A successful distribution
strategy is based on the
successful integration of
systems, technology, people,
processes and innovation.
An effective system, along
with proper training of staff
and educating the client
on the process and time
lines will ensure on-time
delivery.
This is
the view
of Juliette
Fourie, CEO
of specialist
training
company
MetroMinds,
which offers
the National
Certificate:
Supply Chain
Management
NQF Level 5 with
a specialisation in
distribution and logistics.
What is necessary,
she says, is vision from a
company’s leadership to
understand the holistic
picture in order to align the
business strategy with the
distribution strategy.
Fourie believes
technology is “extremely
important” in ensuring
a successful distribution
model, along with
the knowledge and
understanding of how
to properly deploy it to
improve business processes.
“Technology does not
start and stop with the
internet or
IT systems. It
is about how
technology
has
contributed
to customer
satisfaction,
effective
processes,
automation,
time saving,
cost reduction
at input level and value
adding activities at output
level,” she comments,
pointing out that
technology is not discussed
and explored enough at
secondary and tertiary
education levels.
MetroMinds has placed
in the finals twice in a
row in the Da Vinci Top
Technology 100 (TT100)
Business Innovation
Awards Programme for
what Fourie describes
as the company’s ability
to bring innovation in
technology in the way it
provides its training.
The workplace
simulators implemented
by MetroMinds last year
– providing real-life work
experiences via simulation
– focus on logistics and
distribution as an area of
specialisation.
“Workplace simulators
are recommended for
first-time industry and
job entrants but could also
form part of the related
logistics learnerships, using
the existing education
successes and integrating
workplace simulation into
the programmes,” explains
Fourie.
She adds that the
simulation is also used
in MetroMinds’ skills
programmes for employed
staff to upskill, refresh and
evaluate their skills levels.
INSERT & CAPTION
Technology does not
start and stop with
the internet or IT
systems.
– Juliette Fourie
