Logistics industry sees shift to cloud computing

02 Nov 2012 - by Liesl Venter

Cloud computing, the latest
information technology (IT)
buzzword, is starting to
make its mark in the world of
logistics.
A smart move most experts
would agree because unlike
many other IT fads that
have come and gone over
the years, cloud computing
is changing the face of
business by streamlining
operations, reducing cost as
well as reducing the strain on
resources.
Michael Henning, general
manager of Easyclear, says
there is no denying the
importance of cloud-based
technology in business today.
Best described as the use of
computing resources (hardware
and software) that are delivered
as a service over a network –
typically the Internet – cloudbased
technology is one of the
trends that Easyclear is picking
up on, says Henning.
“There is definitely a shift
toward cloud-based technology
as well as the use of smart
mobile devices,” he told FTW.
“They are being integrated into
existing software to provide
executives with up-to-date
information on the status of
their shipments, providing
much more visibility within the
supply chain.”
It is a trend that Easyclear,
launched in November 2004, is
monitoring closely. “We have
always focused on simplifying
the operational aspects of our
clients’ businesses, developing
systems to meet with everyday
challenges of the logistics
industry,” said Henning.
“Staying ahead of the game
by reviewing current and
future trends in technology
and adapting to keep up with
the changes in order to provide
clients with software that
aligns with business strategy
– or in some cases influences
business strategy – is part and
parcel of our offering.”
Henning says through cloud
computing, businesses within
the industry can increase
performance.
“It is also important that
a business aligns itself with
a third party vendor who
applies best business practice
and is making use of current
technology – not to mention
keeping up with current
technological advancements,”
he said.
CJ Pagel, Easyclear
managing director, agrees,
saying any company’s single
biggest asset is its people –
closely followed by the systems
in place to provide its staff with
the tools to manage their job as
effectively as possible.
“Cloud-based technology
– along with smart phone and
mobile device technology –
is the next wave of change
that has not yet been fully
embraced, particularly within
the freight industry,” he said.
“Being able to offer our clients
these solutions is crucial as
it enables them to ultimately
perform better.”
The logistics industry
continues to face some
challenges when it comes to
electronic solutions – and the
single biggest has been to
implement the technological
changes within the operational
environment as part of the Sars
modernisation process, says
Henning.
“The welcomed
modernisation of Sars has been
embraced in most sectors of
the industry but faces constant
and persistent resistance from
an operational perspective
as business struggles to
understand and implement
the changes imposed upon
them by the technological
advancement,” he said. “This
is not limited to trade only as
Sars themselves struggle with
the implementation of new
software and systems that are
set to provide full visibility of
the supply chain.”
Pagel and Henning say
from a clearing agent’s
perspective the latest trend
is the e-Rfm and supply of
relevant documentation to Sars
electronically, while logistics
service providers are more
focused on finding solutions
to ensure seamless integration
and visibility throughout the
supply chain.