In the supply chain game, the numbers tell the story. Inventory accuracy, delivery reliability, fleet uptime, incident rates – these are the hard metrics that decide whether a logistics operation runs like clockwork or clogs the arteries of trade. And at the 2025 Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards, Unitrans proved the point, walking away with top honours in the category of Inventory, Warehousing and Distribution Management for its work with Isanti Glass.
When Unitrans first engaged with Isanti Glass in mid-2021, the glassmaker’s supply chain was under pressure. Warehousing backlogs, inaccurate stock counts, limited visibility and late deliveries were eroding efficiency and weakening customer service. The brief was clear: fix the fundamentals and unlock growth. Instead of rolling out a one-size-fits-all system, Unitrans partnered with the Isanti team to co-design a logistics model suited to its unique operating environment.
Metrics that matter
The results are hard to argue with. Inventory accuracy lifted by more than 85%. Stock takes that used to drag on for four days now wrap in two. Delivery performance – measured as On Time In Full (OTIF) – jumped from below 80% to a steady 97%.
Fleet efficiency improved through geo-fencing, route optimisation and a pre-staging process that slashed idle time. In the warehouse, reorganised layouts, defined storage zones and tighter quality inspections improved audit readiness and cut incidents by 25% year-on-year.
A Daily Executive Dashboard was added to put all the metrics in one place, giving managers real-time visibility to plan capacity and align warehouse and commercial teams.
Partnership at the Core
For Isanti Glass, the collaborative approach was key. “Unitrans’ transparent, solutions-focused approach has consistently delivered value across the supply chain, turning initial challenges into opportunities for excellence,” says Executive Ronel Cara.
By aligning logistics expertise with industry knowledge, the two organisations designed improvements that solved immediate pain points and built a foundation for scale.
For Unitrans, the award is a validation of its brand promise to ‘Make Growth Happen.’ CEO Edwin Hewitt puts it plainly: “It underscores our commitment to delivering solutions that are practical, scalable, and sustainable. Our work with Isanti Glass shows how, by working side by side with our customers, we can create efficient and resilient supply chains that are fit for the future.”
With efficiency metrics now moving in the right direction, both partners are looking ahead with confidence. The recognition not only cements Unitrans’ role as a trusted logistics partner across Africa but also highlights how measurable efficiency gains – from inventory accuracy to fleet utilisation – are the levers that keep industries growing.
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