32 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2022 As sales volumes increase, the supply chain becomes increasingly complex. To ensure that the supply chain is tightly controlled from procurement to storage, to wood chipping and shipping, processes must be reassessed. This requires improving technologies and information systems to enable greater levels of automation and allowing the visibility needed for a secure and reliable supply chain. The intent is to automate operations further where practical and possible to improve efficiency and accuracy and reduce costs. NCT’s information systems focus on supporting critical business processes while ensuring the protection and retention of knowledge in the organisation. NCT continually invests in education and training of employees on the successful use of specific systems and technology. Enhancing technological learning expands technical knowledge and ultimately builds capacity for innovation. This year, NCT’s IT department focussed on telecommunications, network security and new software enhancements: • A cloud-based telephone management system was implemented at Durban Wood Chips. The system works on an internet connection but retains the traditional landline numbers. This has alleviated problems related to bad connections and theft around the copper-wire infrastructure. • A hybrid design to improve accessibility of email services to end users was structured with the move to Microsoft Exchange Online but retaining NCT’s on-premises domain controller. • The upgrade of NCT’s electronic data storage allows for a complete encrypted platform with multiple use access levels. This manages risks related to data security, confidentiality and integrity of information. • Further advancements to the membership management, SAFAS/PEFC and payment systems were accomplished to better service members. • A totally on-line and monitoring platform was developed in-house for NCT’s virtual AGM, integrating member details and stringent authentication processes to cast votes. INFORMATION and COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
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