Transnet and GE Transportation Working Together to Digitize Africa's Supply Chain

GE
South Africa's Transnet has partnered with GE Transportation to create a digital solution that will seamlessly connect shippers and transport operators to enable an efficient movement of goods.
15 November 2016
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GE Africa (Lagos)
  • Transnet has partnered with GE Transportation to create a digital solution that will seamlessly connect shippers and transport operators to enable an efficient movement of goods.

South Africa's state-owned freight and logistics giant Transnet has partnered with global digital industrial leader, GE Transportation, to create a digital solution that will seamlessly connect shippers and transport operators, enabling an efficient movement of goods.

Transnet is the custodian of South Africa's rail, ports and pipeline networks. The company operates eight commercial ports across the 3300km of South Africa's coastline, 30,300 km of rail network and some 3,800 km of pipeline carrying gas and liquid fuels.

Africa's intracontinental trade has nearly doubled since 1995, and the increasing volume of goods moving through the supply chain is creating transportation and logistical complexities that slow down shipments. To ensure goods reach consumers and businesses more efficiently, Transnet, together with GE Transportation, is implementing a digital solution powered by GE's Predix, the first operating system for the Industrial Internet.

It will seamlessly connect shippers and transport operators by providing real-time, data-driven insights on the status of shipments. It takes laborious processes, like payment, customs and inspection, from paper to digital, and creates an on-demand solution for transporting freight inspired by consumer on-demand transportation models.

"Optimizing the speed and effectiveness of our supply chain is critical to improving our economy's health and competitiveness," said Transnet Group Chief Executive, Mr Siyabonga Gama. "Our partnership with GE Transportation is an important step in moving our operations forward and overcoming our biggest shipping challenges."

The platform will enable Transnet and its partners to bring products to market faster and for less cost across the vast African landscape, ultimately increasing the opportunity for cross-border trade. It will also digitize transportation and logistics across rail, trucks and ships, encouraging seamless integration throughout the entire supply chain.

"We're committed to leveraging our digital expertise to drive forward industries and local markets worldwide," said Jamie Miller, President and CEO, GE Transportation. "We have a rich history of partnership with Transnet, and are excited to continue working with them to unlock game-changing potential for the local supply chain that is at the heart of Africa's global economy."

Transnet and GE Transportation have partnered since 2009 to manufacture and deliver over 230 Evolution Series diesel electric locomotives, including the "most African" locomotive, which featured 55 percent locally produced content.

To learn more, visit www.invent.ge/GETMM16

About GE Transportation

At GE Transportation, we are in the business of realizing potential. We are a global technology leader and supplier of equipment, services and solutions to the rail, mining, marine, stationary power and drilling industries. Our innovations help customers deliver goods and services with greater speed and savings using our advanced manufacturing techniques and connected machines. Our digital solutions, which provide data-driven insights to improve efficiency, utilize Predix – GE's cloud-based operating system for the Industrial Internet. Established more than a century ago, GE Transportation is a division of the General Electric Company that began as a pioneer in passenger and freight locomotives. That innovative spirit still drives GE Transportation today and is strengthened by our ability to serve customers more holistically through the GE Store – a global exchange of knowledge, technology and tools across all GE businesses that ultimately provides better outcomes for customers. GE Transportation is headquartered in Chicago, IL, and employs approximately 10,000 employees.

About Transnet

Transnet is South Africa's State-owned freight transport and logistics company and is the custodian of rail, ports and pipelines. At Transnet, we are uniquely positioned to provide integrated, seamless transport solutions for our customers in the bulk and manufacturing sectors. Our infrastructure and services are intended to benefit South Africa as well as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as a whole, facilitating economic, domestic, regional and global activity. We conduct all our business in terms of our values, ensuring that in everything we do, Transnet builds, delivers, innovates and cares.

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