A digital solution, which will be the first operating system for the industrial internet, has been adopted by Transnet to connect shippers to their transport operators more easily.

Transnet partnered with global digital industrial company, GE Transportation, to adapt the company’s digital solution to its eight commercial ports along South Africa’s coastline.

This solution aims to seamlessly connect shippers and transport operators by providing real-time, data-driven insights on the status of shipments.

The platform is also said to enable Transnet and its partners to bring products to market more quickly and with a lower cost. This will facilitate cross-border trade more easily, GE said. The company also said that this solution would digitise transportation and logistics across rail, trucks and ships, and would encourage seamless integration throughout the entire supply chain.

Processes such as payment, customs and inspection will be converted from paper to digital. GE said that this would provide an on-demand solution for transporting freight inspired by consumer on-demand transportation models.

Siyabonga Gama, Transnet group chief executive said that optimising the speed and effectiveness of its supply chain was “critical to improving our economy’s health and competitiveness”.

He added that Transnet’s partnership with GE Transportation was an “important step in moving our operations forward and overcoming our biggest shipping challenges”.

“We’re committed to leveraging our digital expertise to drive forward industries and local markets worldwide,” Jamie Miller, president and CEO of GE Transportation said. “We have a rich history of partnership with Transnet, and are excited to continue working with them to unlock game-changing potential for the local supply chain that is at the heart of Africa’s global economy.”