Delta turns to net to connect suppliers

Ed Richardson PORT ELIZABETH-based Delta Motor Corporation has invested half a million rand in an information system designed to link the assembler directly with its 125 local and 140 international suppliers. Michael Pearton, DeltaÕs Director of Vehicle Assembly Operations, says the new system, which provides live two-way communication between Delta and its suppliers, will allow the vehicle manufacturer to manage its supply chain more efficiently. Delta will be able to communicate quickly with suppliers and in turn receive direct feedback from them. The information carried on the system will range from material release acceptances, the confirmation of billing to support production requirements through to advanced shipping notices. Previously, most communications were handled on a one-way basis, leading to delays, according to Pearton. The new software is designed to communicate with multiple systems. "One of the attributes of this new system is that it will enable the company to communicate with all of its suppliers, regardless of the sophistication levels of their communications systems," says Pearton. "This gives the company increased flexibility to ensure that production runs more smoothly. It also positions us at the cutting edge of technological advancements and strengthens our position as a world class manufacturer," he adds The new software systems were installed by Collaborative Xchange, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange-listed Super Group.