More companies are prioritising instant access to accurate information as digitalisation and real-time data management become standard practice. According to Pieter Hendrik Greyling, CEO and founder of Forte Supply Chain Solutions, the need for better, complete data access, available to many users instantaneously, cannot be overstated.At the same time, last-mile solutions are evolving to meet South Africa’s unique geographical and urban challenges, underscoring the industry’s focus on efficiency and adaptability.Greyling said innovation was key to streamlining logistics. “At Forte Supply Chain Solutions, we’re constantly innovating to improve processes. One of our latest advancements is the integration of driver’s licence scanning into our FLOW mobility platform. This feature enhances security by ensuring only authorised drivers operate f leets, while also reducing administrative costs through automated compliance checks. Vehicles and drivers can now be authenticated faster, saving time and improving security.”He said the logistics sector in southern Africa faced several challenges, including infrastructure deficits, regulatory complexities and the pressing need for digital transformation. These issues contributed to inefficiencies and rising costs. As a result, the shift towards automation and the digitisation of manual processes was not surprising, with significant progress already being made.“Growth opportunities are abundant, particularly in improving supply chain visibility and efficiency. The adoption of IoT, AI and Machine Learning for logistics presents vast potential,” said Greyling. “With the different advancements in technology and the ever-changing consumer demands, there are a lot of new challenges that also lead to a lot of new opportunities. To keep up with consumer demands, the logistics sector is becoming more data-driven and needs to be more efficient. This leads to opportunities in digitalisation and automation. The supply chain is vast and there are a host of tailor-made solutions available that can enhance and improve operations. The trick is now for businesses to choose the right experts to partner with in implementing the right solutions.”He said another real game-changer was the way logistics operations managed and empowered the human element. With technology and people deeply intertwined, their seamless integration was key to success. “The most brilliant system won’t deliver its full potential unless it is properly harnessed, employed and adopted by the teams on the ground,” he said. According to Greyling, despite hurdles, the logistics outlook for southern Africa was positive. “With a global focus on supply chains to increase efficiency throughout the chain, including logistics, there will be a lot of change in the logistics sector. With e-commerce giving a lot of power to the consumer, the logistics sector is challenged to keep up with demands and that leads to the near future trend, which is technology.“With increasing digital adoption, the logistics sector in South Africa is poised for transformation. Thanks to technologies like those offered by Forte, we’ll see a sector that’s more resilient, efficient and ready to meet the demands of global trade.”Greyling said the future of logistics was not just about moving goods. “It’s about moving and managing the data around those goods smartly.” LV
