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TRL3707 ASSIGNMENT 4 SEMESTER 2 2024
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TRL3707ASSIGNMENT 4
SEMESTER 2
2024
,Question 1
1.1 Functional Deliverables of a Transport Management System (TMS)
A Transport Management System (TMS) offers various functional deliverables that
are critical for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of energy supply chains. A
critical role of a TMS is the identification of optimal routes for delivering critical
resources such as coal, uranium, and renewable energy components in real-time
using real-time data and algorithms. This optimisation extends delivery time and
operational cost, resulting to a dependable energy supply chain system (Bowersox et
al., 2010). Due to the unavailability of other better fuels like naturals gases in South
Africa, where coal is the main source of fired electricity generation, a proper and
punctual supply consumption of coal at fired electricity generating plants which
enhances energy security of the country power supply is glorified. The case study
shows how proper transportation system can help minimize risk factors associated
with load-shedding by pointing out how a good TMS can guarantee timely delivery of
coal for Eskom’s operations.
Another key deliverable of a TMS is real-time tracking of materials during
transportation. This will facilitate energy suppliers track the movement of important
commodities, including nuclear materials or renewable energy parts, in order that
any hitches to their shipment are solved immediately. For instance, movement of
highly risky products such as uranium meant for the nuclear power stations needs to
be properly supervised to avoid accidents or infringement of safety standards (Casas
& Chinoperekweyi, 2019). In South Africa relaying the position in real time helps in
ensuring that uranium and many other physical necessities for the nuclear power
plants are well transported and delivered safely on time.
A TMS also improves efficiency through load management which shows the ability of
consolidating shipments and the capacity of the vehicle. Optimization of the load of
each delivery reduces the likelihood of having to make many trips hence decreasing
cost and increasing reliability of the energy supply chain (Corbett et al. 2022).
Returning to the case of Eskom, load management could be very useful to the
supply chain of coal in that it would imply fewer supply trips yet more tons of coal are
supplied which would be a plus since as we have seen fuel costs are closely tied to
supply chain costs.
, Another deliverable is compliance and safety management, which ensures that the
transportation of hazardous or sensitive materials, such as nuclear fuel or lithium-ion
batteries, complies with local and international safety standards. This is especially
notable in South Africa where nuclear generates energy and where transport of the
substances is highly risky (Ferrigno & Cucino, 2021). For instance, the case study
reveals the function of transporting uranium safely to nuclear power stations, thus
turning into a compliance management element of the TMS.
Last, fleet maintenance management guarantees that the car used to transport
essential materials for energy is properly maintained hence minimizing instances of a
breakdown thus affecting the chain of supply. Transport infrastructure in South Africa
might be under pressure, this is why maintenance of the own fleet for delivering coal
and components for renewable energy assets for power stations is crucial.
1.2 Role of Inventory Management in Planning and Mitigating Uncertainties
Inventory management is vital for ensuring a consistent supply of resources and
equipment, particularly in sectors like energy, where disruptions can have serious
consequences. A universal responsibility that is delegated to the inventory
management is that of demand forecasting to meet the future requirements for vital
inventory items such as coal, uranium or renewable power components are
accurately estimated (Bowersox et al., 2010). Demand forecasting is important so
that firms such as Eskom can replenish stock so that ongoing demand will be met
and supply will not run out. Proper forecasting can also assist South African energy
producers who experience frequent power blackouts and assist them in having fuel
and spare part stock to keep power plants running.
This aspect is another major aspect of inventory management pointed out by the
case study, specifically safety stock. This element deals with the additional quantity
of products that are stocked in order to ensure protection from fluctuation in
operation of the supply chain. For instance, having a stock of coal at Eskom’s power
stations will help the company avoid stock out due to transport challenges or
suppliers’ constraints (Casas & Chinoperekweyi, 2019). It is particularly significant in
South African power utility more especially when the country’s dominant fuel in
electricity generation is coal the absence of which results into load shedding.
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