Connect with us

Uncategorized

6 ways to maximise ROI with real-time transport visibility

Published

on

The challenges of transport and logistics management across the African continent present significant opportunities for companies that can leapfrog traditional supply chain practices and adopt automation technologies.

Real time transport and logistics visibility is transforming the way transport organisations operate, providing them and their customers with live updates on the location and status of the vehicle fleet as well as the goods that have been ordered. Without this technology, companies do not have insights into deliveries, leading to inefficiencies and customer dissatisfaction, and an inability to keep up with competitors.

With the needs of customers in the region in mind, SEIDOR in Africa has developed a transport solution for SAP Business One referred to as Transport One that provides real-time, end-to-end transport visibility for SMBs that have implemented the ERP solution to automate key functions across their business.

Daisy Ndanyi, Head of Technical Account Management at SEIDOR in Africa, East Africa Region, says the Seidor Transport One solution was developed in consultation with SEIDOR’s large base of customers in the transport and logistics industry.

“What we have now is a seamless solution that integrates with SAP Business One and provides our clients with the information they need to optimise their transport and logistics operations,” she says. “Real-time visibility allows for accurate tracking and tracing of assets, and their location and status, throughout the supply chain.”

Ndanyi adds that any business that operates a fleet of commercial vehicles requires information about the whereabouts of any given vehicle at any time. Incorporating the latest GPS technology, SEIDOR’s solution is far more than just a tool to help commercial drivers to navigate from location to location. “It allows SMBs to monitor vehicle location, geo-fencing, vehicle speed, odometer reading and routes taken.”

As part of a modern mobile transport tracking software tool, the solution provides information that is critical to cost assessment, excellent customer service and improved efficiency.

Here are six key ways the solution can maximise ROI:

1. Tracking and calculating cost and profit per kilometre

Road-transport operators and logistics companies need to measure and control variable vehicle cost factors like fuel, tyres, maintenance, and repairs to gain accurate insights into actual costs and profitability.

2. Daily loading and delivery planning tools and reports

Labour planning and management is a challenge for many transport companies. Accurate and timeous reports make it possible to eliminate wasted time and spend while knowing what cargo needs to be loaded and delivered daily. Order delivery accuracy and on-time delivery are improved by planning tools that are part of the solution.

3. Monitoring fuel use

Fuel monitoring functionality reports fuel levels per vehicle, driver, and trip, recording important data from costs to consumption. This improves the company’s fuel efficiency, emphasising visibility around fuel spending and transactions at the driver level. This can result in significant fuel cost reduction and also eliminates fuel theft. A fuel tracking system also helps businesses determine if speeding is a common occurrence within the fleet.


4. Reduced downtime and increase asset availability

Preventive maintenance of vehicles minimises vehicle downtime, reduces costs and avoids breakdowns that result in safety and security risks. Alerts ensure that vehicles are serviced regularly, and parts are available when needed thanks to streamlined requisition systems.

5. Accelerated transactions and improved cash flow
By automating everyday financial tasks and integrating them with other business processes, transport businesses are always able to get the information they need when they need it. They can effectively track and access all customer-related information, for example, better servicing customers at every point of contact, helping ensure repeat business, and driving improved cash flow as a result of accurate monitoring and management of revenue and expenses. Timely billing based on real-time proof of delivery to maximise cashflow. This is enabled by the driver portal. An integration to mobile payments has eased the handling of cash to drivers and other payments.

6. Vehicle asset management
The solution enables automated tracking, vehicle details, licensing, tracking and reporting on vehicle values and costs, as well as annual depreciation as a result of distances travelled. The system also ensures that the business complies with all necessary regulations, enabling fleet managers to anticipate new regulations and avoid sanctions or fines.

“In addition to the many cost-saving and efficiency benefits, the solution is also affordable, quick to implement and integrates easily with SAP Business One,” says Ndanyi.

“The extremely positive response we have had from our SMB customers in the transport sector demonstrates just how beneficial this add-on is proving to be. We will continue to add features and functionality as the demand arises.”

Continue Reading

Supply Chain

RFA calls for 5l water donations and community drop-off points

Published

on

The Road Freight Association (RFA) is calling on its members and all industry stakeholders to support the call to provide desperately needed water and other essentials to communities devastated by the floods in KwaZulu-Natal. “Whether you are a large trucking operator or operate bakkies, vans, motorcycles – or someone who would simply like to support our ‘Truckers Making a Difference’ campaign – you too can help those who have been devastated by the floods,” says Gavin Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of the Road Freight Association.

