Department of Logistics

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Browsing Department of Logistics by Author "Botha, Maria"

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    Tshwane logistics hub : an integration of freight transport infrastructure
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-12) Botha, Maria; Pienaar, W. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Logistics.
    One of the results of globalisation is that supply chains are getting longer, in both time and distance. For example, the local bookstore around the corner now competes with the bookstore in the USA. Logistics ties together geographically distant sources and markets. The implications of this are that there is a greater need for efficiency in specifically transportation and distribution networks. The integration of transport infrastructure into a logistics hub is seen as an enabler of distribution on a global basis. A solution to overcome the above complications is the development of logistics hubs as a means to simplify supply chain processes. Logistics hubs are generally defined as integrated centres for transhipment, storage, collection and distribution of goods (Jorgenson, 2007). Universally logistics hubs have intermodal or multi-modal solutions to abridge transportation difficulties and creating seamless movement of goods and in doing so optimising general operations. Freight shipments now have the ability to be consolidated at a central point and distributed from that point to its final destination. This creates added value for freight products. Customers now receive products at the right time, at the right place and in the right quantity, but with the benefit of paying less as a result of economies of scale created by the value added at the logistics hub. Logistics hubs are very well established internationally and many examples exist where these have been successfully built and implemented. This does not suggest that there is one specific recipe to success. Each region has its own demands which need to be satisfied. There are however numerous common characteristics which were identified during the course of the study. It is important for South Africa to integrate existing transport infrastructure to optimise logistics in the country and in doing so, ascertaining itself as a regional logistics hub.