The transport and logistics industry in Africa is one of the most challenging business environments to operate in. Constantly evolving, African transport and logistics are driven to change not only by increased competition and obligatory adherence to changing regulatory requirements but also by the opening of borders and the erosion of trade barriers. Requiring continuous monitoring and attention, businesses in this industry are increasingly benefitting from the impact of digital transformation as it continues to drive change and greater returns.
Technology drives transport
Dealing with the complexity and the constraints inherent to the transport and logistics industry requires a solution that addresses each of the strategic aspects of the system in a smart and integrated way. A technology platform such as the SAP Business One Transport solution is specifically designed to enable transport and logistics businesses to leverage the power of technology to improve their businesses. Unlike single solution systems, it provides complete business management functionalities which includes financial-, journey-, vehicle- maintenance-, health, safety and environmental-management.
Financial management
Cash flow management is improved through the fast-tracking of transactions and everyday financial tasks allowing for the compilation of up-to-date financial statements which provide greater insight for top-level strategic decision-making. Operationally, profit per kilometre can be monitored while driver, route and vehicle profitability can also be established and managed.
Journey management
Vehicle workloads, available vehicles and open job cards can all be managed with SAP Business One transport and logistics management which also allows orders, deliveries and reference numbers of these to be tracked and recorded and matched to freight loads. Expenses relating to journeys are budgeted for in the system with shipment status reports indicating what loads are out for delivery and what their DG classifications are.
Vehicle maintenance management
Maintenance of vehicles is enforced by compulsory inspection checklists which need to be reported in the system, making it possible for maintenance teams to action any issues expediently. An additional fail-safe is an electronic check by security staff at the exit gate as a means of ensuring the vehicle has been cleared for departure. Once on the road, fuel consumption is monitored throughout, making sure that fuel is only apportioned in relation to vehicle destinations. Similarly, tyres are also managed as an asset through the capturing of each tyre’s entire lifecycle, meticulously recording each tyre’s profile and performance. All expenses related to tyres are recorded and depreciation is monitored on a cost per kilometre basis, improving performance and ensuring safer journeys.
Health, safety and environmental management
Reports and analytics dashboards allow for unprecedented oversight, recording any incidents and ensuring that operational risk management is fully optimised and compliant with the Total Driver Points System (DPS). In addition, each route is given a risk assessment profile which is captured and printed out for each driver prior to departure, keeping them informed of any potential hazards to be aware of.
Moving business forward
In an industry characterised by many moving parts and business systems often segmented by geography or legacy, an integrated and unified business platform that consolidates all information across departments into a single accurate system represents the next evolutionary step in the development of both your business and the industry. Gone are the days of working independently and in silo’s, relying on spreadsheets and manual records to manage your business. The SAP Business One Transport empowers you to use technology as a driver to steer your transport business towards more efficient and profitable routes.