by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) — SOUTH Africa’s logistics industry is being urged to transform warehouses from storage facilities into intelligent, high-performance distribution engines as digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and data reshape supply chains.
The call emerged at the 2026 Warehousing Conference of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA), held in Johannesburg.
CILTSA is the professional body supporting the development of logistics and transport expertise in South Africa.
It connects industry professionals, promotes professional standards and provides platforms for knowledge-sharing, helping the sector build the skills and capabilities needed for efficient, safe and resilient supply chains.
Under the theme ‘From Warehouse to High-Performance Distribution Engine’, the conference brought together warehouse executives, technology specialists and supply chain professionals to examine how technology can improve efficiency and competitiveness.
CILTSA President Elvin Harris said collaboration was essential to strengthening South Africa’s supply chains by connecting people, data and operational discipline.
Clayton Thomas, Managing Director of Industrial Logistic Systems, said warehouses had become critical to national supply chain resilience as customer expectations and network pressures increase.
Brian Mudhokwani, Chief Operating Officer at ISB Optimus, highlighted cost, throughput and accuracy as key performance indicators.
He advocated disciplined warehouse management systems, quality data and AI applications such as pick-path optimisation, inventory slotting and predictive insights.
Operational efficiency was also examined, with Professional Group of Companies Group Operations Director Gerhard van Zyl warning that unnecessary walking, waiting, searching and rehandling can erode productivity.
Powerfleet Vice President Operations Greg Naicker linked safety to productivity, demonstrating how real-time visibility, AI video and integrated dashboards can identify risks before they disrupt operations.
For businesses, smarter warehouses can mean lower costs, faster order fulfilment, fewer disruptions, safer workplaces and more reliable deliveries.
CILTSA’s role is therefore increasingly important as South Africa seeks competitive, technology-enabled logistics networks.
The conference concluded with a commitment to strengthening data-led warehousing capability and building smarter, safer and more connected operations.
– CAJ News