Page 15 - Logistics News - September - October 2021

OP I N I ON

new focus. Not only is data from the wholesaler and ML can be harnessed to leverage real-time revenue
distributor leg already available, but they also have opportunities. This includes understanding when
existing relationships and community engagements the rate of sale of a product exceeds stock holding,
within the main market. The key to gaining clear ‘line or when the stock holding is in excess, or when the
of sight’ is through these robust last mile distribution product is not represented across the retail universe.
mechanisms, but a multi-fold approach is required. We These are all scenarios that translate to revenue
need to look at embedding systems and platforms, but opportunities.
also at improving the financial literacy at wholesaler
and strategic distributor level, as a first port of The key is that different communities and areas
call in improving smaller retailers, spazas and the have different requirements and wholesalers and
communities they serve. distributors need to be able to cater to this to maximise
efficiency and profits. Having an AI platform backed
Maximum ‘line of sight’, maximum value by clean data generated through a clear ‘line of sight’

‘Line of sight’ in the supply chain takes on a different can automate this and generate benefits throughout
view when you understand the role of the wholesaler the supply chain. However, it all begins with the data
and distributor, particularly in the South African and with identifying opportunities to maximise supply
context. When this first step is in place, then AI and chain ‘line of sight’. •

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