“There are a number of ways in which people and organisations can assist our ‘Truckers Making a Difference’ campaign,” explains Kelly. “Everyone can make a donation – even a 5-litre bottle of water will bring relief to those in need. Although food, blankets and shelter are also needed, water is the overwhelming need for communities right now. KwaZulu Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala indicated earlier today that it could take months to repair flood damage to the Tongaat Water Works – the RFA would like to do what we can to make even a small difference in making the lives of flood victims easier.” 

For those wishing to donate water or other essential items for flood victims, there are two drop-off points: Airport Lodge Guest House, 6-273 Koppie Ave, Kempton Park, 1619, and 309 Malcolm Str, Garsfontein, Pretoria.

More drop off points will be announced on rfa.co.za and @RFA on Facebook as they become available

The Association is also calling on its members – and any other stakeholder – who have depots and storage facilities, to open these facilities as community drop-off points.

The communities of Tongaat, Umdloti and The Bluff have appealed for urgent assistance and have been targeted as the initial priority areas.

Organisations and individuals wanting to make donations or facilities available to “Truckers Making a Difference” can contact Charlene on [email protected] or call 074 490 0974.

Continue Reading

Press Releases

New Serco high volume refrigerated Interlink trailer

Published

on

Durban 22 March 2022   A leading transporter wanted to move high volumes of perishable goods efficiently. Their current inter-link trailer used by the transporter for many years needed to be refined and made user-friendly and less prone to mechanical wear and tear. Serco’s technical team were eager to step up to the challenge.

In an impressive display of its engineering capabilities, Serco designed and built a refrigerated interlink trailer which incorporated a hydraulic system to enable through loading, rear docking and high-volume transport of perishable goods.

The interlink is a purpose-built refrigerated trailer designed specifically for the customer’s requirements – was in a 9.1m/9.1m combination.

The refrigerated interlink was built in such a way that there could be through loading or individual docking of each link with minimal negative impact on the cold chain. This is achieved with a custom-built hydraulic system.

Engineering specifics include:

  • Custom-machined hydraulics, rolling elements and guides allow the front box to move forward and backwards along the chassis beam
  • Front and rear docking points ensure the box is secure in its resting and fully extended position.
  • A custom-made hydraulic cylinder and power pack cater for the 4-metre stroke.
  •  The design incorporates an energy chain to allow for the power and diesel lines to feed the fridge and interior lighting while allowing for the box to slide.

The newly designed refrigerated interlink is ideal for transporters for high volumes of perishable food products, while also offering flexibility for efficient on and offloading of the two links independently.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Largest professional body for procurement and supply in South Africa offers global standard guidance and support on ethics and training

Published

on

Johannesburg, 17 February 2022 – The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) in South Africa, is calling on professionalisation in buying practices through the standardisation of processes and compliance, ethics guidance and training for professionals.

CIPS is a not-for-profit global organisation that trains individuals and teams on procurement and supply matters, including public sector and businesses on how to spot and prevent fraud, corruption and bribery in procurement, increase transparency in supply chains, and work with suppliers to encourage best practice. CIPS South Africa is the only SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) recognised professional body in the country. Fully qualified CIPS members sign up to a code of ethics and can complete an annual ethics test to raise their membership status further and become Chartered members.

Dr Sara Bux, the General Manager of CIPS South Africa, said, “This professional body and the CIPS for Business team, always challenges procurement leaders to remain relevant by becoming Chartered members and/or for organisations to achieve the CIPS ethics mark, demonstrating they have the latest insights, up-to-date skills and are committed to ethical practices.”

CIPS South Africa Head of Professional Body, Sarie Homan responsible for professional standards in education said, “Procurement and supply managers must adopt good practices in their respective organisations and departments, and these can be simple such as advertising policies and processes to combat fraud or creating a confidential whistleblowing helpline for staff and suppliers to raise concerns. Managers can also draw up policies around gifts and hospitality often intended to influence decision-making where these instances are logged and reported on regularly.”

CIPS offers a range of resources for members and also non-members as part of its public good agenda.

Craig O’Flaherty, Head of CIPS for Business in CIPS South Africa, adds,” Responsible procurement is a reputational and economic imperative, whether it is a state-owned or private business. 

“Procurement teams where day-to-day business decisions are made should focus on automatically doing the right thing, to enhance the reputation of their business as well as meeting regulations and world-wide standards,” he says.   

“We may be suffering from the effects of uncertainty at the moment, but like any terrain, formidable leaders can conquer these challenges with the right knowledge, the right equipment and the right skills. Armed with an inquisitive and decisive attitude, and influential and persuasive skills, a strong procurement and supply management leader can steer not only their teams but their organisation to success.”

For more information on ethics training and guidance contact the CIPS Africa team.

Continue Reading

Trending