Page 23 - Logistics News - Issue 01 - 2024.indd

S UP P LY CH AIN

exchange; it is about unlocking synergies and creating to reduce waste, as well as the ability to respond
value. From collaborative product development to joint proactively to ethical concerns.
innovation initiatives, technology-driven partnerships
in the supply chain foster a culture of continuous Using technology collectively, supply chain partners
improvement. This, in turn, translates into enhanced have access to increased visibility of the impact of
efficiency, reduced costs and the ability to capitalise on operations and can track progress and use data and
new markets. analytics to address environmental and social issues.
By working together, stakeholders can create a supply
Of course, the supply chain is often complex chain that aligns with global sustainability goals.
and vast, involving many players, some external,
and interactions before goods even reach their final Enabling collaboration through a
destination. Harnessing the collective strengths of technology provider
each segment depends on the connectedness of all For successful collaboration, there needs to be a unified
stakeholders in all sectors. Technology has the power approach by all partners in the supply chain. Too many
to link the ecosystem, overcome challenges and open systems, too many platforms and a lack of cohesion
doors to possibilities. in using technology effectively can result in wasted
time, resources and money and lead to fragmentation.
For example, the informal market in Africa – the As organisations in the sector continue to digitalise,
backbone of economic activity on the continent – offers they need a technology partner that understands their
supply chain businesses significant opportunities to unique needs and offers services to enhance supply
expand distribution reach. However, many of these small chain collaboration through seamless, scalable, flexible
business owners are constrained by physical limitations integrated solutions.
when ordering and paying for goods, which are often
in low quantities. Transport and logistics companies We believe that a technology partner must have the
can collaborate with suppliers as well as financial expertise and capabilities to guide businesses through the
technology providers to overcome these barriers. Using digitalisation process and enable them to get the most from
connectivity as the link in the supply chain between collaboration using an entire technology stack. This should
all these partners increases visibility and enables the include services such as providing IT infrastructure, cloud
distribution of goods to various informal vendors cost- hosting and data centre facilities, high-capacity, reliable
effectively with mobile money as a convenient payment connectivity, superior cybersecurity and a centralised point
system. As a result, collaboration can drive a more of contact across locations.
inclusive, profitable market, leading to socio-economic
upliftment. The collaborative supply chain powered by technology
is a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to thrive
Driving sustainability goals in today’s competitive and ever-evolving landscape. The
As the world grapples with social and environmental integration of collaborative technologies fosters resilience,
challenges, supply chains can use collaborative agility and innovation, propelling supply chains into a new
technologies to be more environmentally conscious and era of efficiency and responsiveness.
socially responsible. Collective efforts can lead to the
development of eco-friendly practices such as shared At the heart, the collaborative supply chain connects
transportation resources, optimised routes to minimise organisations and people to transform not only the
emissions and the implementation of green innovations industry, but also the lives of the customers it serves. •

www .l o g ist i csn e w s .c o .z a I S S UE 01 – 2024 21