Capital Equipment News October 2017

EDITOR'S COMMENT

TECHNOLOGY MAKES IT POSSIBLE; PEOPLE MAKE IT HAPPEN

M odern machines and vehicles operating across a number of sectors, including construction, mining, transport and logistics, to mention a few, contain countless processors, SIM cards and other high-tech components. In a nutshell, they are complex tools with which operators have to solve more challenging tasks on sites and different workplaces. Despite well-known benefits, there continues to be some trepidation regarding modern technologies and their impact on the role of people in the workplace. Automated systems sound improbable in an African

environment where we are still grappling with huge social issues like closing the unemployment gap. There are fears that technology will take away the few jobs available; but I believe newer technologies will further empower people, as humans will become supervisors, rather than the direct means of control. But, this calls for critical training regimes to align the workforce with the core competencies of being able to operate high-tech machines which are fast becoming the competitive edge for many businesses. One of the sectors already at the forefront of the tech revolution is the logistics industry. In a recent conversation with Detlev Duve, MD of DACHSER South Africa, he alluded to the fact that competitive logistics providers know that it is all about speed, agility, reliability and even versatility. He is of the view that delivering all of this requires intelligent logistics – a growing concept the world over. But, he further reiterated that this not only refers to leveraging digital technology, people still remain at the core. According to Duve, smart logistics means having to do many things at the same time. But you only have intelligent logistics if you have the right people to bring it all together. Intelligent logistics operates across several dimensions but if these systems are not accurately and timeously brought together, the process could collapse. It is not just about having the best technology and systems in place. Of course, there is no denying the importance of the latest technology for logistics service providers. Having the ability to track and trace, respond in real time, deliver speedily and offer choice and visibility along the way requires an ongoing and significant investment in technology. But Duve reiterates that just as important as the tools are the staff operating these systems.

It is worthwhile to remember that automatic processes and digital movements of cargo are made possible via a network of well- trained and skilled people who understand the complexities of the logistics supply chain and are able to adapt the systems accordingly. To leverage the growing impact of tech on businesses, forward-thinking companies are investing in skills. For example, DACHSER South Africa trains up to 15 learners each year, and since the inception of the programme in 2012, has been able to employ 70% of its graduate learners. Caterpillar has over 35 000 active machines and engines operating throughout southern Africa, and to keep all those machines running smoothly, there is need to provide replacement parts as quickly as possible, but skills are as vital. To help people in Africa develop their technical skills, two years ago, Caterpillar launched an e-learning website called Technicians for Africa to support local skills development in South Africa and in 14 other African countries. Technicians for Africa is a completely free online training programme that provides future technicians a base level of technical knowledge to make them viable candidates for careers as heavy equipment technicians and several other related fields. To date, Caterpillar has over 700 registered users in South Africa and 3 500 in southern Africa. These are great initiatives by companies that understand that their future successes will hinge on both new tech and smart people. Skills in today’s workplace are rapidly diversifying and all employees need to pursue broader areas of learning to remain competitive. Companies need to upskill their workforces to leverage the tech revolution. Technology will only make it possible; people will make it happen! b

Munesu Shoko – Editor

capnews@crown.co.za

@CapEquipNews

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2017 2