There’s a great deal of excitement surrounding the future of mobility. Software driven solutions are increasingly implemented to move around billions of people and goods as efficiently as possible. The impact of these developments on supply chain management is unparalleled.
But is software alone enough? No, says Joost Bekker, who’s in charge of PTV Group’s logistic solutions in the Asia Pacific Region.
Joost Bekker has over 20 years of experience in supply chain management and distribution planning solutions. The native Dutchman gained international experience both working in operations as well as in consulting. Now based in Sydney, he is in charge of business development for PTV Group’s logistic solutions in the Asia Pacific Region.
Urban logistics is a good case in point, Bekker finds. “Ever more people live in cities, and that means more flows of goods and more logistics in a limited space. With players like Amazon moving into the market, traditional logistics providers look to smart ways to boost their service offering without overburdening their distribution management. In that situation, route optimisation software can take the work of the scheduler to a more strategic level.”
So the tool really supports the dispatcher, not the other way around. That thinking will ideally also be embedded in software solutions, says Bekker. “Software needs a strong engine, but it should be operations rather than technology driven. It’s great to have a strategically optimized schedule, but the day to day reality can change just like that. That’s why the planner must stay in control, using the tool to make better and more informed decisions.”
“Software needs a strong engine, but it should be operations rather than technology driven.”
Bekker recalls a recent example of a company from Queensland, Australia that was struggling with their last mile delivery and how to improve that situation. “The company worked with dedicated territories. Over the years, territories grew organically – but not at the same pace. On a recurring basis, imbalances emerged that the dispatcher was forced to remedy. Once they had systematically reviewed their routes, looked at options for optimal allocation, and implemented an efficient software solution, the balance was restored.”
“The benefit of this type of optimisation isn’t just having a more efficient delivery run, the customer service improves too”, continues Bekker. “Part of that is that customers are, understandably, reluctant to accept cost increases. Critically assessing your efficiency should be part of every company’s endeavor to control cost and deliver great service.”
Want to learn more about Urban Logistics and Last Mile Delivery? Joost Bekker, Business Development Director of PTV Group, will share his insights into these and related supply chain and logistics matters at Supply Chain Leaders Insights, coming to Melbourne and Sydney in August. PTV Group recently received the “Best Technology Application” Award for their software Smartour at the Mercury Awards 2018 in Melbourne, Australia.
Have not booked your place yet? Registrations are still open for Melbourne and Sydney.