Rotek and Roschon Logistics Services, a subsidiary of Eskom, will upgrade and improve its supply chain management processes, to better serve its main client, through the implementation of Dovetail's full software solution suite.
The suite comprises third-party logistics, logistics management, transport and warehouse management software solutions.
"We chose to upgrade our service solution with Dovetail's full solution suite owing to the established partnership we have with the company and the full integration capabilities offered by its software solutions," says Jan Augustyn, logistics support manager at Rotek and Roschon Logistics Services.
The software solution will provide a smooth transition from manual order placing to managing the full logistics chain electronically.
Included in Dovetail's full software solution package is the TMS Optimisation, which helps plan routes, daily deliveries and collections, monitoring of drivers' routes, and management of the overall vehicle fleet.
Augustyn adds that, with this upgrade, Rotek and Roschon Logistics Services aims to increase the efficiency of its truck fleet, improve consolidations through distribution centres, reduce fuel costs and increase on-time delivery accuracy through the automation of processes.
"The essence of upgrading these systems and putting infrastructure in place is to bring operational efficiency into Eskom's whole process, starting with the scheduling of orders to fleet optimisation. This system will help Rotek and Roschon be more efficient and service Eskom's needs better."
The biggest advantage will be the ability to track and trace documents and stock in terms of collections and deliveries, Augustyn states.
Staying competitive
Software tools can provide many benefits to businesses trying to stay competitive amid increasing regulations and rising costs, says Augustyn.
"There are many challenges in South Africa's logistics industry, such as [poor] road infrastructure, stringent environmental requirements and the downgrading of truck loading. The ability to tackle them depends on how companies are going to adapt. Businesses need to innovate, rethink and redesign supply chain processes to survive," says Augustyn.
He adds that planning and smarter working methods are required for companies to be successful in the South African logistics industry, as it is such a competitive and high-capital environment.
"There were challenges in developing this system, one of them being to get the different role-players in the project agreeing on one thing. In addition, Eskom has stringent processes regarding architecture design, therefore projects have to go through review boards to be signed off and approved."
He notes, however, that this was done in good time; the project started at the beginning of 2013 and the project scope was signed off in September.
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