Stand-alone project division on the cards

JOY ORLEK OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES – like finding a grader unit in Sishen to pull trucks up steep inclines that they can’t negotiate under their own power – is the easy part when it comes to project cargo. “The challenge these days lies elsewhere,” says Jan Ludolph, managing director of industry major Rohde & Liesenfeld. “We like to get involved at the expediting stage –when the purchase orders, including the thousands of line items, are issued on the various contractors and suppliers. “This is when we like to interface with our clients and start managing the line items for them with our in-house designed ERP system, the R&L ROLOG product,” says Ludolph. Any proficient operator must be able to undertake route surveys, perform heavy lift studies, undertake port and shipping studies, find and maintain relationships with the best industry sub suppliers for transport and rigging services, and advise on revenue service and insurance procedures both locally and elsewhere. These are the basics that any player must bring to the party, says Ludolph. But managing projects is a far more complex business and it’s important for project managers to have precise information on where their line items are. “They need to keep tabs on vendor ex works original promised dates versus current promised dates, actual shipment collection date and actual arrival date at port, site and so on,” he told FTW. And this is where R&L adds value, in his view. “Our web-enabled purchase order management system, ROLOG, ensures that milestone dates are constantly updated locally and internationally with partners constantly feeding information into the system. Not only do we move the cargo, but we become an integral link in the planning processes of the client.” R&L SA celebrated its 40th anniversary recently. “We’ve been involved in project cargo since day one and are bullish about the outlook for this sector. Investment in trucks and rigging equipment is happening all the time and with 2010 looming, volumes will increase.” “Our next step will be to establish a separate stand-alone project division in line with developments in the R&L group internationally. “It is refreshing to see some of our SA export project cargo manufacturers with full order books for the next 18 months. Let's hope the trend continues” Worldwide the company specialises in the oil and gas and the mining industries, with a strong involvement in the cement industry as well.