Aurizon to revamp supply chain systems

Rail freight giant Aurizon is deploying an integrated freight and yard management system as part of a continued transformation initiative.

The company, formerly known as QR National, will be the first rail operator worldwide to deploy SAP's supply chain execution platform version 9.1, which includes components for transportation, event and warehouse management, as well as track-and-trace.

The system is expected to improve visibility across the supply chain by "integrating long and short-term planning with resource availability and customer demand".

Customers should expect better visibility of freight as it is in transit, and will be given access to a portal that they can use to manage orders, invoices, consignment status, and track-and-trace, according to a statement.

iTnews reported similar projects at Myer and OneSteel last year, which also aim to increase the visibility of product as it is shipped. 

Aurizon's executive vice president of enterprise services, Greg Pringle, said in a statement that the SAP system was a "logical extension" of existing investment in other SAP systems for enterprise resource planning and asset maintenance.

He said a global team of rail experts from SAP had worked with Aurizon's team to build business requirements and scope the system that is to be deployed.

Aurizon said in a briefing last month (pdf) that its broader transformation program remains on schedule.

The company outlined an integrated operating plan, which it believed would help "unlock the potential of Aurizon's national footprint", and improve productivity and "customer performance".

The company is reviewing operating plans for individual rail corridors across Australia. It will also slim its fleet of rolling stock, such as locomotives and wagons, by FY2018.