while minimising disruptions to fans and public areas. Inadequate loading dock capacity or poor access can lead to delivery delays, which may result in under-stocked concession stands or late-stage preparations, negatively affecting the event experience.
3. Designers must also consider how goods move from the loading dock to various points within the venue, ensuring that there are clear, efficient flow paths to concession stands, kitchens, and storage areas.
4. Food & Beverage (F&B) Logistics
   One of the key revenue streams for sporting venues is F&B sales. Ensuring that fans receive high-quality, fresh food and beverages in a timely manner requires an efficient supply chain and logistics operation.
5. Sporting venues must be designed with adequate storage facilities for F&B supplies, and kitchens must be strategically located to allow for quick replenishment of concession stands. Additionally, the movement of goods between kitchens, storage areas, and service points should be planned to minimise disruption during the event. Inadequate planning can lead to long queues, dissatisfied fans, and potential revenue loss.
6. Waste Management
   Waste management is a significant operational challenge for large sporting venues, particularly during high-attendance events. Effective waste management systems should be designed into the venue’s BOH logistics from the start, ensuring that waste is collected, transported, and disposed of efficiently.
7. To minimise the impact on both the front-of-house experience and the operational team, waste disposal areas should be located away from high-traffic fan zones and have easy access for removal trucks. Planners should also consider implementing sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling and composting, to align with modern environmental standards.
8. Staff Movement and Access
   Efficient movement of staff throughout the venue is critical for ensuring that operations run smoothly during an event. This includes everyone from catering staff to security personnel, maintenance workers, and event management teams.
9. Sporting venues should be designed with dedicated BOH corridors and pathways that allow staff to move quickly and efficiently between key areas of the venue without interfering with the fan experience. For example, security staff need to be able to access high-risk areas easily, while catering teams should have unobstructed access to kitchens and service points. This allows staff to remain behind the scenes while keeping front-of-house operations seamless.
10. Storage and Inventory Management
    Large-scale sporting venues require extensive storage for a range of goods, including F&B supplies, merchandise, maintenance tools, medical supplies, and even sports equipment. Efficient storage and inventory management are critical for ensuring that these supplies are readily available when needed.
11. A well-designed BOH logistics system should include ample storage space, strategically located throughout the venue to support different operational needs. For example, F&B supplies should be stored close to kitchens and service points, while maintenance equipment should be housed near critical infrastructure areas. Implementing real-time inventory management technology can help venue operators track stock levels and automatically reorder supplies as needed.
12. Security Logistics
    The safety and security of fans, athletes, and staff is a top priority for any sporting venue. Effective security logistics are essential for ensuring that staff can respond to incidents quickly and effectively while maintaining the safety of the venue.
13. BOH logistics should include designated areas for security staff, control rooms for monitoring, and efficient routes for moving personnel to critical areas. Additionally, security checkpoints and screening equipment should be integrated into the venue design to ensure that all deliveries and movements of goods into the venue are secure.

The Role of Technology in Sporting Venue Logistics

Just as technology has revolutionised logistics in other sectors, it plays a key role in the management of BOH operations in sporting venues. By leveraging advanced logistics solutions, venues can automate many of the processes associated with goods delivery, inventory management, and staff scheduling.

1. Real-Time Inventory Management
   Sporting venues can implement technology solutions that enable real-time tracking of inventory levels, helping them to keep F&B supplies, merchandise, and maintenance tools stocked without excess. RFID tagging, barcoding, and cloud-based systems provide venue operators with real-time visibility into stock levels, allowing them to make informed decisions and avoid shortages during events.
2. Predictive Analytics
   By analysing historical data, venues can use predictive analytics to forecast demand for various goods and services during events. For example, a venue may be able to predict a surge in demand for certain food and beverage items based on the time of day or the type of event. This helps operators better prepare and ensure that the necessary supplies are on hand.
3. Staff Scheduling and Management
   Managing large numbers of staff during events can be challenging. Technology solutions such as workforce management software enable venue operators to schedule staff efficiently, ensuring that the right number of workers is available in each area of the venue at any given time.
4. Route Optimisation
   Similar to logistics solutions used in other sectors, sporting venues can leverage route optimisation technology to ensure that goods are delivered to their intended destinations within the venue efficiently. This reduces travel time, minimises disruptions, and ensures that F&B supplies and other critical goods reach their destinations on time.

Trace Consultants’ BOH Logistics Excellence Framework for Sporting Venues

While originally developed for healthcare facilities, Trace Consultants’ BOH Logistics Excellence Framework is highly applicable to the design and operation of large sporting venues. The framework provides a comprehensive approach to managing the flow of goods, services, and people, ensuring that BOH operations run smoothly and efficiently.

