The success of small cold chain businesses—critical players in South Africa’s economy—faces a significant threat due to a lack of resources, skills, and support in the niche area of cold chain supply chain management, according to the supply chain industry body SAPICS. This is part two of a two-part series.
Small businesses often focus on aspects like marketing and finance, leaving operational and cold chain management skills undeveloped. To thrive, SMEs in the cold chain industry must address knowledge gaps in areas such as cold storage management, temperature-controlled logistics, and inventory management for perishable goods.
Training and skills development for SMEs
For an annual membership fee, cold chain SMEs can join the SAPICS Small Business Hub, gaining access to valuable training and knowledge-sharing activities like workshops and webinars. These events offer opportunities for small businesses to expand their networks and engage with SAPICS’s supply chain community across Africa. Additionally, they can enjoy discounted registration fees for industry events, including the renowned SAPICS Conference, which is Africa’s leading event for the supply chain profession.
Specialised topics for cold chain SMEs are covered in SAPICS’s skills development programmes. These include:
- Supply chain management: Best practices for handling perishable goods, temperature monitoring, and compliance with industry regulations.
- Demand planning for perishables: How to forecast demand for temperature-sensitive products and manage fluctuations in supply.
- Sales and operations planning (S&OP): Strategies for integrating sales forecasts and inventory management in a cold chain context.
- Inventory control and warehouse management: Techniques for managing perishable stock, optimising cold storage spaces, and maintaining inventory accuracy.
- Lean manufacturing principles: How cold chain businesses can eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and reduce costs in their operations.
SMEs can also benefit from case studies, success stories, and insights from industry leaders, as well as accredited education programmes focusing on specialized cold chain topics.
Support and assistance for cold chain businesses
In addition to these training opportunities, SAPICS offers an SMME Support Line, providing cold chain business owners with advice and assistance on overcoming operational challenges.
“Small cold chain businesses often struggle to optimize their supply chains for efficiency and cost savings, leaving them vulnerable to disruptions. By improving their cold chain capabilities, these businesses can better compete and succeed in an increasingly demanding market. Corporates have a significant role to play in bridging the skills gap and supporting these businesses in their growth,” concludes Schoemaker.
The challenges faced by small cold chain businesses in South Africa highlight the need for specialised training and support. By prioritising cold chain supply chain management and investing in skills development, small businesses can improve their operations, reduce losses, and ensure the reliable delivery of temperature-sensitive products. Through initiatives like SAPICS, corporates can play a critical role in strengthening the cold chain ecosystem and helping small businesses thrive.
Source: Supplied by SAPICS, edited by Eamonn Ryan