Logistics Automation for a Digitally Connected Public Sector
There are plenty of reasons to automate processes within both the public and private sectors. For the National Ports Authority, it’s all about the moving parts.
“We’re creating digitally connected logistics right throughout the chain,” says Mmutle, “it’s about us existing in an ecosystem that is connected to the rest of the ecosystem.”
Through Boxfusion’s e-Submissions solutions, the National Ports Authority is beginning to create a culture of digital connectedness not only in logistics but throughout the organisation as its daily processes are synchronised.
“I foresee that this is going to make a big impact in terms of the way we actually do things,” Mmutle insists, “It’s moving from a completely manual process to a simplified digital process.”
Increasing efficiency and transparency with SmartGov for e-Services
With that simplification comes an increase in efficiency, accountability and traceability. “Systems like this in government can contribute to better governance overall,” Mmutle says. “It brings a new element into how you govern things; it removes human intervention.”
This removal of human intervention is an important aspect of the e-Submissions process. By creating, processing and storing crucial memos within the National Ports Authority digitally, it removes any room for error or tampering.
Because the software is secure, and all staff and management who use it have their own log-in details, every change made to a document or memo can be seen and traced, creating greater accountability and integrity within internal processes.
“Because of the directory log-on, we will always know who approved what, and there won’t be any questions around signatures…It will make processes more auditable because it cannot be tampered with once it’s done,” Mmutle affirms. He adds that it also allows management and staff within the ports authority to see exactly how long their processes take, as the software solution enables them to track a document or memo’s trajectory from start to finish.
It also has great potential to increase efficiency within the authority in terms of workflow. Using the software’s active directory allows staff members to forward memos to anyone involved in the process, while enabling officials and management to separately track an individual’s input and history on a document.
Paperless e-Submissions for smoother port operations
By moving from a manual, paper-based process to a digital e-submissions process, the National Ports Authority can continue to efficiently manage the logistics along South Africa’s 2945km of coastline.
“It’s not only about the software, it’s about what I can do with it, and from what I can see, it’s doing exactly what I’ve prescribed for it,” Mmutle concludes.