Achieving seamless operations in any industry is an ongoing challenge. Chantell Malherbe, operations director for EIE Group identifies several trends that players in the material handling and industrial equipment industry should consider embracing if they want to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive 21st century.

Efficiency is everything

Malherbe says efficiency is the single most important factor in achieving operational success for suppliers of material handling and industrial equipment. “One of the greatest challenges in our industry is equipment flow.

“By adopting a logistics management system – in our case the Toyota Lean Logistics Management system – the flow of equipment can be streamlined from 60-plus days to a maximum of 21 days. This includes bringing the equipment into the country and putting it through a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) before dispatching it.”

Paperless processes

Introducing paperless processes within the business also helps to streamline operations. This allows everything to be driven via apps – from capex approval and human capital appointments, to procurement. Requests can be uploaded to the apps and run by the executive team for approval.

The apps can also be used in conjunction with a business information (BI) tool to generate statistics and information, which can be stored in the cloud, allowing for easier, more accurate audits and more informed decision-making.

“Choosing the paperless route means reducing the enormous number of files and documents of the past, cutting down on printing and saving time – all important considerations in a world where we need to be spending less time in the office and more time with our customers to help their businesses become more efficient,” adds Malherbe.

Customer care

The longer it takes to get equipment from the port (with its shipping and customs delays) to the distribution facility for the pre-delivery inspection, the longer and more frustrating the wait for the customer.

“The focus on customers should never wane. When customers need new machines, they need them yesterday. This is usually because their old machines are tired and no longer economically viable in terms of downtime and maintenance. This means they don’t want to wait several months for a new machine to be delivered,” says Malherbe.

Reliable equipment

Malherbe says efficient warehouses are hubs of high productivity. “The reliability of equipment plays a critical role in ensuring efficiencies in these types of operations. Good material handling equipment allows the user to move more stock around faster and with a greater degree of accuracy. Not being able to move something from A to B results in unproductive time.

“The manufacturing standards and quality of equipment plays a major role in the reliability of equipment. In our industry, choosing to partner with suppliers who manufacture state of the art and reliable equipment means less risk of downtime and greater safety for our customers. It also means less risk for us, because we know we have supplied a quality product that will operate optimally, ensure the safety of users and require less maintenance,” she adds.

Digital transformation

The introduction of apps to help manage administrative tasks and enable customers to book services or report breakdowns, as well as BI tools to optimise data, are some of the ways material handling and industrial equipment can innovate.

Malherbe says another way is by introducing bespoke fleet management systems. “All of our forklifts are equipped with Toyota’s patented I-site Fleet Management System, which provides fleet managers with the ability to optimise overall productivity by monitoring parameters such as truck performance, truck and driver utilisation and battery status.

“Other features include pre-operational checks, which ensure the truck is reliable and safe to use. Notably, fleet managers have access to the Toyota I-Site from anywhere, via a mobile app and web portal.”

Enhance offerings

Providing clients with a one-stop-shop for material handling and industrial equipment means they don’t have to look to several different providers to meet their needs.

Malherbe says EIE Group’s acquisition of Uni-Cape Equipment allows the business could bolster its offerings with cranes, lifts, docking equipment and pallet trucks in the Western Cape. “We are no longer merely a forklift supplier and are becoming specialists in the industrial space when it comes to warehousing and logistics.”

Embrace innovation

Today, most operators in the industry have introduced lithium-ion batteries, which are rechargeable and offer better power efficiency. “There are, however, other possibilities that are being explored such as solar battery charging and hydrogen fuel engines. These are important developments to follow as operations around the world focus on reducing their carbon footprints. In fact, Toyota SA and Sasol have put their heads together to establish a hydrogen mobility corridor as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles gain traction globally,” adds Malherbe.

The right people

She concludes by saying that the success of any operation is underpinned by a dedicated and focused workforce. “In our industry, teamwork, strong leadership and an engaged workforce are key to operational success. When everyone is focused on the same vision, everything else follows.”