Keeping up with the times anda technology
TransNamib introduces new train operations system to improve efficiency
05 March 2021 | Technology
TransNamib has developed a new train operation management system that will increase operational efficiency and cut costs.
The Transportation Management System (TMS) will replace the TransNamib Revenue and Accounting Customer Care System (TRAACS).
The new system was developed by the company's department of technology and innovation, which was established in 2019.
According to TransNamib spokesperson Abigail Raubenheimer, the department has been developing the TMS for the past two years to replace the TRACCS legacy system.
“The requirements of TMS were based on the current operational processes, but have been streamlined and built on a modern platform, which allows operational staff to quickly access, enter and review operational tasks and information.”
Raubenheimer said the new TMS system has started reducing TransNamib's operational costs, as the outdated system included many manual processes.
That meant the operations department ran up high telephone bills to manage the movement of freight.
“With the new system, once information has been loaded, visibility is immediately available at all our stations.”
Raubenheimer said on the new system information is captured per section of the railway line, so once the train is loaded, they are able to see what was loaded at the last section or station.
She said this system allows the company to improve service delivery to customers and to manage rolling stock better.
She added that the system will allow for improved demand forecasting and better coordination between Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and sales systems, which will result in more accurate forecasts, leading to more efficient ordering and improved margins.
Raubenheimer said it also streamlines the billing process.
“TransNamib will have control and visibility over the entire lifecycle of a transaction, from the way an item is ordered to the way the final invoice is processed —providing full insight into cash flow and financial commitments.”
TransNamib is currently working on phase two of the project, which will allow customers to access and interact with the system.
“The effective use of technology will be the major driver of transformation in our operations. Thus, digitisation and streamlining of processes is the future.
“Our main objective is making the adoption and use of digital technology as advantageous and as easy as possible.
“It is a competitive necessity and game-changer that requires constant improvements for customer and user experience and functionality,” said Logan Fransman, the executive for technology and innovation at TransNamib.
The Transportation Management System (TMS) will replace the TransNamib Revenue and Accounting Customer Care System (TRAACS).
The new system was developed by the company's department of technology and innovation, which was established in 2019.
According to TransNamib spokesperson Abigail Raubenheimer, the department has been developing the TMS for the past two years to replace the TRACCS legacy system.
“The requirements of TMS were based on the current operational processes, but have been streamlined and built on a modern platform, which allows operational staff to quickly access, enter and review operational tasks and information.”
Raubenheimer said the new TMS system has started reducing TransNamib's operational costs, as the outdated system included many manual processes.
That meant the operations department ran up high telephone bills to manage the movement of freight.
“With the new system, once information has been loaded, visibility is immediately available at all our stations.”
Raubenheimer said on the new system information is captured per section of the railway line, so once the train is loaded, they are able to see what was loaded at the last section or station.
She said this system allows the company to improve service delivery to customers and to manage rolling stock better.
She added that the system will allow for improved demand forecasting and better coordination between Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and sales systems, which will result in more accurate forecasts, leading to more efficient ordering and improved margins.
Raubenheimer said it also streamlines the billing process.
“TransNamib will have control and visibility over the entire lifecycle of a transaction, from the way an item is ordered to the way the final invoice is processed —providing full insight into cash flow and financial commitments.”
TransNamib is currently working on phase two of the project, which will allow customers to access and interact with the system.
“The effective use of technology will be the major driver of transformation in our operations. Thus, digitisation and streamlining of processes is the future.
“Our main objective is making the adoption and use of digital technology as advantageous and as easy as possible.
“It is a competitive necessity and game-changer that requires constant improvements for customer and user experience and functionality,” said Logan Fransman, the executive for technology and innovation at TransNamib.
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