Road Ahead Freight into Africa 926
CCBSA deploys AI-powered Transport Management System to strengthen supply chain performance and road safety
As production volumes increase, CCBSA is investing in AI-powered technology to enhance transport visibility, improve delivery execution, strengthen road safety and support the efficient movement of products across its nationwide distribution network.
At Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa's (CCBSA) Midrand manufacturing facility, a R365 million high-speed bottling line introduced in 2025 is producing up to 72,000 beverages per hour. Launched as part of CCBSA’s commitment to produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally, the line produces Bonaqua Still Water in 330ml, 500ml and 750ml packs, as well as Powerade 500ml and the Powerade Springboks Edition.
While the investment represents a significant step forward in manufacturing capability, realising the full value of that additional capacity requires a distribution network capable of moving products efficiently from production lines to customers across South Africa.
This is no small task. CCBSA, a Coca-Cola authorised bottler and a company in the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa group, serves more than 200,000 customer outlets across South Africa through a network of 11 manufacturing plants, seven sales territories and more than 180 Local Distribution Partners. Millions of products move through this network each day, across a diverse retail landscape that includes major supermarket chains, wholesalers, independent retailers and informal traders, each with unique delivery requirements and operating considerations.
Millions of products move through this network each day, across a diverse retail landscape that includes major supermarket chains, wholesalers, independent retailers and informal traders, each with unique delivery requirements and operating considerations.
Ensuring products reach customers reliably and efficiently requires careful coordination across manufacturing, warehousing, transport and delivery operations. As production volumes grow, visibility and execution become increasingly important to maintaining service levels, supporting productivity and keeping products moving safely and efficiently through the supply chain.
Building a more intelligent transport network
CCBSA's new AI-powered Transport Management System (TMS) forms part of the organisation's broader ambition to build a high-performing supply chain that can refresh South Africa efficiently while creating shared value for customers, employees, partners and communities.
The system is designed to improve how CCBSA plans, manages and tracks transport operations across its distribution network. By providing a clearer view of deliveries, vehicle movements and potential disruptions, it helps teams make better decisions about route planning, vehicle allocation and delivery execution. This enables faster responses to operational challenges, supports more reliable deliveries and helps products move more efficiently through the supply chain.
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Enhanced visibility also enables teams to identify risks earlier, respond more effectively to incidents and strengthen oversight of transport activities across the network, supporting CCBSA's commitment to safety throughout its value chain, including its ongoing focus on road safety.
“The ability to move products efficiently, reliably and safely is fundamental to our success as a business,” says Desilan Pillay, Logistics Director at CCBSA. “As volumes grow and customer needs evolve, we must continually strengthen the capabilities that support our distribution network. The TMS will help us plan more effectively, execute with greater consistency and deliver stronger, safer services across our operations. It is an important step in our journey to build a high-performing supply chain while continuing to do business the right way.”
Ensuring successful implementation
Deploying a system of this scale in a business as complex as CCBSA depends on how effectively it is integrated into daily operations and adopted by the teams responsible for planning, dispatch and delivery. To support this process, CCBSA is implementing the TMS through a phased approach that includes demonstrations and training for employees involved in product movement.
The objective is to ensure the technology is supported by the right capabilities, processes and ways of working across the business. As the system becomes embedded in operations, it will provide a stronger foundation for measuring transport performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and supporting informed operational decision-making over time.
Realising smarter, safer logistics
To support this process, CCBSA is implementing the TMS through a phased approach that includes demonstrations and training for employees involved in product movement.
The investment in the TMS complements CCBSA's broader efforts to harness technology and data to strengthen operational excellence across its logistics network. By enabling earlier intervention, improving visibility and supporting more targeted driver coaching, the technology contributes to a more proactive approach to road safety.
Together with other supply chain investments, the TMS reflects CCBSA's ongoing commitment to innovation, operational excellence and safety, helping ensure products are available when and where customers need them while supporting sustainable business growth and shared value creation.
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