TRL3707
ASSIGNMENT 4 SEMESTER 2 2024
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2024
, TRL3707
Assignment 4 Semester 2 2024
Unique Number:
Due Date: 2024
Logistics Activities
QUESTION 1
1.1 Functional Deliverables of Transport Management System (TMS) for
Improving Energy Supply in SA
A Transport Management System (TMS) plays a crucial role in streamlining the logistics
involved in energy supply, especially for transporting fuel like coal or renewable energy
components. TMS helps with route optimization, which reduces travel time and fuel
consumption by choosing the most efficient routes for delivery. It also ensures real-time
tracking, which provides visibility into the location and condition of materials (like coal
and renewable energy components), helping manage supply disruptions more
effectively.
Application to Case Study:
In South Africa, where coal dominates energy production, TMS can improve the
efficiency of transporting coal to power plants, particularly to coal-fired stations that form
the backbone of Eskom's energy supply. Implementing TMS would allow Eskom and
other players like Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to streamline deliveries,
especially to plants experiencing breakdowns or delays, ensuring a steady energy flow.
Furthermore, integrating TMS into the cross-border electricity trading network via the
Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) could enhance the country's electricity distribution
reliability.