GSL implements warehouse management system
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Monday, 03 December 2007
Global Shipping and Logistics (GSL) has upgraded its technology infrastructure with a warehouse management system from Manhattan Associates.
The software was chosen to improve the operational efficiency of two warehouses in Dubai Investment Park - a cold storage facility (with temperatures ranging from -25ºC to 4ºC) and a cool storage facility (with temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 25ºC).
"Our experience with the system to date, together with the growth our business has experienced this year, has truly vindicated our decision to choose Manhattan Associates," commented Arun Kumar, IT manager at GSL.
"Given the limited number of solution vendors that traditionally operate in this region, we saw the selection of this warehouse management system as a perfect opportunity to differentiate ourselves," he added.
Following the success of the initial implementation, GSL is now planning to rollout the software in another five forthcoming warehouses, which will be operational by 2009.
READERS' COMMENTS
Posted by Steve Cross, Dubai, UAE on Monday 10 December 2007 at 23:48 UAE time
With reference to Phil's comment - local implementation services are particularly vital to the success of a WMS in this region. Logistics professionals are thin on the ground in the Middle East, and this combined with a workforce that is often inexperienced means that for a WMS to succeed the WMS vendor must provide on site support with a high level of hand holding. This therefore restricts the choice of vendors, as Arun says, to a handful.
The other problem in the region is that some WMS vendors are represented by companies who come and go. I must declare an interest here as I own and run ATMS plc and ATMS FZCO. Having been in the region personally for five years, and in the UK for over 20 the contrast between markets is noticeable.
Posted by Arun, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Tuesday 4 December 2007 at 15:06 UAE time
Dear Phil,
Thanks for your comment.
You are right about additional criteria not included in this press release. A more detailed article can be found at:
http://www.gsldubai.com/ArticleDetail.asp?NewsID=28
(or)
http://www.manh.com/news/global_shipping_logistics_poised_for_strong_growth.html
First of all, the location is the UAE and not India.
Without quoting names, I can only think of 2 or maybe 3 'qualified' vendors/partners who truly understand WMS. The rest are representative offices having little or no functional expertise. While there are 'many' vendors here, not many understand the local UAE market well.
Global Shipping & Logistics (GSL) is a 3PL are our only constant is change. Between the 2-3 vendors who have products tailored to a configurable functionality without custom code, we selected Manhattan Associates. And the decision has paid off!
I hope this clears GSL's view on the matter.
Regards,
Arun Kumar
IT Manager
Global Shipping & Logistics
Posted by Phil Obal, Tulsa, USA on Monday 3 December 2007 at 20:55 UAE time
I do not think that there are a limited number of WMS vendors, unless one has additional criteria not mentioned in the article. There are about 200 WMS vendors today. Now how many of them support INDIA drops it to about 40 WMS software providers. That is still a high number to select from.
Click here to post a comment
MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM
TOP IN MIDDLE EAST TRANSPORTATION
TOP MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS STORIES
ALSO IN MIDDLE EAST TRANSPORTATION
LATEST MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS NEWS
- Energy: Shell delays Qatargas4 project by a year
- Construction & Industry: Abyaar and Lacroix to build Dubai residential tower
- Travel & Hospitality: Gulf Air unveils strategy to save $2.65bn over five years
- Travel & Hospitality: Accor opening two new ibis hotels in region
- Banking & Finance: Abraaj Capital issue is fully subscribed
SHARE PRICE CHECK
RELATED STORIES
Global Shipping and Logistics (GSL)
- Cool operator
16 Jul '09 | Features - Generation next
14 May '09 | Features - Get smart
10 Sep '08 | Features




