‘Tough times call for innovation’

Cost-effective supply chain strategies remain the key focus of business in Botswana, especially in the light of more recession talks across the globe. According to Rudi Nagel, business development manager of Transport Holdings Limited, cutbacks are still the order of the day, with most companies in Botswana still in savings mode. And while customers want more for less, he believes tough times create new scope for innovation. Transport Holdings offers its customers the best solution at the best price by fundamentally integrating a customer’s needs and logistics into its business, before tabling a solution, says Nagel. “The days of being competitive by using conventional costing methods are long gone. We look long and hard at any potential cost and benefit gains we may enjoy from the customer joining our fold, and then pass that benefit on to the client.” He says the company has achieved success in balancing in- and outbound traffic. “We are able to offer a back haul strategy to ensure optimum utilisation of resources. Although it is not always possible, that puts pressure on companies to be innovative.” And while volumes are not where they should be for this time of the year, he says the company has experienced phenomenal growth. He said Transport Holdings had opted to also focus on improved service in these difficult times. “Our approach is one of integrating ourselves into our clients’ business to find solutions that will allow us to save them costs while not cutting back on delivery.