New eLogistics solution integrates supply chain partners

IN A move set to improve the ability of local companies to manage their supply chains more efficiently and improve export and import performance, eBusiness service provider B2BAfrica, a subsidiary of Transnet, has announced the successful pilot and implementation of the first multi-modal eLogistics solution. "This solution will ultimately provide an integrated eLogistics system knitting together players in the manufacturing, mining, and retail sectors with their logistics service providers," says CEO, Nobusi Shikwane. Explained B2BAfrica executive manager, eLogistics, Dheenan Naidoo: "The solution provides tools that help logistics managers and service providers plan, manage, monitor and optimise cargo movements along the time and space continuum. It covers all inbound and outbound logistics activities, and is a concerted effort to move products from source to market as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible." The initial phase of the eLogistics project focuses on creating a "single wired interface" for Transnet's logistics businesses, initiating logistics process flow between these business units, and allowing them to interact with customers' supply chains electronically. "It was logical to involve Transnet because its business activities touch 60% of all freight moved within and across South Africa's borders, and span the full spectrum of transport modes, covering air, rail, road and ports," explained Naidoo. "The solution will have immediate critical mass through the incorporation of Transnet, Spoornet, The National Port Authority, freightdynamics, Petronet and SAA Cargo. We have also been working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Customs and Excise, SARB and the Ministry of Transport," he said. "Without the proper logistics systems in place, South Africa will find it difficult to compete effectively in the international markets, and drive down the cost of transportation and logistics in Southern Africa," said Naidoo. The B2BAfrica eLogistics solution enables a manufacturer who has received an overseas order, at the point of commencement of manufacturing, to place an order for rail transport, based on the manufacturing completion date. This triggers the necessary logistics procedures to ensure timeous delivery. Each delivery service provider, whether road, rail, sea or air transportation, receives a true demand signal. "The 'glass pipe' concept enables all players to see the signal instantaneously and have the opportunity to act on it timeously," he said. "It is a fully dynamic environment that will set off a contingency plan should a certain transport mode not be available. Portnet, for example, will know exactly when a particular container is due by rail or road, and will have the necessary forewarning to plan for contingencies," he added. "Because it is Internet enabled, it can be accessed from anywhere in the world." Logistics company, Viamax Logistics, assisted by B2BAfrica as the technology enabler, has become the first customer who has successfully implemented a multi-modal eLogistics solution as the backbone of its container management service for major customers. Viamax is also using the eLogistics platform as its logistics command centre to manage the movement of maize on behalf of the United Nations World Food Programme to Zimbabwe. One of the conditions the UN set to award the contract was for appropriate logistics technology to be in place before shipment through South Africa could occur.