Abstract
M.Com. (Business Management)
Supply chains are concerned with operational efficiency, costs and customer service and are constantly looking for new ways to add value to the business environment. Logistics companies identified transport and information systems as ways to increase operational efficiency in a supply chain. Fleet management as a function of transport uses information technology to ensure an optimised logistics network.
The research for this dissertation was conducted within a ferrochrome smelter supply chain on a 3PL provider known as an onsite bulk material handling contractor. A vehicle tracking system was installed into the fleet of earth moving equipment and the impact on efficiency and customer service was determined through a before and after scenario. The quantitative research approach used involved primary data collected by way of survey questionnaires and system-generated data and secondary data in terms of an extensive literature review. The focus of the research was based on two research questions:
The primary research question being: Can transport efficiency at a ferrochrome smelter plant be improved and cost reduced by implementing a vehicle tracking system?
The secondary research question being: Can customer service at the ferrochrome smelter plant be improved upon by implementing a vehicle tracking system?
From the research gathered by asking these two research questions there is definitive evidence that a vehicle tracking system improves transport efficiency, reduced costs and improves customer service...