Celtic leverages IT to speed up information flow

Lusaka-based Celtic Freight is using information technology to speed up the flow of information to clients. “We are introducing new systems and procedures to provide a service that is quicker, slicker and faster,” says managing director Amish Kuntawala. He has been upgrading the systems since returning to Lusaka after studying business at the University of Texas. Now, as managing director (he succeeded his father Yogesh earlier this year), Kuntawala is able to roll out the full vision. The introduction of the Asycuda World customs system in Zambia has provided further impetus for the introduction of the Celtic Freight client information system. “Once it is running smoothly it will reduce the time taken to clear cargo through customs,” he says. Information from Asycuda will be captured by the Celtic system and combined with the company’s track and trace service to generate live reports of the status of the cargo. “Our aim is to make our feedback to our clients better and more efficient. Instead of having to call in and speak to our helpdesk they will be able to check the status online,” he says. The Celtic warehouses in Gauteng, Durban and Lusaka are already geared up for the system, with all cargo being barcoded on entry. “We even barcode our waybills,” he adds. Celtic is also helping clients to move smaller loads more costeffectively using its fleet of 1.5-, 3- and 6-metre containers. They can be filled at the client’s premises or consolidated in one of the Celtic warehouses. “Importers don’t have to tie up capital by filling a 6m container. They can bring in smaller loads more often,” he says. The company also has 500 6m containers moving between Durban and Zambia. INSERT & CAPTION We are introducing new systems and procedures to provide a service that is quicker, slicker and faster. – Amish Kuntawala