South Africa Cargo Services (SA Cargo Services) has introduced a new Warehouse Management System (WMS) as part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and optimise processes.According to Ravi Naicker, acting branch manager of logistics, the WMS system, called CloudSolve, went live in early September. He says there will be continuous development of the system, allowing customers to view their stock at the facility remotely and at their convenience. “Enhancing inventory management is a top priority for us,” Naicker tells Freight News. “We are all aware that inventory management or control is an integral role within the warehousing environment that will affect efficiency and cost if there are not properly controlled measures in place.”He says accuracy and efficiency in handling inventory are critical within the warehousing and distribution sector. “Incorrect inventory affects keeping proper stock levels. The ripple effect of inaccurate information leads to an inefficient process. The knock-on effect includes lower productivity and increased costs, which result in loss of revenue.”According to Naicker, the focus at SA Cargo Services remains on efficient and cost-effective operations. “To achieve this requires not only the ongoing development of solutions, but also strong leadership and skilled resources within an operation. This has been another focus at SA Cargo Services as we believe in staff growth and development.”He adds that in the warehouse sector in particular, succession planning is important and staff are being trained continuously as part of the upskilling process. This, in turn, will directly improve customer service levels. The company has been implementing a strategy of growth for some time. Having established its clearing and forwarding division, the WMS solution is focusing on delivering big-picture solutions to its clients. The focus, says Naicker, has been on improved customer service offerings all in one place – this comprises warehousing, transportation as well as clearing and forwarding. There are also plans for a bonded facility offering and extending the logistics division into the Gauteng region. “Companies are moving increasingly towards the diversification of their business by having more service offerings. The main reason is due to customers opting for a third-party logistics (3PL) service. This allows customers to outsource for the clearing and forwarding, warehousing and delivery of cargo – which allows them to focus on other aspects of their business.”However, the warehousing sector faces several challenges, says Naicker. “Incorrect warehouse layouts affect efficient warehouse space utilisation. To make a profit, a warehouse layout has to ensure that more is done with less.” This is specially the case in today’s tough times, when businesses are struggling to keep up with customer demand and maintain costs.“Quality control is another factor that poses challenges,” says Naicker. “At times, errors are not found until the cargo reaches its destination. This could mean a loss in business.”
