Logistics
Logistics Management: The Importance of Supply Chain Visibility

Published
2 years agoon
By
SCN Africa
In the fast-paced world of logistics, supply chain visibility is becoming an ever more crucial aspect for effective and productive management. Having the ability to track and monitor materials products, and information across the supply chain is invaluable and has become a way of life for many.
This ability to keep track of products is essential for businesses aiming to reduce costs, increase efficiency and meet growing customer expectations. In this article our focus will be on the significance of supply chain visibility in logistics management and how it can revolutionise the way organisations operate.
Operational efficiency
The first benefit of supply chain visibility is the potential for operational optimisation to take place effectively. Using real-time tracking allows businesses to gain insights into the flow of goods as they move. This is important because it allows businesses to identify bottlenecks and take the appropriate actions necessary to streamline their services.
Effectively placing businesses in a position where they can begin making data-driven decisions quickly and efficiently. One example of this is inventory, having visibility into inventory levels helps prevent out-of-stock events as well as overstocking, resulting in improved inventory management.
Improved customer service
Delivering exceptional service should be one of the core goals of any business that deals with consumers, and supply chain visibility plays a pivotal role in this area. Today’s customers want their items, and they want them quickly, customer satisfaction is becoming increasingly competitive by providing accurate timely tracking data to customers consistently. Businesses can build the trust and very importantly, the loyalty of their new customers.
Risk mitigation/risk management
In the complex world of logistics, risks and uncertainties are inherent. However, supply chain visibility equips businesses with the tools to mitigate these risks effectively. By closely monitoring the movement of goods, companies can identify potential disruptions such as delays, weather-related issues, or transportation bottlenecks.
This early identification enables logistics managers to implement contingency plans, reroute shipments, or find alternative suppliers, reducing the impact of disruptions on the overall supply chain. With improved visibility, organisations can enhance their resilience and minimise the financial and reputational risks associated with unforeseen events.
Collaboration is a must.
Achieving supply chain visibility will at some point require collaboration to take place between suppliers, carriers, and customers. By growing collaborative partnerships business can create a robust network of interconnected data streams. This will enable the free flow of information across the various sectors of the supply chain and allow for real-time sharing of important information.
Using this data effectively allows suppliers to create accurate forecasts, such as demand forecasts which can be extremely useful from the perspective of keeping stock levels appropriate for the current demand.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected business landscape, supply chain visibility has become a strategic imperative for logistics management. It empowers organisations with accurate and real-time information, allowing for improved operational efficiency, enhanced customer service, better risk mitigation, and collaborative partnerships.
Embracing supply chain visibility can transform logistics operations, enabling companies to stay competitive, adapt to market changes, and deliver value to their customers. As technology continues to advance, organisations that prioritise supply chain visibility will be well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the logistics industry and drive success in the future.
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Logistics
New Multimodal Inland Port Association Launched at Transport Forum

Published
1 year agoon
May 27, 2024By
SCN Africa
A significant milestone was reached in the South African logistics sector with the recent launch of the Multimodal Inland Port Association (MIPA). This new association was launched during the Transport Forum, an online event on 23 May 2024 attended by over 250 delegates, with a distinguished panel from industry, Transnet and academia. The event marked what many are calling the dawn of a rail renaissance in the country.
MIPA addresses a critical need in South Africa’s logistics landscape, which is increasingly grappling with rising costs and severe congestion. The association aims to act as the unified voice for inland ports across the nation, focusing on promoting, supporting, and advocating for the increased movement of cargo from road to rail.

