Facilitating the transfer of information

Leveraging the use of IT within the logistics supply chain – whether it is to address internal efficiencies within an organisation or between different entities along the chain – is crucial, according to Jonathan Sims, director of CoreFreight. “One of the major challenges facing logistics service providers, specifically from the systems point of view, is the sharing of data processed within the independent IT applications in use along the supply chain,” said Sims. “Obviously the ideal is the electronic transfer of this data between applications, which should ensure the complete, timeous and accurate transfer of the information at least cost with limited human intervention. Unfortunately, different systems use different formats, naming conventions and communication protocols, which complicate the interface.” According to Sims, the company has established mechanisms to facilitate the transfer of information in and out of its production database. This provides a reliable, cost-effective, standardised tool, which addresses some of these problems. “Through this we have successfully accommodated clients operating international forwarding packages which do not meet the local business requirements for, inter alia, communication with Sars.” CoreFreight services a wide range of players in the industry from niche operators to medium-sized and major companies. According to Sims, the software has proved to be easy to use and incorporates the modern technology required to accommodate future functionality, whether to meet Sars requirements or simply for its clients to remain competitive. “We actively pursue a policy of enhancing existing functionality and developing new features so that our clients are able not only to improve current procedures, but are prepared for new requirements as they become relevant.” A major effort over the past year has been the accommodation of the Sars Customs Modernisation requirements, which should ultimately manifest in a more efficient process flow within the government agency, with the secondary benefits accruing to other participants in the supply chain, said Sims.