Warehousing system goes online

Woods Warehousing is in the process of moving to an online warehousing system which will allow for more seamless processing and tracking. This facility will provide clients with an option to view stock levels on-line. “Moving to an online system, which is fully integrated with our physical operations, will keep us competitive in an uncertain economic climate,” said Woods Warehousing MD, Pieter Joubert. He told FTW that while the company was positive about an improvement in the country’s economy this year, there were still major challenges that could impact the freight industry’s growth prospects. “Load shedding will impact industrialisation and manufacturing output this year, unemployment will rise and there is again the threat of industrial action – all of which could directly affect the supply chain,” said Joubert, adding that Woods Warehousing therefore had to continually look at innovative ways to improve and expand its product offering. He said the supply chain was increasingly expanding into Africa, providing good opportunities for the company due to its strategic location in Johannesburg and its bonded storage facilities for goods in transit for re-export from South Africa. “However, a weaker rand – the result of a struggling economy and a lower global growth forecast – could impact our business as goods devalue while in storage,” said Joubert. “Really, any volatility in regional and continental markets could impact an already fragile economy so we’re keeping a wary eye on the changes so we can adapt our business model as and when the need arises,” he added. Woods Warehousing offers only one component of the supply chain but has established preferred partnerships with other suppliers – including clearing and forwarding agents, transportation and distribution – to provide clients with a comprehensive solution. INSERT & CAPTION Load shedding will further impact industrialisation and manufacturing output this year. – Pieter Joubert CAPTION Woods Warehousing offers 30 000 sqm of storage space.