Enhancing marine solutions: Streamlining warehouse operations for optimal efficiency

Improving capacity and flow of goods for African marine solutions.

Project Date : 2023

Client Overview

African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) is a specialist marine solutions provider, based in South Africa, with operations reaching Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, and Ghana. AMSOL provides offshore supply and support of goods in the mining, energy, and maritime industries. Part of their offering includes the storage of redundant items not needed for a particular voyage, as well as the supply of materials and PPE for their clients and their ships.

Project Objectives

The primary objective of this project was to evaluate the existing warehouse operations of AMSOL and identify key constraints affecting capacity and the flow of goods. The goal was to provide actionable recommendations that would enhance overall efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, allow for flexibility in new business ventures, and support the company’s growing operational demands in the marine industry.

Project Approach

Conducted a comprehensive on-site operational review of the current warehouse layout and space utilization.
Engaged with operational staff and management to understand operational challenges and constraints.
Evaluated existing workflow processes, focusing on order fulfilment, inventory management, and goods movement.
Identified quick wins for immediate improvement, such as reconfiguring storage areas and optimizing picking routes.
Proposed the introduction of a simple and effective WMS to help with stock and part tracking.
Developed a phased implementation plan to introduce improvements with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

Project Results

Provided operational insight into their current operations, by designing a solution with 300% capacity gain.
Provided strategic insight into their business operations; by discussing possible ventures they could investigate with the gain in capacity provided.
Streamlined goods movement within the warehouse, reducing internal transit times and improving overall flow.

Introduced the client to new technologies and ideas that could further improve their business.
Increased staff productivity and satisfaction by redesigning the staff ablution and canteen areas.
Provided insight into budget expectations for the following financial year.

Relog is an integral partner of our work at FoodForward SA. While their professional services are offered pro bono because we are a NPO, their strategic advice, guidance, and design skills around warehousing infrastructure and design, supply chain, inventory flows etc. are remarkable, and have added immense value to our organisation’s operations across the country.