,TRL3707 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 - DUE 7 April 2025; 100% correct solutions
and explanations.
Case Study: South African Fast Moving Consumer Goods
(FMCG) Integrating Cutting-Edge Industry 4.0 Technologies
South African retailers in the FMCG sector are leading the way
in integrating Industry 4.0 technologies into their business
operations. According to Naidu (2024: 53, 64), standardizing
operations in line with industry standards can facilitate the
seamless integration of firms' systems with their customers and
suppliers. This integration enhances production flexibility,
allowing FMCG companies to gain real-time access to suppliers’
raw material inventories, improving production planning,
reducing lead times, and minimizing inventory costs.
Additionally, digitalization should be accompanied by a
comprehensive upskilling initiative for the workforce. Training
programs must be developed to equip employees with the
necessary skills to use and maintain new technologies
effectively. This ensures that the workforce is competent and
confident in leveraging advancements to optimize performance
and foster innovation.
Warehouses have traditionally faced significant safety hazards
due to the movement of forklifts, conveyors, and trucks.
Transitioning to a fully automated warehouse system, where
robotic technologies manage material handling, can mitigate
these risks. Automation enhances safety and operational
efficiency, reducing human error and improving productivity.
,A notable example is Shoprite Holdings' launch of Checkers
Sixty60 in 2019, South Africa’s first on-demand grocery
delivery app. The service delivers groceries within 60 minutes,
utilizing advanced machine learning algorithms to optimize
delivery zones. These algorithms analyze real-time orders and
traffic conditions to improve efficiency. The app provides access
to over 10,000 products, including larger items from Checkers
Hyper stores. The delivery network consists of independent
motorbike drivers, raising discussions about labor practices and
gig worker rights.
Order Processing and Fulfillment
Orders are placed through the Sixty60 app and processed at the
nearest Checkers store, reducing lead times. Skilled staff pick
and pack orders to maintain quality and accuracy. Woolworths
Dash follows a similar model but prioritizes premium grocery
delivery over speed.
Inventory Management
Real-time stock visibility tools and predictive analytics prevent
stockouts, ensuring product availability. AI-driven demand
forecasting optimizes replenishment cycles, reducing waste and
enhancing efficiency.
Transportation
Checkers Sixty60 partners with third-party delivery fleets,
primarily motorbike couriers, to ensure fast service. AI
algorithms and real-time GPS tracking optimize delivery routes,
minimizing delays. Customers can track their orders through the
, Sixty60 app, which enhances satisfaction by improving order
accuracy and efficiency.
Questions
Question 1
Use the study guide and prescribed book for guidance. A
detailed discussion is required, linking theory with the case
study. (½ mark awarded per discussion point.)
1.1 Advise FMCG management in South Africa about six (6)
participants that influence transportation decisions within
FMCG organizations. Justify using examples from the case
study.
6 marks for theory, 6 marks for application
1.1 Six Participants That Influence Transportation Decisions
within FMCG Organizations in South Africa
In the context of the FMCG industry in South Africa, several
participants play key roles in influencing transportation
Semester 1 2025 - DUE 7 April 2025; 100% correct solutions
and explanations.
Case Study: South African Fast Moving Consumer Goods
(FMCG) Integrating Cutting-Edge Industry 4.0 Technologies
South African retailers in the FMCG sector are leading the way
in integrating Industry 4.0 technologies into their business
operations. According to Naidu (2024: 53, 64), standardizing
operations in line with industry standards can facilitate the
seamless integration of firms' systems with their customers and
suppliers. This integration enhances production flexibility,
allowing FMCG companies to gain real-time access to suppliers’
raw material inventories, improving production planning,
reducing lead times, and minimizing inventory costs.
Additionally, digitalization should be accompanied by a
comprehensive upskilling initiative for the workforce. Training
programs must be developed to equip employees with the
necessary skills to use and maintain new technologies
effectively. This ensures that the workforce is competent and
confident in leveraging advancements to optimize performance
and foster innovation.
Warehouses have traditionally faced significant safety hazards
due to the movement of forklifts, conveyors, and trucks.
Transitioning to a fully automated warehouse system, where
robotic technologies manage material handling, can mitigate
these risks. Automation enhances safety and operational
efficiency, reducing human error and improving productivity.
,A notable example is Shoprite Holdings' launch of Checkers
Sixty60 in 2019, South Africa’s first on-demand grocery
delivery app. The service delivers groceries within 60 minutes,
utilizing advanced machine learning algorithms to optimize
delivery zones. These algorithms analyze real-time orders and
traffic conditions to improve efficiency. The app provides access
to over 10,000 products, including larger items from Checkers
Hyper stores. The delivery network consists of independent
motorbike drivers, raising discussions about labor practices and
gig worker rights.
Order Processing and Fulfillment
Orders are placed through the Sixty60 app and processed at the
nearest Checkers store, reducing lead times. Skilled staff pick
and pack orders to maintain quality and accuracy. Woolworths
Dash follows a similar model but prioritizes premium grocery
delivery over speed.
Inventory Management
Real-time stock visibility tools and predictive analytics prevent
stockouts, ensuring product availability. AI-driven demand
forecasting optimizes replenishment cycles, reducing waste and
enhancing efficiency.
Transportation
Checkers Sixty60 partners with third-party delivery fleets,
primarily motorbike couriers, to ensure fast service. AI
algorithms and real-time GPS tracking optimize delivery routes,
minimizing delays. Customers can track their orders through the
, Sixty60 app, which enhances satisfaction by improving order
accuracy and efficiency.
Questions
Question 1
Use the study guide and prescribed book for guidance. A
detailed discussion is required, linking theory with the case
study. (½ mark awarded per discussion point.)
1.1 Advise FMCG management in South Africa about six (6)
participants that influence transportation decisions within
FMCG organizations. Justify using examples from the case
study.
6 marks for theory, 6 marks for application
1.1 Six Participants That Influence Transportation Decisions
within FMCG Organizations in South Africa
In the context of the FMCG industry in South Africa, several
participants play key roles in influencing transportation
