If one understands logistics as the management of the flow of goods, information and other resources between the point of origin and the point of consumption, it is clear that information systems are an essential contributor to the efficient operation of the logistics process. “Unfortunately, the number of elements in the logistics supply chain means that a single IT application is highly unlikely to provide the required degree of expert processing within each of the inter-related components in order to deliver the level of functionality required within each link,” says Glenn Lawson of Core Freight Systems. “This is before one acknowledges the rather obvious fact that many of the components are serviced by completely different organisations who, in any event, are unlikely to subscribe to the same piece of software,” he points out. “At Core Freight our specific area of focus is the freight forwarding and customs clearing function from a South African perspective – and we work hard at providing a “best of breed” solution to operators in this area, whether they are the local representatives of a multinational agent or independents.” The intention, in Lawson’s view, is to improve clients’ operational efficiency, enhance their management control and help them service their clients better. “In achieving this we acknowledge the requirement to link the CoreFreight functionality with the other elements at work in the supply chain in order to contribute to the total logistics solution. The CoreXchange module is specifically developed to provide this interaction.” CoreXchange is an established mechanism that is used to facilitate the transfer of data between the CoreFreight application and other third party software, including both proprietary importer/exporter systems, generic forwarding packages and ‘track ‘n trace’ applications. “Subject to co-operation between the parties, modern technology and flexible database design allow CoreFreight users to fully participate in the logistics supply chain,” concludes Lawson.
