A supply chain is made up of many links and, as the saying goes, a chain is only as strong as the weakest one.

Imagine, for a minute, all the different links involved in a supply chain – from manufacturing to order placing, to pick up and transport, warehousing and distribution, container packing, customs clearing and forwarding… the list goes on and on and we haven’t even considered the unique challenges faced by African and/or cross-continental deliveries.

Only through expert choreography, communication, transparency, and visibility will jobs like these get done right. It is critical to strengthen the links in the chain and deliver on KPIs with the right people and systems in place at each and every stage in the chain.

This dictates that a quality system should optimally manage every process, including documentation and communication, and provide complete visibility. The strength of the physical supply chain, therefore, depends very much on the strength of the information supply chain.

By integrating powerful IT systems, different efficiencies can be created. Duplication can be reduced and inaccuracies eliminated. Full integration reduces the amount of resources that are required to complete a job, thereby reducing costs.

While highly competent partners are vital, adequate IT systems and system management tools are equally important. An appropriate IT system must allow for data to be shared among all players, at all times.

“We live in a global village and by reducing supply chain costs, we reduce the costs incurred by all parties within the chain,” says Nachi Mendelow, business development manager at CompuClearing.

To know and do
“We’ve learned how to implement end-to-end software solutions for a range of companies, with different needs, all over the world. Successful IT implementation requires business strategies that actively drive IT strategies.

“Companies must understand what their business goals are and then understand how logistics software can be used as a tool to enable the processes needed to reach companies’ goals and business strategies,” he says.

“Process design is an important aspect of IT. It is crucial to understand the businesses’ processes in order to avoid automating the wrong ones. Businesses must not only focus on the hardware and software aspects, but also on the human element. It is necessary to enable people to use a system that drives value.

“Because Africa is unique and challenged by institutional voids such as a general lack of infrastructure and unreliable electricity supply, your chosen IT system needs to offset challenges by having the necessary solutions in place to address them so as to always be accessible, visible and communicative. IT providers must understand their customers and assist them with their business processes. They must train the team and the support staff involved.

“CompuClearing offers software solutions to the clearing and forwarding industries, with free scheduled training on all of its systems. Through its partnership with WiseTech Global – the providers of CargoWise One – it has become an all-encompassing logistical supply chain solution provider that operates on a single platform. This ensures shareability and visibility at all times, and during all stages in the supply chain. Improving productivity is at the heart of our philosophy,” states Mendelow.

The company serves numerous businesses in Africa, which is currently experiencing a renaissance in growth. “We have a strong belief that a strong continent needs strong countries and strong countries need strong companies run by strong individuals. We strive to empower individuals and companies to enable growth and productivity improvements,” he concludes.