Logistics and supply chain company Unitrans has launched its upgraded centre of excellence (COE) to drive improvements in operating cost efficiencies and safety for drivers and vehicles, which are primary considerations for any logistics or freight company.

“This state-of-the-art facility will drive value creation and operational excellence for our clients across Africa,” says Unitrans Solutions executive Jacques Greeff.

Modern supply chains are driven by Big Data, with information coming directly from trucks on the road, fleet management systems and other services.

The COE collects and analyses this data and provides real-time solutions and information to all relevant departments, as well as to drivers on the road. For example, instant route changes can be made to avoid traffic jams and the like.

“The future of supply chain management lies in the integration of data-driven insights and advanced technology,” he says.

By harnessing the power of technology through the COE, Unitrans is able to process large-scale data into actionable business intelligence.

“Our focus is on empowering our clients with real-time insights and predictive analytics that drive informed decision-making and enhance overall operational performance.

“Our COE is designed to offer our clients a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Through our centralised platform and data-driven approach, we are unlocking new possibilities for supply chain optimisation and cost efficiency,” Greeff says.

The COE is an enabling tool that serves to optimise operations, mitigate risks and enhance safety and security measures, and ultimately contribute to the increased efficiencies of its customers’ supply chains.

Some of the tangible benefits of the COE include fleet optimisation, reduced standing times and an overall boost in vehicle efficiency.

While none of these concepts are new, the Unitrans COE balances risk mitigation imperatives and efficiency targets with sustainability objectives, Greeff adds.

“Unitrans is committed to developing bespoke solutions to provide optimal results for its customers. The company’s commitment to excellence extends beyond technology and data analytics. Its team of industry experts brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, ensuring clients receive best-in-class solutions tailored to their specific needs.”

Meanwhile, predictive analytics, in the context of a logistics business, can revolutionise risk management practices by identifying potential issues before they escalate, and reducing operational risks and improving operational cost efficiency significantly, he avers.

Predictive analytics means leveraging historical and real-time data to forecast future outcomes. By analysing large-scale data sets, businesses can gain valuable insights into patterns, trends and potential risks, and allow them to make informed decisions and mitigate operational challenges effectively, he explains.

“Through the continuous analysis of data related to factors such as weather conditions, traffic patterns, equipment maintenance and driver behaviour, transport and logistics companies can proactively address potential problems and optimise their operations for efficiency, safety and sustainability.”

With the integration of advanced predictive analytics tools and large-scale data analysis, the supply chain industry can not only reduce operational risks, but potentially eradicate them altogether, Greeff says.

“This transformative approach has the power to improve the way supply chain businesses operate, ensuring smoother operations, enhanced safety standards, and ultimately, a more sustainable and reliable supply chain ecosystem,” he adds.