VSC Blog

What is Distribution Optimisation? Distribution optimisation in retail and the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry involves the strategic management of the distribution process to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. This process encompasses the end-to-end logistics of moving goods from manufacturers to end consumers, including inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and last-mile delivery. The goal is to…

What is Route Optimisation? Route optimisation can mean different things depending on the context, leading to confusion among those discussing it. Complete fleet route optimisation involves creating optimal delivery combinations based on various constraints like capacity, geographic clustering, and operating rules, ensuring efficient drop-offs. In contrast, sequencing a route refers to determining the best order…

In today’s fast-paced global economy, the efficient movement of goods is crucial for businesses to thrive. At the heart of this intricate web of logistics lies the Transportation Management System (TMS). What is a Transportation Management System (TMS)? A Transportation Management System (TMS) is a software solution designed to streamline and optimize the process of…

In the bustling world of logistics, where efficiency is key and coordination is paramount, control towers stand as beacons of organization and oversight. But what exactly are logistic control towers, and why are they so crucial in the realm of logistics? What are Logistic Control Towers? Imagine a centralized nerve centre, a hub where all…

In today’s globalized world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and mitigate risks within their operations. One critical aspect that plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives is supply chain management (SCM). From procurement to distribution, SCM encompasses a series of interconnected processes aimed at optimizing the flow of goods…

In the bustling world of logistics and transportation, fleet management serves as the linchpin that ensures the seamless movement of goods. Whether it’s delivering essential supplies to remote communities or transporting merchandise across international borders, the effective management of fleets is paramount for the success of any logistics enterprise. But why exactly is fleet management…

The Traditional Trade market in Africa is huge and cannot be overlooked (see Reaching Africa’s Traditional Trade).  It does, however, come with its own nuances and these need to be understood and managed (see Characteristics Of Traditional Trade That Require Special Consideration). Andreas Maritz, Strategic Growth Executive at VSC says, “In the fast-moving consumer goods…

In our previous article we identified the size and importance of Traditional Trade and that many of these outlets have been geo-mapped. Geo-mapping is essential for planning accurately, understanding impact of delivery changes, building sales rep routes and measuring planned vs. actual routes. Knowing where an outlet is located is essential to distribution but what…

When viewing the infrastructure development index of countries around the world, of the 30 least developed countries, 22 of them are African and included in these are the economic power houses of Nigeria and Ethiopia. Africa’s vast infrastructure deficit is a major constraint on its growth and development.  This dearth of infrastructure is most visible…

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is becoming increasingly important for businesses, not least because of current and forthcoming legislation. Andreas Maritz, Strategic Growth Executive at VSC Smart Supply Chains, says, “Environmental criteria considers how a company safeguards the environment, inclusive of corporate policies that address for example, carbon emissions and climate change. Social criteria examine…

What is Route-To-Market? Essentially a route to market is a route between you, the manufacturer or wholesaler, and the target demographic that you wish to buy your product. A Route To Market (RtM) strategy is also known as a Trade Marketing And Distribution Strategy or a Sales Execution Strategy.  Whatever you choose to name this…

VSC Smart Supply Chains are leaders in identifying the optimal supply chain configuration for companies with distribution networks. The management of this optimal supply chain is conducted through the VSC Portal which provides a single sign-on modular web portal for each component of the supply chain, underpinned by the Knowledge Integration Network (KIN). The KIN…

The VSC Fleet Management Module is the latest offering from VSC Smart Supply Chains. Andreas Maritz, Strategic Growth Executive at VSC says, “We have found that many of our clients do not know the actual cost of managing their fleet or elements of their fleet and so we developed this module.” It is designed to…

VSC Smart Supply Chains employ advanced network modelling techniques to configure the optimum supply chain for their customers. By considering elements such as supplier strategy, manufacturing policies, warehousing and depot configuration, transportation policies, customer policies, and inventory levels, VSC Smart Supply Chains empower companies to make informed decisions that maximize savings without compromising service quality….

Telematics, the integrated use of telecommunications and informatics, enables organizations to collect and analyze valuable data from vehicles, assets, and equipment. In today’s rapidly evolving world, businesses across various industries are increasingly turning to telematics solutions to enhance their operations and maximize efficiency. Telematics forms one part of the internet of things and is used…

Ensuring that a team of sales representatives are able to service a company’s client base effectively is no easy matter.  Knowing how many sales representatives are required to service the market can be difficult to determine without very careful planning. There are a host of considerations that will impact on how and where a sales…

Real Time Delivery Visibility Portal – Know exactly when your delivery will arrive The revolutionary Just-In-Time management philosophy first implemented by Toyota in the 1970’s has become the norm of today.  Businesses and consumers now expect that shelves will always be full and no product will ever be unavailable. Technology has made this far more…

Sales representatives require a particular personality which cannot be taught or trained.  They are great at interacting with others, building personal relationships and of course selling. Ensuring that your sales representatives have the best sales tools available to them allows them to focus on what they are good at. Time spent tracking customer information, completing…

Essentially Route To Market is how you, the manufacturer or wholesaler, deliver your goods to the retail outlet that sells your product. A Route To Market strategy is also known as a Trade Marketing And Distribution Strategy or a Sales Execution Strategy.  Whatever you choose to name this strategy it is vital to your businesses…

A well-managed control tower is essential for a complex supply chain.  If any of the skills, technology or experience required to manage the control tower are missing, the supply chain will falter. People are always on the move because of promotions or relocations and, particularly if the move is unexpected, much of the skill and…

The fuel price is said to continue to break new ground as the year comes to a close, with estimates of R20 per litre in 2022 having a strong possibility of becoming a concerning reality. The ongoing record-high fuel prices place companies under immense pressure to find cheaper ways of doing business – particularly those…

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically changed buying behaviours to the point that existing supply chain strategies are no longer effective. “New market requirements include consumer attraction to high-value offerings, digital engagements, and a major increase in remote working and e-commerce,” says Lukas Potgieter, chief operating officer at VSC Solutions. Companies must determine…

Have complete control over every aspect of customer orders and take your customer service to the next level. Your core business is customer service. Guaranteeing orders are executed timeously and without unnecessary complications and delays is what will set you apart from the rest. The VSC Order Solution is a locally developed, hosted and fully…

Improve customer service and maximise sales with the efficiency and transparency of the VSC Sales Rep app. Ensuring your sales representatives have the best tools available to them allows for more time for what is truly important – excellent, timeous customer service. Time spent tracking customer information and leads limits the potential and reach of…

Protect your work force, your distribution system and society with swift and decisive action informed by timely, accurate data. Hyper-vigilance is key to protecting the people who put themselves at risk to ensure delivery of the essentials needed to sustain society. Now, more than ever, exact and immediate information relating to your drivers, their routes,…

Many manufacturers and retailers still trust manual processes when ordering from suppliers as they believe that this is the only way to have complete control over their information. This habit however poses a major risk in the face of accelerating business changes and hides within it major inefficiencies, which translates to increased cost. “Local organisations…

The logistics industry is geared to quickly hire operational skills like pickers, packers, and drivers based on seasonal scalability, but in a highly competitive environment this isn’t enough anymore to ensure business profitability and happy customers. “A shortage of specialised skills that operate the technology optimising distribution of goods to customers is threatening even the…

VSC Solutions has received one of the coveted Spar Supplier of the Year awards for a solution that improved driver safety and fleet efficiency. “Our service to our customers is very dependent on the quality of the service delivered by our fleet,” says Trevor Currie, Group Logistics Executive of SPAR. “Not only do we need…