New supply chain management drive spawns range of IT options

With the almost overnight evolution of the information technology (IT) sector, the literary myth of “Big Brother” has turned into reality, according to Roland Raath, MD of Cargocare Freight Services. “Once you really start applying your mind, you realise just how much has changed in this IT area in such a short space of time,” he told FTW. “New developments and opportunities are popping up everywhere. E-bay is now a commonly used term, whereas a year ago it was rarely spoken of in our local context. “IT service providers in SA have opened shop with many new offerings to meet the public demand for increased business and training opportunities – while the public seems to have developed a new boldness to forge ahead into unknown territory.” The same evolution has also taken place within Cargocare, according to operations director, Sue Wood. “Our promise of top-level communications continues to be maintained and improved through mobile device connectivity,” she said. Solutions is the new catchword, she added. “With the new drive towards supply chain management that is beginning its inevitable march across our industry, we project that generic programme development will expand considerably – provided it is written with a view to further specialisation.” With this rush in cyberdevelopment, Cargocare continues to spend more on IT solutions and upgrades, according to Raath. And this IT focus has already paid dividends from its application to just one new area of the company’s business. This has been applied to a new niche market Cargocare has taken on in the health and skincare industry – and it is already successfully moving about 8 000 shipments per month to domestic health and skincare consignees. “We will also be focusing on our other general business,” said Wood, “and evolving with clients into the area of supply chain logistics. This will concentrate on systems that can offer further integration with clients, specifically in the area of inventory procurement, flow, control, evaluation and re-order processes.” Cargocare still has a long way to go, according to Raath. “But consultations have started, and sales staff will be trained, motivated and mentored out of the ‘old’ style of pure freight forwarding and clearing,” he said.