1. Physical Design: The framework places emphasis on the physical layout of the venue, ensuring that loading docks, storage areas, kitchens, and waste disposal zones are strategically located for efficient operation. By integrating BOH logistics into the overall venue design, Trace Consultants help venues optimise flow paths and reduce operational bottlenecks.
2. Planning and Execution: Trace Consultants provide expertise in planning demand and replenishment, ensuring that F&B supplies, merchandise, and other critical goods are available when needed. They also assist with workforce scheduling and security logistics to ensure that events run smoothly.
3. Technology Integration: Just as in healthcare facilities, technology is a key enabler in sporting venue logistics. Trace Consultants work with venue operators to implement advanced logistics solutions that automate inventory management, track real-time data, and optimise staff scheduling.

The design and development of large-scale sporting venues go far beyond the fan experience and aesthetics. Effective BOH logistics is essential for ensuring that these venues operate seamlessly, supporting everything from F&B sales to security, staff movement, and waste management.

By integrating BOH logistics into the overall design process, sporting venues can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure a smooth experience for both fans and staff. Trace Consultants, through their BOH Logistics Excellence Framework, are helping developers, architects, and venue operators optimise the logistics that power the world’s most iconic sports venues.

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The Importance of a Project Manager with Supply Chain Expertise
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In today's uncertain economic climate, businesses are under more pressure than ever to reduce costs and improve efficiency. One way to do this is to transform their supply chains. However, supply chain transformation projects are complex and challenging, and they require a deep understanding of the supply chain and the industry in which the business operates.
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A Project Manager with deep supply chain expertise is critical to the success of any major supply chain transformation project. They can help to:

• Define the scope of the project and identify the key stakeholders. This includes understanding the current state of the supply chain, identifying the areas that need to be improved, and determining the goals of the transformation project.
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• Develop a project plan and timeline. This includes breaking down the project into smaller tasks, estimating the time and resources required for each task, and creating a timeline for completing the project.
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• Manage the budget and resources. This includes tracking expenses, ensuring that the project stays on budget, and making adjustments to the budget as needed.
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• Communicate with stakeholders and keep them updated on the project's progress. This includes providing regular status updates, answering questions, and addressing concerns.
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• Identify and mitigate risks. This includes identifying potential risks to the project, developing plans to mitigate those risks, and monitoring the project for any signs of trouble.
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• Overcome challenges and obstacles. This includes dealing with unexpected challenges, such as supply chain disruptions or changes in the market, and finding creative solutions to problems.
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A Project Manager with relevant industry expertise can also provide valuable insights into the specific challenges and opportunities facing the business. This knowledge can be invaluable in developing a successful supply chain transformation project.

Currently, filling this role for supply chain projects is more important than ever. The Australian market is facing a number of challenges that are making it more difficult for businesses to operate. These challenges include:

• High inflation. The Australian dollar has been depreciating against the US dollar, which has led to higher prices for imported goods.
• Rising cost of living. The cost of labor, energy, and other inputs has been rising, which has put pressure on businesses' profit margins.
• Labor shortages. There is a shortage of skilled labor in Australia, which is making it difficult for businesses to find the workers they need.
• Supply chain disruptions. There have been a number of supply chain disruptions in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. These disruptions have caused delays in shipments and increased costs for businesses.

These challenges are putting pressure on businesses to reduce costs and improve efficiency. A successful supply chain transformation project can help businesses to meet these challenges and remain competitive.

A Project Manager with deep supply chain expertise is a critical success factor for any major supply chain transformation project.

They can help to define the scope of the project, develop a project plan, manage the budget and resources, communicate with stakeholders, identify and mitigate risks, and overcome challenges and obstacles. In today's uncertain economic climate, businesses need to do everything they can to reduce costs and improve efficiency. A successful supply chain transformation project can help businesses to do just that.

If you are a business in Australia that is looking to transform your supply chain, then you need to find a Project Manager with deep supply chain expertise. With the right expertise, you can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve your competitive advantage.

Here are some additional tips for businesses looking to transform their supply chains:

• Start by assessing your current supply chain. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your biggest challenges?
• Set clear goals for your supply chain transformation. What do you hope to achieve?
• Develop a plan for your supply chain transformation. This should include a timeline, budget, and list of tasks.
• Communicate with your stakeholders throughout the process. Keep them updated on your progress and get their input.
• Be prepared to make changes. Things don't always go according to plan, so be prepared to adapt your approach as needed.

Supply chain transformation can be a complex and challenging process, but it can be worth it in the long run. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

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Contact us today, trace. your supply chain consulting partner.

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