By: The standard

Cargo operations and logistics at the Mombasa port and across East Africa are expected to grow and become more efficient following a major upgrade of systems at the facility. This move represents a significant step forward in ensuring faster, more reliable, and more efficient service delivery for port cargo operations.

The improvement comes after an enterprise systems integration firm, Xitricon, successfully upgraded Bulkstream Ltd’s IFS enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to the newer IFS Cloud version. According to Martin Crots, the Director of Operations for Africa at Xitricon, the firm's work with Bulkstream demonstrates how IFS Cloud empowers port cargo operators to achieve end-to-end operational control, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen customer service. He emphasized that the ability to unify processes onto a single platform ensures Bulkstream can manage cargo discharge, storage, and delivery with greater precision and speed.

For Bulkstream, which is among the earliest adopters of this system in the region, the upgrade provides real-time visibility across its entire cargo handling chain. This streamlines operations and enhances coordination between different functions. For their customers, this translates into greater reliability, reduced turnaround times, and smoother supply chain continuity. Wilfred Njoki, Chief Information Technology Officer at Bulkstream Ltd, confirmed that Xitricon's expertise was instrumental in ensuring a seamless and successful upgrade. He stated that the new system enables them to run operations with sharper accuracy and enhanced resource allocation, fulfilling their promise of efficient cargo handling.

The successful deployment underscores how companies that adopt such systems benefit from consolidated data, predictive insights, and automated workflows, which help cut delays, reduce costs, and improve overall service delivery. Bulkstream owns and operates bulk terminals in the port of Mombasa, handling millions of tonnes of dry and liquid bulk commodities per year for distribution across the East African corridor.