NLIS Database Uplift Project
The NLIS Database Uplift Project will ensure Australia has a fit-for-purpose and user-friendly traceability platform which offers flexibility and scalability to track all livestock movements.
In an era of growing consumer demands and heightened awareness surrounding biosecurity, market access, food safety and animal welfare, the need for a robust and agile livestock traceability system has never been greater.
A highly collaborative approach will be taken with the development of the new platform.
The new NLIS database will offer a more streamlined user experience. It will integrate with the eNVD livestock consignment system ensuring a simpler process for producers and other users. The new system will also be able to handle the increased volume of data inputs expected following the introduction of compulsory sheep and goat electronic identification from 1 January 2025.
Beyond this, it will have the agility and flexibility to respond to any new traceability requirements that may emerge.
This significant project is being supported by a $22.5 million funding grant which was announced by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on September 15, 2023. This funding forms part of the Australian Government’s ‘Bolstering Australia’s biosecurity system’ package.
Integrity Systems Company media release: Read more
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt’s statement: Read more
Project objectives
The new NLIS will be a fit for purpose data capture, storage and distribution platform for lifetime livestock traceability and will:
- Improve overall livestock traceability
- Optimise data flow
- Be intuitive and user-friendly and offer a seamless user experience
- Use a modern cloud-based platform with near real-time data
- Integrate with contemporary and legacy systems for improved efficiency and streamlined data exchange
- Provide mechanisms to ensure increased data integrity and accuracy
- Be scalable and flexible to enable future integration
- Improve reporting capability and analytics.
NLIS Database Uplift Project stages
The NLIS Database Uplift Project consists of six stages. Work commenced on 1 July 2023, and it is expected the final stage, which will deliver a new, easy to use and future proofed NLIS platform, will be completed by 30 June 2026.
Here is a summary of the work which will take place during each stage:
Stage 1: Project establishment and strategic discovery (1 July to 31 October 2023)
The project’s objectives and scope will be defined during a comprehensive strategic discovery process with ISC, industry, government stakeholders and other key parties. Governance frameworks will also be established with reference groups formed representing each jurisdiction and the red meat sector.
The project’s objectives and scope will be defined during a comprehensive strategic discovery process with ISC, industry, government stakeholders and other key parties. Governance frameworks will also be established with reference groups formed representing each jurisdiction and the red meat sector. Current status: Complete
Stage 2: Discover and define (July 2023 to May 2024)
End-user engagement will take place to ensure the new NLIS resolves current pain points and that all requirements are included in the new platform design. This will ensure a user-centred approach is applied as the platform’s user journey and user experience are assessed.
End-user engagement will take place to ensure the new NLIS resolves current pain points and that all requirements are included in the new platform design. This will ensure a user-centred approach is applied as the platform’s user journey and user experience are assessed. Current status: Complete
Stage 3: Architecture and design (June 2024 to September 2024)
The underlying infrastructure which will support the new NLIS will be designed using the information gained during the first two stages. End-users will continue to provide feedback on the user experience. A change management plan will also be developed.
The underlying infrastructure which will support the new NLIS will be designed using the information gained during the first two stages. End-users will continue to provide feedback on the user experience. A change management plan will also be developed.Current status: Underway
Stage 4: Software build (October 2024 to December 2025)
During this stage the technical designs for the new platform will be built with end-user engagement and showcases ensuring timely feedback on platform features prior to deployment. The change management plan’s implementation will be commenced to support a phased rollout of platform features.
During this stage the technical designs for the new platform will be built with end-user engagement and showcases ensuring timely feedback on platform features prior to deployment. The change management plan’s implementation will be commenced to support a phased rollout of platform features.Current status: Not yet started
Stage 5: Phased deployment and transition (January 2025 to June 2026)
A phased rollout of the new platform, including data migration, will take place in this stage. System monitoring, alerting, and customer support for the new NLIS will also commence. Users of the new system will be trained and supported during onboarding.
A phased rollout of the new platform, including data migration, will take place in this stage. System monitoring, alerting, and customer support for the new NLIS will also commence. Users of the new system will be trained and supported during onboarding. Current status: Not yet started
Stage 6: Decommissioning and project closure (1 Jan 2026 to 30 June 2026)
The current NLIS database will be decommissioned with all users transitioned to the new system. The project will conclude with the delivery of a final monitoring and evaluation report and final project report.
The current NLIS database will be decommissioned with all users transitioned to the new system. The project will conclude with the delivery of a final monitoring and evaluation report and final project report.Current status: Not yet started
New NLIS fully operational (July 2026)
We made it.
New NLIS delivering vast efficiency and traceability benefits.
Project governance
A comprehensive NLIS Database Uplift Project Governance Framework has been created to guide the successful development, management and delivery of this project. An essential part of this governance framework is the establishment of, and consultation with, a number of reference and co-design groups.
Initial meetings have been held with the Industry Reference Group, the State and Territories Reference Group and the Technical Reference Committee with regular meetings to be held to seek advice and input into the NLIS Database Uplift project.
How does the NLIS work?
The National Livestock Identification System is Australia’s system for the identification and traceability of cattle, sheep and goats. NLIS reflects Australia’s commitment to biosecurity and food safety and provides a competitive advantage in a global market.
The NLIS combines three elements to enable the lifetime traceability of animals:
1. All livestock are identified by a visual or electronic eartag/device.
2. All physical locations are identified by means of a Property Identification Code (PIC)
3. All livestock location data and movements are recorded in a central database
Want to know more?
- Subscribe to our NLIS Database Uplift Update newsletter, ISC’s monthly newsletter, Integrity Matters; or
- Contact the NLIS Database Uplift Project team at NLISUplift@integritysystems.com.au with any specific questions or feedback.
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