Push for predictive and exception management software

There’s a growing need for realtime
processing and analytics
in the local warehousing sector,
says Renko Bergh, COO of
Forte Supply Chain Consulting.
“The increase in e-commerce
purchases in the South African
retail space is increasing
consumer expectations.”
It’s in line with global trends
where larger, global retailers are
setting stricter standards for
suppliers than they did in the
past.
“My observation from the
international equivalent is a
move towards on-time in full
(OTIF) replenishment from
warehouses and logistics
suppliers,” says Bergh. “This
push for ‘perfection’ in goods
delivery and global freight
visibility is resulting in the
introduction of predictive
and exception management
software. The introduction
of such analytical systems
provides more data as well as
highlighting the need for the
right tools to extract value from
the data in order to improve
OTIF.”
According to Bergh the
margin for increased efficiency
within the warehouse industry,
compared to
other links
within the
supply value
chain, can
favourably
affect the
bottom line.
He believes
there is big
earning
potential from
automation
and
technology
within the
warehouse
sector.
However, there are
challenges. “In order to
achieve digital supply chain
transformation, as far as
warehouse management system
(WMS) implementation goes,
companies need to investigate
new trends and practices.”
According to Bergh
companies need to realign their
thinking in terms of how they
train, measure
and compensate
employees.
“In essence,
they need
to drive a
behaviour
change within
the employees.
Otherwise,
outcomes won’t
improve despite
the introduction
of digital
transformation.”
Bergh says
the selection and
utilisation of a best-in-class
WMS provides the basis for an
effective warehouse operation.
“Selecting a warehouse
management system that is
sustainable in design and that
has a customercentric
support
structure provides
the opportunity
for warehouse
operations
to unlock the
potential that
technology provides.”
Three key
elements are crucial
for the successful
implementation of a WMS
– people, process and systems.
“Our role is to bridge the gap
between industry, software
adopters, and the creators
of the software, system
developers. Bridging this gap
becomes even more critical
within the rapidly changing
environment of disruptive
technology.”
He says Forte has recently
developed a platform-asa-
service cloud-based tool
called FLOW, which provides
integration and basic
dashboard reporting.
“The aim was to integrate
the warehouse management
software with other 3rd party
systems. This need specifically
arose with constraints from
server-based applications
to operate in a cloud-based
environment and integrate
with other cloud-based
supportive software. FLOW
was created to address
constraints like this.”
INSERT & CAPTION
Companies need to
realign their thinking
in terms of how
they train, measure
and compensate
employees.
– Renko Bergh