New SAA system incorporates revenue management feature

The first phase of a new, fully integrated IT system for SAA Cargo will go live by April next year, with the entire system operational by no later than August. It will be implemented in two phases – with the implementation process already started in 2007, says Gary Hoyle, chief finance officer for SAA Cargo. “We needed to upgrade our IT system as the two systems we currently have in place are not just fairly old, but are also not fully integrated and therefore don’t speak to each other. In 2007 we started the process of looking for a new fully integrated system that is web-based and specifically caters for cargo and found the answer in i-Cargo – a system from IBS.” According to Hoyle, the system will bring all SAA Cargo stations online, while allowing all aspects of the business – be it warehousing, reservations, bookings or revenue management – to work together at all times. “We believe by implementing this system we will increase our capability and efficiency.” Because i-Cargo will replace multiple systems and staff need to be trained, the decision was taken to implement it in two phases. “It will require extensive training of some staff members and therefore we are happy with the two-phased approach.” According to Hoyle the new system will bring several benefits to SAA Cargo. “If you do not effectively manage cargo, you will effectively find yourself flying goods for free. “It is also important to have information at hand before you make decisions, to trace and track cargo at all times, while also looking at revenue management. “This new system will allow us to do all of that and more.” It also has the added advantage of being web-based so that any of the countries with which SAA Cargo deals – and which do not have a cargo operating system – can be given access to the SAA Cargo system on condition they have an internet line.