Leading black owned IT company, Safmarine Computer Systems Africa (SCSA), has developed a unique SMS tracking system for international shipping companies, Maersk Sealand and Safmarine.
The shipping companies required a solution that could provide up-to-date tracking information to both importers and exporters that did not rely heavily on the Internet, as current Internet infrastructure in Africa is fairly immature. The solution needed to be widely available, easily accessible and cost-effective. Since cellular technology is well developed and has a wide user-base in Africa, this provided the solution to the problem.
SCSA proposed an SMS "Track and Trace" solution, which is targeted at the smaller and more informal traders, providing them with quick information about shipments. In the past, enquiry calls were all routed via the Maersk Sealand and Safmarine branch offices, causing great congestion on telephone lines and unnecessarily occupying staff.
The client can now send an SMS request using their container, bill of lading or booking number, to the Maersk or Safmarine publicised mobile number. Within minutes, the client will receive a response via SMS detailing the last known move for that consignment including the relevant transportation details.
Simon Vickers, Senior Consultant, Application Design Development, SCSA, explains: "The current operational systems at Safmarine and Maersk Sealand are being used and the normal processes for clearing and checking freight are followed. Existing checkpoints are linked to the database and as a container moves past the point, the information is immediately available on the SMS tracking system. It is only the method of communication that has changed."
The SMS Track and Trace is being implemented in the various countries via decentralised control units, instead of a central unit at head office. This decision was taken to reduce costs, as all interaction can now be made at a local cell call cost. The solution is currently being deployed throughout Africa, Tanzania having been the first country to benefit. The main advantage for a trader is that information can be checked anyplace, anytime, 24/7.
"The cost benefit cannot immediately be calculated, but it certainly saves time and money and offers opportunities for trade previously unknown in Africa," says Jesper Thomsen, Maersk Sealand Strategic Management Officer for Africa. "We have been very impressed with the results to date."
Although the original planning took at least a year, due to the technical problems in African countries, the infrastructure is in place for future SMS applications, such as an SMS booking system.
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