Page 5 - Logistics News - December 2021

TH O UGHT LEAD ERS HIP

the technology, currently this is not the ideal way of Maximum line of sight, maximum value
obtaining clear line of sight. Instead, it needs to be Line of sight in the supply chain takes on a different
reinforced at a distributor and wholesaler level. At this view when you understand the role of the wholesaler
level it is possible to gain insight into stock holding, and distributor, particularly in the South African
rate of sale and ‘sales in’ numbers for the various context. When this first step is in place, then AI and
retailers, including the informal sector. Through ML can be harnessed to leverage real-time revenue
invoicing and delivery data, a comprehensive and clean opportunities. This includes understanding when
version of stock numbers moving into main market the rate of sale of a product exceeds stock holding,
trade can be obtained. or when the stock holding is in excess, or when the
product is not represented across the retail universe.
Efforts to obtain the missing element of line These are all scenarios that translate to revenue
of sight into the main market needs to take on a opportunities.
new focus. Not only is data from the wholesaler
and distributor leg already available, it has existing The key is that different communities and
relationships and community engagements within areas have different requirements, and wholesalers
the main market. The key to gaining clear line of and distributors need to be able to cater to this
sight is through these robust last mile distribution to maximise efficiency and profits. Having an AI
mechanisms, but a multi-fold approach is required. We platform backed by clean data generated through a
need to look at embedding systems and platforms, but clear line of sight can automate this and generate
also at improving the financial literacy at wholesaler benefits throughout the supply chain. However, L O GI S T I CS NEWS
and strategic distributor level as a first port of it all begins with the data and with identifying
call in improving smaller retailers, spazas and the opportunities to maximise supply chain line of
communities they serve. sight. •

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