Logistics Manager - Quayside Stock Tracking
"The level of direct communication with our clients has reduced significantly. Clients can now see their stock movements, in real time and 24/7, at a touch of a button. They really appreciate the convenience the new system gives. Not only has Logistics Manager given us a real competitive advantage but we also have more time to focus on improving our service delivery in other areas."
Stuart Cullen, Managing Director, Solent Stevedores
The issues
In the stevedoring industry the need for accurate and timely information is paramount.
Staff and customers are keen to keep up to date with daily activities and although regular updates are sent to customers and agents regarding their consignments the level of direct communication required is still high.
Most enquiries can only be resolved manually by referencing a number of different systems. This imposes a significant overhead on staff to respond to enquiries and also requires significant skills and expertise to accomplish.
Accessing and supplying information is not easy.
- Information from the most critical systems, for example the weighbridge, are ‘black boxes’ with limited reporting potential.
- System output is commonly only available as a printed report.
- Information is regularly entered in duplicate to different systems.
- The procedures for compiling operational reports are complex with limited potential for consolidation to provide meaningful management information.
The solution
Needs analysis and subsequent configuration and implementation of Logistics Manager from Sarand Business Software.
The application seamlessly integrates truck, train and shipping stock movements with a one-touch stock calculator to track current levels while publishing this information in real time to the client’s website allowing their customers to view their data within minutes.
The benefits
- Accurate record of stock movements and levels calculated daily by commodity and client.
- Long term record of historic activity available alongside current data.
- Significantly reduced overheads servicing customer requests for stock information.
- Improved customer service publishing information in real time through a secure website.
- Clear-cut user interface gives immediate access to a wide range of quayside information.
- Application tracks truck, ship and train stock movements.
- The schedule of vessel berthings logs all loading and discharge events.
- Information is gathered from a variety of sources and consolidated to a single point of reference.
- Data from previously isolated systems such as the weighbridge can be integrated to generate powerful management reports.
- Data is transferred to the web and other systems on a regular schedule throughout the day without operator intervention.
- Option for direct publication to customer systems via Web Portal.
- View movements directly on the weighbridge system to track the day's activities.
Improved performance indicators
- Reduced manpower required to deal with enquires.
- A tangible advantage over service offered by competitors.
- Enhanced customer service.
The final word…
"The level of direct communication with our clients has reduced significantly. Clients can now see their stock movements, in real time and 24/7, at a touch of a button. They really appreciate the convenience the new system gives. Not only has Logistics Manager given us a real competitive advantage but we also have more time to focus on improving our service delivery in other areas."
Stuart Cullen, Managing Director, Solent Stevedores