Maximising the use of technology and developing innovative solutions to improve efficiency in compliance within supply chains is the way forward for logistics firms that want to run ahead of the pack in an evolving regulatory environment.
This is the view of Murray Griffin, managing director at multinational group Monteagle Logistics, which has made strides in improving efficiencies to ensure cost savings during difficult economic times.
The company, which specialises in moving and storing high volumes of cargo such as FMCG and bulk materials, recently moved to a newly refurbished 32 000-sqm food grade approved facility, with 22 000 sqm under roof and 10 000 sqm of yard space in Sydney Road, Durban.
The new site is located 620 metres as the crow flies from the quayside at Maydon Wharf, Durban harbour.
Griffin said the “world class facility” had high standards relating to regulatory compliance. Some of its accreditations include a certificate of acceptability issued by Ethekwini Municipality for food grade warehousing, a fundamental requirement for imports of food products and inspections by port health authorities.
Other key departments needed to achieve compliance for food imports include the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (Daff) and National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).
Monteagle is currently undergoing the process to become a Daff, state vet approved facility under new regulations for the imports of animal by-products requiring quarantine prior to release. Part of the requirement for accreditation of new facilities with the state vet is the establishment of a customs controlled area through Sars approval, with customs officials being present onsite.
Griffin said the company’s aim was to further strengthen its stance as the frontline of biosecurity for the South African population, working hand in hand with the regulatory bodies as a centre of excellence in compliance.
In addition to the imports compliance arena, Monteagle has an accreditation from the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) for the independent validation and inspection of export containers.
Griffin said the company had harnessed technology and innovation on several levels to facilitate compliance and ensure cost efficiency for customers.
He said it was vital for local firms to innovate and be conscious of compliance issues, in an environment where unsafe and noncompliant operations were rife.
INSERT
Harnessing technology and innovation to facilitate compliance. – Murray Griffin
