Greater capacity in the port of Walvis Bay and improved productivity following the opening of the new container terminal will create opportunities for retailers to expand their operations in the country, according to Renko Bergh of Forte Inventory Solutions. This will create more pressure on retailers to keep tight control of their inventory in order to remain competitive in a market which is currently suffering from stagnant growth and a general economic slowdown in the country and surrounding region. “With the increase in imports
and distribution of stock, the challenge and opportunity at the same time is the vast distance that stock needs to be distributed from the Walvis bay corridor to other main centres in Namibia. “We see a higher stock holding at the retail store level, instead of relying on distribution centres.” This, he says, highlights the importance of managing stock and having accurate stock level readings available on a consistent basis. “At Forte Inventory Solutions we believe that the most accurate and reliable retail stocktake counts are done independently – using
external scanners and stocktake systems and ideally external counters. “Utilising technology solutions for stocktake processing is an effective way to simultaneously improve profitability, streamline costs and reduce waste,” he says. Forte Inventory Solutions plans and manages each “stocktake event” in close collaboration with its clients. “We ensure all pre-event communications and preparations are done,” he says. Forte provides stocktake software, SU and BIN labels, scanners and a printer to ensure the team can work anywhere in Namibia, as well as counters, says Bergh.
We see a higher stock holding at the retail store level, instead of relying on distribution centres. – Renko Bergh
