New IT system enhances tracking info

FH Bertling has ushered in the new decade in style with the worldwide launch last month (January) of a new in-house information technology system that adds efficiencies for the company and its customers. “The system opens a file at the place of origin and the same file is passed on to each office throughout the routing of the cargo so that our clients can obtain tracking in real time and know exactly where their cargo is at any moment,” Bertling’s Pete Sands told FTW. “The software is specifically aimed at projects, enabling us to handle line item tracking and tracing for each project which is hugely beneficial.” According to Sands, cross border volumes are on an upward trajectory. “It seems that the economies of the neighbouring countries are still in good order and the main thrust relies on imports from South Africa and transit cargo from the rest of the world.” The majority of business is general cargo, says Sands, with project cargo to the DRC, Zambia and Mozambique in high demand. And while border posts have been working reasonably well to ensure a swift flow of traffic, with only some minor delays at Musina/Beitbridge now and again, pre-planning and error-free documentation before dispatch is the key to avoiding delays. “A good working relationship with our border agents and their relationship with the Customs department also facilitate a smooth flow of work,” he added. With increased traffic flows and several new projects on the cards for 2011, the company will expand its Johannesburg facilities with the opening of a new state of the art office in Pomona with a 10 000m2 warehouse. Its African offices will also be seeking ISO9001 accreditation in 2011.