“Transporting more cargo by rail has become an imperative, considering the growing cost of logistics in South Africa. It is no longer just a nice-to-have,” says Warwick Lord, MIPA Chairman.
MIPA aims to reform the rail industry through private investment, foster trade activities that meet social objectives, and facilitate the crucial transfer of goods from road to rail. By optimising industrial and logistics activities through efficient multimodalism, logistics costs will be reduced, and efficiency will be improved.
Formed by leading entities in the transportation sector, including the Cato Ridge Inland Port, Tambo Springs Development Company, Portfutures, Autoforce, Mac Group, Cape Town Inland Port, the Cape Winelands Airport, the Musina Intermodal Terminal, RailRunner South Africa, and RailRunner Services, the association is committed to collaborating on best practices, particularly in through private sector participation (PSP). It will work closely with government and state-owned enterprises.
“We aim to create one voice for inland ports, driving workable multimodal solutions that deliver efficiency, cost reduction, and much-needed resilience to the South African supply chain. By doing so, we can mitigate the impact of external shocks and ensure stability in the logistics sector,” says Lord.
MIPA’s strategy to drive more cargo from road to rail includes using innovative multi-nodal technology and improving collaboration with other freight hubs and stakeholders, to optimise each supply chain link from a cost and efficiency perspective.
“Inland ports increase accessibility through long-distance transport corridors, leading to lower distribution costs and improved capacity by consolidating freight volumes,” explains Lord. “These multi-modal terminals can handle large amounts of cargo continuously, allowing sea ports to extend their cargo base, which is crucial given the increasing size of vessels.”
Furthermore, inland ports provide significant dedicated logistics developments, proximity to rail and highways, ample truck parking, and less traffic congestion.
Lord says MIPA is dedicated to facilitating free trade and promoting sustainable practices. The association will support its members in complying with sustainable development goals and the SADC Vision 2050.

Dr Juanita Maree, CEO of the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), highlighted the launch of MIPA: “Our logistics network is at a turning point, with more alignment across the country than ever before. By working together, we can achieve significant advancements. It is crucial to continuously foster dialogue, share insights, and raise awareness to build a sustainable supply chain for the future.”
According to Lord, MIPA will aim to expand its membership, encouraging more stakeholders to join and contribute to the conversation.
“The business community plays a vital role in developing and facilitating trade within the logistics and supply chain environment. We will lobby warehousing, transport, and consulting businesses through these channels to join MIPA. We will also seek to include State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) – as they are significant players nationally and globally – while fostering a close-working environment with the government,” concludes Lord.
Logistics
Affordable, Reliable & Highly Tailored Overnight Road Services Delivers With Superior reach & in Record Time

Published
1 year agoon
February 27, 2024By
SCN Africa
In a world where businesses demand swift and dependable logistics solutions, Seabourne Logistics is leading with its innovative ONR (overnight road service), setting new industry standards, delivering goods punctually and rapidly expanding its reach to cater to a rapidly growing clientele.
Designed to provide quick and efficient deliveries throughout South Africa, reaching destinations typically accessible solely by air, the overnight service gives clients a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market.
“The success of our overnight road service can be attributed to our dedication to quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness,” says Garry Harris, Director at Seabourne Logistics ZA. “We understand that our clients’ success depends on their ability to have goods delivered on time and within budget, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
Transporting goods overnight by road presents numerous benefits. The foremost advantage is its cost-effectiveness, offering potential savings of up to 50% compared to airfreight services. Moreover, it excels in cargo handling, boasting greater space and flexibility than airlines. This facilitates the transportation of hazardous materials and liquids, which may be subject to stricter airborne regulations.
“While road transport does have its limitations, it is considerably more accommodating, permitting the carriage of items like aerosols or lithium batteries that may be restricted on flights. Importantly, our service consistently upholds high quality standards, ensuring minimal disruptions,” continues Harris.
Seabourne have created distribution hubs and fulfillment centres which are strategically positioned across the country to cater to the growing clientèle. Not only has it increased the service’s reach, but also allows for more efficient transportation networks.
The company has invested heavily in the development of this service. All linehaul vehicles are equipped with long-range tanks and anti-fatigue cameras that are consistently operated by a double crew, whose activities are closely monitored by a 24-hour control room.
Iveco Turbo Daily 50C 70 vehicles with reinforced heavy-duty tow bars and 1.5-ton trailers are operated within their warranty period on the overnight road service – ensuring reliability. The fleet is subjected to bumper-to-bumper service checks every second to third day, depending on the rotation schedule.
The vehicles have dimensions measuring 4500 (length) x 1700 (width) x 1900 (height), with a carrying capacity of 2.5 tons and 16 cubic metres of space. The trailers have dimensions of 3300 (length) x 1600 (width) x 1700 (height) and can carry 1-1.5 tons with 9 cubic metres of available space. To enhance their robustness, the rear sections of the vehicles are equipped with aluminium cladding walls and Marley-type floors, complete with sunken securing points.
“Businesses, driven by price sensitivity and competition in service delivery, are increasingly opting for this intermediate service that ensures next-day delivery,” explains Harris. “It holds great value in industries like the automotive sector, where the quick movement of parts is crucial. It offers convenience and flexibility, allowing for multiple deliveries in a single trip to remote places often left out from next-day delivery. Moreso, we’re constantly working on expanding our service reach and footprint across the country, providing our clients with a cost-effective solution,” concludes Harris.
The growing logistics company moved to a new and improved facility in November, doubling their warehousing space and preparing to further enhance their reach and maintain their excellent personal service.
Logistics
Laser Cutting Systems in Shipbuilding & Supply Chain impacts

