The impact of implementing a transport management system on a fertiliser supply chain: a case study

Abstract

Abstract: Supply Chain Management (SCM) and logistics activities are key success factors in organisations and create value throughout the entire supply chain. In the current economic environment, organisations utilise information systems to optimise operations by reducing costs and improving productivity. The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of the implementation of a Transport Management System (TMS) on the supply chain operations of a fertiliser organisation in South Africa. Primary data, obtained from questionnaires, as well as secondary data from the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system (before TMS implementation) and TMS database (after implementation) were analysed. The successful development and implementation of a TMS demonstrated a positive impact on the supply chain operations, with specific impact on volumes and number of loads handled, average tons per truck, average vehicle time at plant, production accuracy, reduced total transport costs and improved inventory accuracy