Page 27 - Logistics News Oct Nov 2020

News

Future of warehousing lies in sustainability

COUNTLESS BUSINESSES are adapting their For the majority of applications, a battery-powered
operations to reduce the impact on the environment forklift can replace a diesel unit with no impact on
and the material handling and warehousing the operation. The major benefit of this shift, apart
sector is no different. It is in the midst of a tech- from noise reduction and elimination of emissions,
driven revolution to identify and adopt emerging is the immense cost-saving the customer can realise
technologies that minimise its carbon footprint, The reduction in running costs and maintenance of
while optimising operations, decreasing costs and battery-powered equipment will result in a significant
improving overall supply chain efficiency. cost-saving over the lifetime of the product. •
The considerable amount of energy required for
heating, cooling and lighting, as well as operating
material handling equipment (MHE) in warehouses
represents about 20 percent of companies’ overall
logistical costs. Around 11 percent of the total
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by
the logistics sector across the world are caused by
warehousing activities.
Over the past two decades, battery-powered
equipment has started to replace its more
conventional internal combustion counterparts,
with the advantages far outweighing the cost of
investment. Apart from being an environmentally-
friendly alternative, changing legislation around food
safety and safe working environments in South Africa
and the world are pushing sectors that use material
handling equipment to invest in battery-operated
equipment to remain compliant.
New technologies such as lithium-ion battery
technology are becoming commonplace in battery-
powered equipment and translating into a drastic
increase in optimising the efficiency of operations.

Adapting to the ‘new normal’

By Andrew Dawson, courtesy bizcommunity.com
THE SUPPLY chain, particularly in the fast-moving the traditional means of engagement between
consumer goods (FMCG) industry and especially salespersons and retailers off limits, demand for
in South Africa’s informal market, has traditionally technology has accelerated.
relied heavily on interpersonal contact for ordering The ordering process has had to be completely
and fulfilment. When the COVID-19 pandemic overhauled as sales reps are not able to visit stores
hit, the industry was turned on its head. With to establish stock levels and to replenish. It has
become essential to empower retailers to do this
for themselves, and an ecommerce style platform
is ideal, especially if it can be enabled for mobile.
Mobile technology implementations offer a solution
that not only addresses the challenges but also
adds value to improve efficiency throughout the
value chain. The mobility aspect is key, particularly
when it comes to reaching spaza shop owners in
the main market and consolidating order generation
to a single point.
The entire supply chain can, in fact, be driven
online, and mobile technology, supported by
the call centre as a fundamental communication
platform, can create a seamless and user-friendly
experience. •

October/November 2020 | Logistics News 25