Published
2 years agoon
September 15, 2023By
SCN Africa
Shipbuilding, a craft as ancient as our love for the sea, is witnessing a heartwarming embrace of old and new. Cargo ships themselves are one of many crucial parts of the supply chain.
We talk a great deal about the freight aspect of maritime shipping however one less studied element is how we can use certain technologies to make the creation of these fleets more efficient and the effects this has on the supply chain.
Enter the laser cutter, a modern marvel making waves in this age-old industry. Let’s dive deep into how this tool, with its humming precision, is becoming the best mate for shipbuilders and how the supply chain benefits from it.
1. Precision Meets Passion
Laser Cutters:
Think of Laser cutting systems as the skilled artist’s brush in a shipbuilder’s hand. Their finesse ensures that ships are crafted not just robustly, but also with an attention to detail that would make any craftsman proud.
Supply Chain Ripples:
Thanks to these machines, there’s less scratching of heads and more nodding in approval. Fewer reorders of materials mean smoother sails from design boards to docks. This also means less cost is wasted on reordering materials and thus a less expensive component of the supply chain is produced.
2. Quick Production Times
Laser Cutters:
These aren’t your granddad’s tools. They fly through sheet metal at great speed, proving that modern tools can keep up with the high seas demands.
Supply Chain Ripples:
Quicker construction of cargo ships means that more assets can be added to the existing supply chain expanding capacity and ensuring the supply chain can keep up with demand.
3. Less Material is Wasted
Laser Cutters:
]They’re the embodiment of ‘waste not, want not’. With their precision, every bit of metal finds its purpose.
Supply Chain Ripples:
Less scrap means not just savings, but also fewer headaches about what to do with leftovers leaving us with a greener production of our ships.
4. Every Piece in Its Place
Laser Cutters:
In shipbuilding, every section is a piece of a grand puzzle. With lasers in the mix, each piece of metal can be precision-cut to fit any section of the ship.
Supply Chain Ripples:
Fewer misfits mean less time wasted going back and fixing the problem. This is music to the ears of everyone, from the shipyard to the suppliers saving time materials and precious resources.
5. Remember These High-Tech Tools Need TLC Too
Laser Cutters:
As sophisticated as they are, they’re a bit like pets. Give them care, and they’ll purr (or, hum) along perfectly.
Supply Chain Ripples:
This means the supply chain needs to have a soft spot for machine maintenance, ensuring parts and services are always on standby to service the machines that improve overall supply chain efficiency.
6. Greener Supply Chain
Laser Cutters:
Beyond their precision, they’re a wink to our green future, less waste and more sustainable practices mean a greener supply chain as these tools begin to see more and more use.
Supply Chain Ripples:
As shipbuilding turns a shade greener, the supply chain is now on the lookout for eco-friendly partners. What this means in effect is that clients and brands who sway to the more eco-friendly side will be more likely to do business with a partner that shows an ecofriendly initiative.
7. Cost Savers
Laser Cutters:
They might ask for a few extra pennies upfront, but the symphony they bring to shipbuilding often makes it worth every cent.
Supply Chain Ripples:
With a vision on the horizon, there’s a gentle nudge for more flexible payment dialogues, keeping an eye on long-term gains.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the dance between laser cutters and shipbuilding is a sight to behold. A balance of tradition and technology, proves that even in an industry as seasoned as shipbuilding, there’s always room for a new partner.
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