One of the persistent inefficiencies in logistics operations remains the management and integration of paperwork, with many businesses still relying heavily on WhatsApp-based workflows, paper documentation and Excel spreadsheets. According to Christo de Swardt, commercial manager at Forte Supply Chain Solutions, this fragmented approach often results in overcommunication, duplicated data capture and increased administrative oversight, ultimately slowing down operations and reducing visibility across the supply chain. Software platforms such as Fortes FLOW Mobility are designed to connect departments, break down silos and eliminate the need for double data entry, he said. While most people these days understand the case for digitalisation, adoption has been gradual. According to De Swardt, the resistance is often linked to a lack of trust in how employees use new tools, as well as practical constraints such as skills gaps, infrastructure limitations and concerns around device security. Despite these challenges, adoption is increasing steadily. Successful implementation ultimately depends on choosing the right partners and ensuring systems are aligned with operational needs, he told Freight News. Over the past 12 months Forte has expanded its FLOW ecosystem, introducing new solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency and supply chain performance. These include Tramm, a transport management system powered by OPSI Systems that focuses on route optimisation and execution, and FLOW DDR, a demand-driven replenishment tool powered by Onebeat that aims to optimise stock levels and working capital. In addition, the company has introduced FLOW Advisory, a non-digital solution developed in partnership with industry specialists Hennie Serdyn and Willem van Wyk. It focuses on improving underlying business processes ahead of system implementation. Even the best software cannot fix poor processes. Bad processes with good software will simply allow problems to surface faster, said De Swardt, emphasising the importance of creating the right foundation for successful digitisation. He said the expanded ecosystem was supported by ongoing enhancements to existing tools. The introduction of the FLOW Portal, a document digitisation platform, further enables stakeholders to upload and access documentation within a single environment, improving data visibility and analysis across operations. Early results from the new solutions point to measurable gains. Tramm has enabled fleet operators to optimise routing and improve asset utilisation. With massive upgrades within Tramm like the new Chora solver, fleet requirements were reduced while increasing trip volumes by around 10 in some cases. Meanwhile, FLOW DDR has delivered working capital improvements of up to 50 by reducing stock on hand while maintaining product availability. In warehousing, it has also delivered measurable impact, with benefits extending beyond the warehouse to ports, corridors and border posts. Our goal is to help businesses improve their operations without locking them into rigid systems. LV
View the discussion thread.
