Technology

IT is a key driver in helping us to respond to our customers' requirements as they meet consumer expectations.

We see ourselves as a technology company and we use IT to differentiate ourselves from our competitors. Even our trucks and warehouses are bristling with computers and other communication technology. Our IT gives us the management information needed to maximise the use of our assets and increase efficiency.

To operate effectively:

• We need to know where to find and store goods in our warehouses
• We need to know where every one of our 5,000 vehicles is at any time
• We need to locate and track thousands of consignments every day
• We need to know whose products have been delivered or collected
• We need to feed all this data directly into our customers' own systems
• And we need to operate this technology seamlessly across national boundaries

Our systems give us the capability to operate effectively.

Enhanced IT systems
To meet these challenges, we have developed web-enabled proprietary technologies to drive our networks, optimise warehouse management and supply clients with all the information they need. We have over 100 people working in this area. The development team have an in-depth knowledge of the supply chain and can cost-effectively develop new systems when needed. We also buy off-the-shelf solutions where they add value and these include routing software and satellite positioning and in-cab technology.

Christian Salvesen is at the forefront of the logistics industry's technological capability, with existing aplications that provide full warehouse management, transport management, materials control and reverse logistics. Many of our applications are available online and we look to interface with our customers' systems to ensure timely and accurate communication.

Our core systems are:

• SHARP network and consignment management
• ULTIMA modular inventory and warehouse management system
• SHARPnet and STOCKnet enable clients to check inventory and book and track consignments via secure internet links
• COMET is web-enabled and specifically designed for tracking loose equipment in the supply chain
• BACTRAC is our reverse logistics management tool