Page 16 - Logistics News - November December 2022

D IG I T A L I S A T ION

Disruptive technologies

to deal with disruption

COVID-19 has accelerated the need for, and the move towards, increased digitalisation across
industry. RS South Africa outlines some of the solutions and trends to look out for.

OVID-19 has impacted and of 14 distribution centres (DCs) to where it
continues to impact every aspect would be most needed. As a single point of
C of our lives. Across industry, service and support with a broad range of
widespread factory closures and over 650,000 stocked electronic and industrial
drastically restricted logistics globally products and solutions, RS was able to
meant that downstream manufacturers continue to satisfy customer needs,” he says.
soon found they had major supply chain
disruptions. Many had to shift swiftly RS is a UK-based multinational company
Brian Andrew,
to using predominantly online sourcing that is also listed on the London Stock
Managing Director,
and procurement services. Suppliers Exchange. The company’s strong digital,
RS South Africa.
had to fast-track the expansion omni-channel offering was easily expandable
of their online sales and services. to support increased online sales. Through
Transportation and logistics became a major communication and collaboration, purchasing staff
challenge for everyone. were able to extend support for key customers
in essential businesses. By encouraging a digital
In essence, to tackle the challenges, virtually mindset and connecting teams working remotely
every aspect of the business, and throughout while the DCs rapidly adjusted to operating with
industry globally, required some form of additional social distancing and appropriate PPE, employees
digital, often disruptive, technology. Clearly, were inspired to go the extra mile.
businesses that had embraced digital transformation
were better positioned to adapt. Since the start, we Brian also adds that the key drivers are changing
have seen, and continue to see, a significant increase customer expectations, the need for greater
in B2B and B2C business, including e-commerce, not efficiency and the realisation that data can be used
only from existing clients, but also from new and to spot trends. “Ease of use, AI-based personalisation
occasional customers. tools and online real-time sales support have brought
us repeat business. Many businesses have suffered
Managing Director for RS South Africa Brian financially due to COVID-19 and this has increased
Andrew says that RS was ready to respond quickly the emphasis on improving efficiency,” adds Brian.
and decisively to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. “In
eProcurement is a key starting point and demand
the main, the company provided continued support is growing for tools such as RS PunchOut and
L O GI S T I CS NEWS and allied services and those working on supplying RS PurchasingManager. PunchOut is a tool that
to customers worldwide, initially prioritising health
integrates into your own eProcurement system,
critical and essential equipment and infrastructure.
giving you quick and easy access to products and your
Supply chain continuity was largely ensured as the
purchasing information. PurchasingManager is a
crisis management team was able to plan and act
free, web-based order management tool that provides
swiftly, shifting inventory around a global network

14 NO V E MB E R/D E C E MB E R 2022 www .l o g ist i csn e w s .c o .z a