On 31 October 2014, role-players instrumental to the success of Project Titan, gathered at Grand Roche Hotel in Paarl to celebrate the launch of PPECB’s mobile technology project.
Aimed at eliminating the manual processes involved with quality inspections and export certification, Project Titan sees each inspector from the PPECB replace the manual clip-board and pen methodology with an Android tablet for the purpose of conducting inspections. This move not only dramatically reduces the turnaround time and administration involved with export certification but also aids compliance with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ (DAFF) requirements. Furthermore, the data provided from the system will assist the PPECB in providing timeous and accurate statistical data to industry stakeholders and ensure accurate billing.
The main benefits of the project include the quick retrieval and approval of the PPECB’s export documents along with an enhancement of the accuracy and credibility of the export certification process which will ultimately contribute to market-access and the competitiveness of South African produce.
The PPECB, whose vision is to enable its customers to become the preferred suppliers of perishable products worldwide, believes that Project Titan is a vital step to empowering its customers to grow their businesses internationally.
The launch, which welcomed over 40 guests, took the opportunity to thank those whose dedication and perseverance ensured the achievement of this milestone for the agricultural industry. Software vendors, who have spearheaded the development of the required technological infrastructure, such as Collaborative Xchange, Dipar, Farsoft and SBS Intellect were in attendance. In addition representatives from a number of industry associations such as FruitSA, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATGI), the South Apple and Pear Producers’ Association (SAAPPA) and Hortgro showed their support for the project.
Following a historic reflection on past milestones for the industry by PPECB CEO Stuart Symington and a presentation on the Project Titan journey by Project Manager John Gray, attendees were taken on a tour of Novo pack house where a live demonstration of the Project Titan system was given. A three course lunch then followed which provided the perfect opportunity for all those involved to discuss the triumphs, challenges and way forward of the project.
The PPECB wishes to thank all those who contributed to the success of the launch event and more importantly to the successful implementation of the mobile technology project. Currently 20 pack houses across South Africa are live with Project Titan with many more in the pipeline. We look forward with anticipation to the continued roll out of the project and the positive effect that its implementation is sure to have on the agricultural export industry.