The heyday of standard
ERP systems are well and truly over, as is clear from ICT &
Logistics. Of course, companies need an ERP system as
common platform for, amongst other things, recording transactions. But
an ERP system is no longer what sets you apart. For that, you need smart
tools in the form of apps or cloud solutions. The trade fair showcased more than
plenty of examples of this.
Apps make it possible to find solutions quickly
for time-consuming, labour-intensive or error-prone processes. A prime
example is TransFollow, the digital consignment note that now really seems to be
. Various organisations are showcasing apps at ICT & Logistics that
enable waybills to be processed in accordance with the TransFollow standard
without the hassle of papers covered in coffee stains and greasy fingerprints. Lawyers see a
significant source of income drying up because disputes no longer arise as a result
of lost CMRs.
With cloud solutions, businesses can always
rely on the very latest solutions and data. A fine example in this
is TLNplanner, the route planner that sets the standard when it comes to
calculating distances. Immediately after the closure of the Merwede Bridge to
freight traffic, this bridge on the A27 near Gorinchem was also
, ensuring users cannot make mistakes. Before the launch of
the online version a few years ago, updates of this kind were theoretically also
possible, but they would first have had to be burned onto DVDs. Even then,
it remained to be seen whether companies would actually install that DVD.
The major advantage of apps and cloud solutions is the
speed with which they can respond to changes in the market. Within
a matter of months, an app can be developed, for example, to allocate
lorries to the docks of a particular warehouse. If that problem had had to be resolved within a
company-wide ERP system, the
the application process alone would have taken longer.
Anyone wishing to benefit from solutions of this kind will need to move away from the
let go of the traditional project-based approach with a clearly defined objective, schedule and budget
. Innovation in IT today means rapidly
applications and testing them as ‘proof of concept’. If the
application successful, it can be scaled up. If it is not successful,
it is important to stop quickly and try something else. Yellowstar Solutions
displayed on a wall at their stand at the ICT & Logistics exhibition the techniques that
can be used for this purpose: Scrum and Agile.
Hardware suppliers are also responding to this trend.
In the world of in-car computers, we are seeing more and more devices running on the
Android platform and which allow for the use of third-party apps. This
gives drivers the option to use multiple on-board computer apps,
but also, for example, an app that reads the temperature sensor in the trailer or
one that monitors tyre pressure. And if they’re looking for a parking space? Then
they simply tap one of the many truck parking apps – ideally one that allows them to
can book a space straight away.
Companies that want to stay ahead will need to
for this new generation of tools. Research firm Gartner
refers to a ‘bimodal’ strategy, or a two-track approach. The first track
focuses on the traditional IT systems that every business needs and which are
change. In addition to ERP systems, this also includes
warehouse and transport management systems. The second track
concerns the development of the aforementioned smart tools, such as apps and
cloud solutions. This requires a more aggressive, creative approach in which
it’s okay to make mistakes. As long as the pace is maintained.
Marcel te Lindert - logistics and supply chain journalist
Image: ICT & Logistiek
