IT enables business process re-engineering at YCH distri park (Singapore)

Abstract

The Yap Chwee Hock Distribution Park (YCH DistriPark) in Tuas, Singapore started as a passenger transportation company in the 195Os, changed its business to cargo transportation in the 197Os, and is today offering ‘total logistics’. Information technology (IT) has played a significant role in the business process reengineering at YCH in transforming the company to its current status as a regional leader in offering total logistics. Total logistics at YCH starts with operating a group of central distribution centres or warehouses with storage systems tailored for each client’s products, handling chemicals for DuPont, electronics for AIWA, medical products for Roche and so on. It then adds a package of services like container haulage, international sea/air freight forwarding, inventory control, etc. Three major IT applications devised by YCH, namely the Warehouse Management System, Freight Management System, and the Logistics Management System are integrated with the country’s electronic data interchange networks TRADENET and PORTNET in providing total logistics. In 1992, YCH won the National Computer Award in the Local Enterprise category, in recognition of achieving superior business performance through strategic application of IT.