Hima Cement Ltd, a major Ugandan cement manufacturer and ex-member of the Holcim Group, operates multiple plants and quarries across East Africa. Despite its large-scale output, the company faced growing challenges managing a complex supply chain of vendors, dispatches, orders, and payment flows.
“There were too many manual touchpoints in our supply chain. Vendors didn’t have visibility. Orders got delayed. Payments were held up due to process gaps. It was time to digitize the core.”
– Head of Supply Chain, Hima Cement
Weighbridge Automation
A complete unmanned operation featuring automated access control, sensor-based vehicle positioning, kiosk-enabled slip printing, error-free weighment, and real-time ERP integration.
Gate Management System
An automated access control system integrated with RFID and ANPR ensures complete data accuracy, enhanced vehicle profiling for security, and provides detailed logs and reports.
Parking Queue Management Inspection
An automated access control system that enables real-time recording of vehicle arrival and departure times, monitors turnaround time, and helps in theft prevention.
Area Restriction
Limiting access to specific zones, allowing only authorized personnel or vehicles through controlled, automated systems for safety and security.
Loading and Unloading
Involve controlled transfer of materials using automated systems for speed, accuracy, and safety.
Dispatch Management System
Streamlines the planning, tracking, and execution of deliveries to ensure timely and accurate dispatch of goods.
Integration for real-time data sync, ensuring accurate tracking, seamless operations, and centralized control across the system.
A complete Plant Information Management System, enabling end-to-end automation, real-time data visibility, and centralized operational control.
Weighbridge Automation
A complete unmanned operation featuring automated access control, sensor-based vehicle positioning, kiosk-enabled slip printing, error-free weighment, and real-time ERP integration.
Gate Management System
An automated access control system integrated with RFID and ANPR ensures complete data accuracy, enhanced vehicle profiling for security, and provides detailed logs and reports.
Parking Queue Management Inspection
An automated access control system that enables real-time recording of vehicle arrival and departure times, monitors turnaround time, and helps in theft prevention.
Area Restriction
Limiting access to specific zones, allowing only authorized personnel or vehicles through controlled, automated systems for safety and security.
Loading and Unloading
Involve controlled transfer of materials using automated systems for speed, accuracy, and safety.
Dispatch Management System
Streamlines the planning, tracking, and execution of deliveries to ensure timely and accurate dispatch of goods.
Integration for real-time data sync, ensuring accurate tracking, seamless operations, and centralized control across the system.
A complete Plant Information Management System, enabling end-to-end automation, real-time data visibility, and centralized operational control.
The Problem: A Disconnected and Delayed Supply Chain
At the heart of Hima Cement’s issues was a fragmented supply chain system. While cement production was streamlined, everything around vendor management, dispatch scheduling, order processing, and payment tracking relied on spreadsheets, calls, and siloed data.
Key challenges included:
- Manual vendor coordination with no real-time order tracking
- Delays in dispatches due to lack of truck scheduling or queue visibility
- Payment delays caused by mismatched weighment and invoice data
- Limited visibility across departments and plants for tracking supply chain performance
- Weighbridge operations and gate entries that were disconnected from the ERP
The result : frequent miscommunication, inefficient processing, compliance issues, and low vendor satisfaction.
The Solution: End-to-End Supply Chain Digitization
To fix the root of the problem, Hima Cement partnered with Endel Digital to deploy a connected, automated solution—centered around its supply chain.
Key features of the solution:
“This gave us control over what was once chaotic. We can now manage vendors, track trucks, and sync payments—all from a single dashboard.”
– SCM Transformation Lead, Hima Cement
Results: Streamlined Supply Chain and Smarter Vendor Operations
Since implementation, Hima Cement has realized significant improvements across key metrics:
Faster Vendor Payments
Real-time data syncing ensures quicker invoice processing and reduced disputes.
Reduction in Dispatch Delays
Truck movement is now scheduled and monitored digitally.
Full Supply Chain Visibility
From order to dispatch to payment, every stakeholder has access to live updates.
Reduction in Manual Processes
Digital checklists, automated weighment, and ERP sync reduce paperwork and manual entry.
Improved Vendor Experience
Vendors now operate with clarity—less follow-up, more trust, and full transparency.
100% Process Compliance
Automated controls ensure every production step meets quality & safety standards without deviation.
“We used to work reactively. Now, our supply chain is proactive. The system alerts us before there’s a problem.”
– Head of Plant Logistics, Hima Cement
Scaling Forward: Building a Predictive Supply Chain
Encouraged by the transformation, Hima Cement is expanding the system’s reach with:
- Multi-site vendor coordination
- Predictive truck dispatch planning
- Vendor rating and performance dashboards
- Self-service mobile interface for vendors and transporters
“This digitization has become the foundation for smarter supply chain planning. It's helped us build a future-ready operation.”
