Zebra system makes queues a thing of the past

IF YOU move along the Zebra line, you can't go wrong, says South African Airways' Gideon Horn. The man who has promoted the airline's electronic data message interchange system, has moved ahead with its success. Formerly SAA Cargo import manager, he has now been promoted to senior manager operations, and takes responsibility for all cargo movements in and out of the giant warehousing operation at Johannesburg International Airport, as well as other airports throughout the country. The Zebra system has been his pride since its inception, with the rapid speed-up of document processing boosting the airline's service to customers. "You can now have deliveries within 90 minutes of the aircraft touching down here from any international departure point," he says. "In most instances cargo has been available to customers within six hours of touchdown. "The handling in the warehouse is top class. I don't think you can beat it anywhere, and we are constantly updating training methods for ground handling staff. Our top, regular customers receive special attention. Supervisors are appointed to deal with them in a dedicated handling area, which applies to both incoming and outgoing consignments. It all adds up to the fact that queues are something of the past. Customers don't find their representatives held up any longer, and it all goes down to the Zebra's success."