The SAPICS Spring Conference was held on 20 September 2023 , with one panel discussion relating to self-regulation .
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
Self-regulation in the cold chain Written by Eamonn Ryan
The SAPICS Spring Conference was held on 20 September 2023 , with one panel discussion relating to self-regulation .
All photos by © Eamonn Ryan | Cold Link Africa
The SAPICS Spring Conference was held on 20 September .
This session looked at the mechanics of self-regulation , including Standard Bank initiatives instrumental in Road Transport Management System [ RTMS ] 0 , the N4 pilot case study and control room escalations . It involved panellists Isabel Meyer , Principal Researcher : Smart Mobility at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research ( CSIR ); Katherine Bell , Transport and Logistics Industry Specialist , Standard Bank ; Jayce Lane , Managing Director , Crickmay . Facilitated by Devlyn Naidoo , Executive : SARS and OGA SAAFF .
To a question on self-regulation in the South African cold chain logistics industry and how it can be applied to address issues such as business competition , community disruptions and corruption at borders , Bell replied that none of the aforementioned factors impede the ability to adopt selfregulation . “ Corruption is unfortunately prevalent in many industries , including logistics . Operators in the supply chain are exposed to corruption , which can hinder the smooth functioning of the industry . However , despite these challenges self-regulation remains a viable concept for addressing them .
“ In the logistics industry , particularly for operators involved in transportation for export markets , there are unique challenges related to random movements and practicality around telematics and driver management . Additionally , service delivery protests and attacks on trucks can impact operations ,” she said .
Despite these challenges , she felt selfregulation can still be effective . Telematics plays a crucial role in connecting drivers and monitoring truck locations . It goes beyond mere tracking and enables efficient management of drivers .
She described the company ZZ2 in the tomato supply chain , as having implemented RTMS and telematics – a technology that allows for the remote monitoring and tracking of vehicles . It uses GPS and cellular communication to collect data such as location , speed and engine diagnostics .
“ The company uses many Volvo trucks , and within the first year of its implementation one of its drivers was awarded the best Volvo driver in the world . This shows that telematics is not just about tracking truck locations but also about measuring driver behaviour . The data collected by the company goes to Volvo in Sweden for analysis .
“ We have many such case studies and examples of how sustainability can be achieved in the transport industry notwithstanding the different challenges mentioned – telematics enables operators to re-route or follow security protocols ,” says Bell .
The speaker expressed excitement about the concept of expansion of rail : “ There ’ s no doubt that bulk commodities should be transported via rail . It shouldn ’ t be a choice of either road or rail but choosing the most suitable .”
Lane described self-regulation as “ the long game .”
“ It ’ s not about profits or out-competing someone else – but offering clients better rates and more professional services over the long term . By innovating in the supply chain , transporters can improve their performance and make their customers more accepting of their services . Self-regulation
One panel discussion looked at the issue of self-regulation and telematics .
and software are important for the public today so that the public can be confident that those who adopt them are of the right calibre and have heart . Self-regulation is about playing the long game and building up the country ,” said Lane . CLA
Telematics plays a crucial role in connecting drivers and monitoring truck locations .
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