Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
School of Engineering
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
The development of an Internet based route planning and optimisation system, named the 'e-Fulfilment Engine', was made possible by THRIP funding, which combined the research capabilities of the Department and the industry experience of e-Logics, an SMME providing supply chain optimisation solutions and consulting services to the South African market. The project aimed to research and develop arguably one of the first Internet enabled Application Service Provider (ASP) based routing systems. The research phase of the project was successfully completed during 2001 and a prototype system, branded LogicsLink, was developed. Three TIPTOP placements formed the core of the research team, and five final year engineering students from the Department received professional guidance for their final year projects. Currently the project development activities focus on extending the application of the order fulfilment system to regular distribution environments, as well as enhancing the system capability to include inventory management, distribution planning, and control functionality. The prototype of the ASP authentication and route optimisation system was custom designed for the Pick 'n Pay Home Shopping operation, currently the leading grocery home delivery service in the country, and launched in October 2001. The system shows great potential and e-Logics will market the system aggressively targeting other national fulfilment operators. International markets are also being investigated.
Contact person: Mr CdeW van Schoor.
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