Technology guarantees survival of supply chain

The introduction of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) by Sars to the Customs Declaration mechanism in the early 2000s was a key event that has shaped the industry over the past decade. The use of this technology has delivered efficiencies to all enabled participants in the supply chain, says Core Freight Systems managing director Jonathan Sims. “The overarching theme that has shaped the forwarding and clearing industry sector over the past decade is the increasing use of technologies. EDI, which allowed the submission of ‘electronic’ bills of entry as opposed to paper documentation, was followed by a customs modernisation initiative which should achieve much greater integration of processes both within customs and between themselves and external parties.” Competition, says Jonathan, has been stimulated through access to relatively low-cost, yet sophisticated systems. “This includes ease of communications through the explosion of the Internet.” Sims believes competition will get even fiercer and the delivery of cost-effective solutions will be a “pre-requisite” for sustainable business. “Greater collaboration between supply chains will be an essential element to providing a more complete service and ensure their survival.” Technology, he says, will be a key factor in enabling this.