TRANSPORT TECH
TRANSPORT TECH Technology is reshaping South African transport With road freight increasingly becoming the backbone of the logistics sector, Erik Bergvall, MD, Scania Southern Africa, stresses the importance of data in successfully transforming the sector. An increased demand for road transport, largely driven by the rail-service challenges South Africa faces, has left many local supply chains heavily reliant on road-fleet operators. This increased demand has led to growing pains as the industry adjusts. The factors that will determine the leading transport operators in the near future are very different to those that have traditionally been accepted as benchmarks for success. Historically, transport businesses have been considered easy to replicate. Transport operators had access to the same trucks, trailers and routes. Now the transport industry is on the brink of a significant transformation driven by technological advancements, sustainability measures and evolving consumer demands. The operators who lead this shift will gain a competitive advantage that slow adopters will find difficult to match. Simply adding more trucks to a fleet is no longer enough. Transport operators need to increase efficiencies too. The adoption of innovative capabilities is allowing progressive operators to move faster than competitors, introduce differentiated services and adopt new systems. Increasingly, the ability to collect, understand and apply data intelligence from vehicles and other assets will mean the difference between operations as usual and operational transformation. Leading transport operators aren’t born, they are made. Technology is playing a pivotal role in supporting transport companies to adapt and thrive. The potential for fleets to harness intelligent insights from diverse data sources is revolutionising fleet management. Real-time tracking, data analytics and predictive modelling are enabling transport operators to respond efficiently to disruptions, while staying ahead of the curve. Data sourced from sensors and cameras is enabling significant cost efficiencies. By tracking factors such as vehicle idling, route planning and driving styles, fuel-saving improvements can be made. Data-led predictive maintenance supports cost savings by identifying issues before they cause downtime. Long-term data tracking can measure these improvements, so operators can accelerate their efforts. Transport operators who win at cost efficiencies are the ones who will thrive. Data is also playing a significant role in helping transport operators to reach their sustainability goals. Sustainability is no longer a fringe concern. It is a driving force. To reduce the environmental impacts of transport operations, real-time data insights are key. Data can support operators to decide how and where to start their transition to sustainable vehicle solutions. Metrics include lifetime usage and average daily utilisation rates. Sustainable vehicles are designed to maximise fuel economy and total cost of ownership, while reducing harmful emissions. They have a significant role to play in assisting transport companies to optimise efficiencies that will deliver a competitive advantage. 42 | www.opportunityonline.co.za PHOTO: Scania
Taking access to higher levels The Managing Director of SkyJacks, Alistair Bennett, explains how the shift to electric equipment and the renewable energy sector are presenting new opportunities in the powered access, lifting and material handling sector. POWER ACCESS What are SkyJacks’ areas of specialisation and what is your target market? SkyJacks is the Southern African distributor for leading OEMs and provider of hiring and selling a comprehensive range of powered access, material handling and lifting equipment. This includes temporary suspended platforms, mobile elevated work platforms, telehandlers, construction hoists and mini-cranes as well as a comprehensive selection of lifting products and services. With a commitment to quality and customer service, we partner with leading global OEMs to deliver cutting-edge equipment designed to enhance safety, efficiency and productivity. Our main target market is the construction, engineering, mining and power-generation sectors. What sets us apart from our competitors is our focus on the customer, continual product innovation, competitive pricing and movement towards sustainability. Why is the transition to electric technology more than a passing trend? In South Africa, the demand for electric- and hybrid-powered access, material handling and lifting equipment is surging due to rising environmental awareness and regulatory compliance needs and the 2019 carbon tax. Electric and hybrid equipment enables organisations to transition from fossil fuels to electrification while meeting stringent environmental regulations. Embracing these technologies helps businesses comply with standards and attract investors and customers focused on sustainability. This shift not only addresses environmental challenges but also prepares companies for future growth in a responsible and sustainable business landscape. SkyJacks is at the forefront of this transition. Our equipment not only reflects our dedication to high performance but also addresses the urgent need for sustainable and efficient solutions. How is SkyJacks addressing the demand for electric equipment in various sectors such as mining, construction and retail centres? We firmly believe that the move towards sustainable and environmentally friendly technology is the future so we have chosen to represent OEMs that align with this vison. They produce highperformance machines with low environmental impact and include: • Faresin – full-electric telehandlers • Jekko – full-electric mini-cranes • Dingli – full-electric scissor lifts and full-electric and hybrid-boom lifts implies less maintenance costs than a standard diesel engine and operating costs are reduced by up to 70%. What is your vision and mission for the company? My vision for 2025 and beyond is to position SkyJacks as the leading provider of powered access, lifting and material handling solutions in South Africa and the broader SADC region. As the exclusive distributor of international brands like Dingli, Faresin, Jekko and GEDA, we will continue introducing cutting-edge equipment to the market, offering the latest technology in safety and efficiency. As part of our long-term strategy, we will invest in greener, more energy-efficient technologies and promote the use of full electric equipment in our rental fleet. Where do you see growth opportunities for SkyJacks? While challenges exist, SkyJacks has several opportunities, such as growing demand in the renewable energy sector (solar and wind), which often requires specialised access, lifting and handling equipment. Additionally, increasing infrastructure development initiatives may boost demand for equipment rental services, particularly in urban development projects. We believe in listening to our customers, and this is no different when it comes to growth opportunities. Our customers continue to drive our strategy in growth opportunities by continual demanding innovative, cost-effective and sustainable access, lifting and handling solutions and the recent addition of the Jekko and Faresin range of products is testament to this. Finally, the availability of the lithium-battery-supplied version is creating even more business opportunities for SkyJacks, because it meets the needs of an ever-increasing share of customers caring not only about performance, but also about environmental sustainability. Does SkyJacks support community projects? SkyJacks is privileged to support some inspiring organisations including the Dzulani Children’s and Youth Care Centre in Vosloorus, the Germiston-Bedfordview SPCA and the St Francis Care Centre in Boksburg. Alistair Bennett, SkyJacks Managing Director These machines can operate indoor or on sites where emission requirements are enforced. Lithium batteries allow unchanged and constant performance even during intense use for the whole charge duration and offer the same level of performance as the diesel options. Moreover, a lithium battery-powered electric engine
