SUSTAINABILITY
Integrating sustainable technology It is increasingly well documented that integrating sustainable practices into supply chain activities is beneficial not only for environmental reasons , but also for the enhanced efficiency and cost savings it can bring .
Michael is a prominent stakeholder at Red Sea Global when it comes to assessing the extent to which adopting new and exciting technologies can benefit the organisation from a supply chain sustainability perspective .
Shedding light on the company ’ s recent activities in this area , Michael reveals Red Sea Global is in the midst of developing a fully-integrated SMART technology ecosystem that is instrumented , interconnected and intelligent .
Using materials handling equipment such as RFID-enabled returnable plastic crates , all goods are tracked along the supply chain , with supply chain data generated by sensors , RFID tags , meters , actuators , GPS and other devices .
This comprehensive approach allows for real-time tracking and decision-making , resulting in a highly -responsive and efficient supply chain .
“ Our systems integrate multiple platforms , connecting customers , suppliers and materials along with demand signals and other critical data ,” Michael says .
“ The systems allow us to continuously assess multiple constraints and alternatives , allowing decision makers to select the best course of action for every scenario .”
Red Sea Global ’ s sustainability journey Michael admits that conceptualising , developing and implementing a supply chain to address the needs of the Red Sea Global project – alongside its sustainability ambitions – is a major challenge .
“ Establishing a supply chain network of this scale and scope requires exhaustive planning , prioritisation of key components and then operationalisation ,” he notes .
However , Red Sea Global has emerged in admirable fashion , opening several hotels and the RSI international airport in the space of a mere few years .
Even at this relatively early stage , its global supply chain has achieved significant success in the sustainability arena , with technology playing a key role . Achievements include :
• Implementation of the first fully sustainably-fuelled logistics fleet in the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) region
• Design and construction of all distribution centres under LEED Gold specifications
• A collaboration programme with Tamala to develop local farms and producers
• Sourcing of a third of its materials demand from local Saudi Arabian production ( Sept 2024 ).
Michael says : “ Red Sea Global is blessed with having the very best of the best people , who have made the journey a great success .”
140 December 2024