As of May 1st 2024, SAL has officially introduced a third Business Line to its large portfolio, Fulfilment Services. In doing so, SAL continues to position itself as the true National Logistics Champion working tirelessly towards achieving its vision of “to be the logistics champion for a globally connected Saudi Arabia”.
SAL, which handles a staggering 95% of the Kingdom’s air cargo, has not just evolved with time, but has also orchestrated a transformative journey aligning with the Saudi nation’s ambitious “Vision 2030” and the “National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme” (NIDLP).
Operating strategically across three key business units, Cargo Handling, Logistics Solutions and Fulfilment, SAL has become synonymous with growth and expansion.
Continuing its rise further, SAL has introduced its “Fulfilment Services,” with the aim of creating a one-stop-shop for fulfilment solutions by leveraging its position as the leading cargo handling company in Saudi Arabia, and its growing logistics network.
“Embracing the accelerated growth in the Saudi Market, SAL is keenly aware of the need for an integrated fulfilment approach. Our “Fulfilment Services” represent a holistic commitment, combining a full suite of value-added services, expertise in cold chain logistics, and robust digital enablement. At the heart of our fulfilment strategy is the concept of end-to-end solutions, by integrating fulfilment with our ground services, customs clearance, and freight solutions, we can offer a service that stretches from the first mile to the last mile,” SAL told International Finance.
What ‘Fulfilment Services’ Are All About?
The solution integrates fulfilment with SAL’s ground handling, custom clearance, and freight services. Through this approach, the venture is now offering end-to-end solutions that can enhance its operational efficiency and service reliability.
Whereas this “One Stop Shop” approach, contributes to the venture’s warehousing activities combined with the SAL’s logistics services and solutions. The company will implement a digitised approach to manage all the operations aspects, underpinned and enabled by its advanced “WMS” (Warehouse Management System).
The “WMS” features a dedicated “customer” portal, allowing for real-time access to operational data and metrics including available inventory, available and utilised capacity, and historical transactions. The portal also allows “users” to place orders directly or through “integration” and to track their progress, as well as to generate standard and customised reports.
“Inbound shipment can be placed directly into the customer portal or through the customer’s system and pushed through integration to SAL WMS. The portal also allows users to view current inventory and to select items and place orders for immediate processing, with the system having the ability to receive orders through integration as well,” the venture told International Finance further.
The “Fulfilment Centres” offer services such as warehousing, bonded and SEZ solutions, build-to-suit solutions and first/last mile delivery. One such fulfilment centre is already active in Dammam Port, spanning over 11000 sqm, with two more to start operating from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and Jeddah Port from 2024 Q2 and 2025 Q2 respectively.
Talking about these fulfilment centres and SAL’s evolving storage capabilities, the logistics giant has developed specialist solutions for industries ranging from perishable goods to high-value items, and pharmaceuticals.
“We have invested in new cutting-edge technologies and processes that keep pharmaceutical and perishable shipments at a consistent temperature throughout their transport process from aircraft to warehouse and vice versa. Our capabilities have Evolved with customer needs,” SAL concluded.