WE'RE FIGHTING a paper war, as a result of which we are currently in the test phase of a new global software package which will provide clients with full EDI capabilities, and hopefully reduce the use of paper, says Willem Kuypers, IT manager at J H Bachmann.
In today's world, he says, more and more pressure is being placed on logistics service providers to add more value in the supply chain management process, but although technology is booming, internet is a 'must', and e-mail has become the preferred means of communication, business 'is still plagued by a paper war.'
Other Bachmann branches in the US, Canada, Europe, South America and the Far East are currently using the software with great success. The implementation of the software is a global project and will continue until all branches are up and running with it. June 1 is the intended date for going live worldwide.
This new software will enable our clients to place an order directly into the system as opposed to the old method of faxing, phoning or sending e-mail, says Kuypers. Duplication of work and the possibility of human error is greatly minimised. No matter what type of systems our clients use, it will be possible to transmit data in a pre-defined format to our system for processing.
Another great advantage is that our customers can now also track their orders on the internet, from the time the order is placed until it has been delivered. Even our agents, who use their own software, can place information onto the tracking system, which in turn will be downloaded into our system for processing by operational staff.
This new software will revolutionise the way we do business, to the advantage of all concerned.
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