The always ongoing import and export of goods plays a big part in the South African economy and in this industry, businesses require high-calibre inspection and expediting services. Dekra Industrial SA has recently launched a division dedicated to meeting this growing need.
Dekra Industrial SA now offers vendor inspection and expediting services locally.
With decades of experience in non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection services, the company brings a wealth of inspection-related expertise to a broad range of clients in industry sectors such as power generation, petrochemicals, steel fabrication and mining.
JP Muller, the Business Line Manager spearheading Dekra Industrial’s vendor inspection and expediting services in South Africa explains the rationale for the launch of this new division. “In addition to meeting the requirements of the country’s import and export sectors, we saw an opportunity to expand the services provided by DEKRA Industrial locally. The import and export sectors constitute a multibillion-rand industry and have a great need for supply chain inspection. Companies want to know that the correct quantities of their goods are coming in and going out of the country – and that they are receiving the correct products, as ordered.”
Global collaboration and support
Globally, Dekra already provides inspection and expediting services in more than 60 countries, with over 2 000 inspectors worldwide.
“It therefore made sense that we should launch this much-needed service locally, as we can leverage our extensive global network, collaborating daily where necessary – particularly in key markets such as India and China with which we work closely,” says Johan Gerber, Managing Director of DEKRA Industrial SA.
"The decision to provide vendor inspection and expediting services to our South African and pan-African clients also aligns with our commitment to delivering quality inspection and testing services worldwide," Gerber says.
"We recognise the importance of agility and adaptability in today's fast-paced business environment, and our goal is to empower South African businesses with the tools and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market."
Quality inspections
Internationally, Dekra's inspectors are highly trained and adept at providing accurate and dependable product verification. Collaborations with established global transport and logistics companies such as DHL complement Dekra’s vendor inspection and expediting services.
Dekra Industrial South Africa will engage the best inspectors locally, with sector-relevant experience, to provide quality, dependability and consistency, as well as fast inspection report turnaround times.
The inspectors – from diverse backgrounds such as engineering and agriculture – will undergo rigorous selection processes to meet the company's high standards.
"For complex contracts requiring specialised vendor inspections expertise, we will tap into our global network of experienced inspectors, if necessary, as part of our commitment to excellence," Gerber says.
In addition to its core vendor inspection services, Dekra Industrial will provide value-added services such as assisting clients with supply chain optimisation and regulatory compliance. Offering a holistic approach to inspection and expediting, the company aims to position itself as a trusted partner for businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Although each project has its own dynamics, Muller points out that the company’s standard turnaround time on vendor inspections is 24 hours.
“Time is money, as the saying goes in business. If we perform an inspection for the client quickly and efficiently, we know they will come back. The quicker we can perform the inspection and reporting, the quicker our clients can move their products – in sales for export or in receiving imports,” he says.
“We will also assist our clients in providing them with insights and support. We have the expertise and a global footprint to offer comprehensive vendor inspection and expediting solutions, which can be tailored as required.
“The honesty and integrity with which we operate is key. This service is essentially dependent on the trust clients have in the inspections service provider, their credibility and integrity. Dekra has established its credibility globally in this field and we aim to offer our local clients the same high standards and dependable service in providing product inspection and verification,” Muller says.
For more information visit: www.dekraindustrial.co.za
