In an inspiring collaboration that merges education with industry innovation, Hestico, a supplier of injection and plastic moulding equipment in South Africa, has partnered with University of Pretoria students to develop a cutting-edge scheduling system for its technicians.

Initiated as part of a group assignment for third-year students in the BIT Information Systems and BCom Informatics programmes, the project culminates in a practical application of their studies.

Hestico’s managing director, Juanita Stiehler-Brits, expresses the urgent need for such a system, stating: ‘In today’s fast-paced environment, businesses like ours must adapt continually to stay efficient. Our previous manual processes often led to lost information and booking errors, which hindered our technicians’ productivity.’

The newly developed scheduling system, crafted by a talented team of five students under the banner of ‘Hestech’, includes features that streamline job bookings and enhance overall workflow. Anke Brits, a member of the team and Juanita’s daughter, elaborates on the system’s capabilities, explaining: ‘The application allows customers to easily book appointments with technicians, track job progress and approve invoices directly through the app. This integration ensures transparency and reduces the chances of double bookings.’

With five students from varied academic backgrounds – Anke Brits (BIT Information Systems), Chelsea Nortje (BCom Informatics), Hilton Vorster (BIT Information Systems), Nevin Naidoo (BIT Information Systems) and Josh Warren (BIT Information Systems) – the project promises to revolutionise how Hestico operates. The system can track technicians’ travel times, manage spare parts orders and enable immediate job sign-offs, streamlining operations in a manner that was previously unattainable.

Real-world application

Before the implementation of the new system, Hestico faced considerable challenges in managing technician schedules and ensuring timely job completions. Juanita notes: ‘The old system was cumbersome and required too many steps, resulting in time-consuming back-and-forth communication. By harnessing technology, we can significantly improve our efficiency and service delivery.’

The students’ involvement went beyond mere technical execution; they worked closely with Hestico’s technical team to tailor the system to the company’s needs. This collaboration is a crucial aspect of the learning process, allowing students to understand real-world applications of their studies. The team emphasises: ‘This project taught us the importance of aligning our solutions with actual industry needs. It pushed us to refine our problem-solving skills and adapt our approaches to meet customer expectations.’

As the project progresses, Juanita anticipates that the implementation will occur in stages throughout 2025, ensuring a smooth transition and allowing for necessary adjustments. ‘While our system is robust, we acknowledge that any new technology can present challenges during its rollout,’ she explains. ‘We are committed to refining it further and are excited about potential enhancements in the future, such as an online shop for equipment and spare parts.’

The collaborative effort culminates in an exhibition at the University of Pretoria during October, where participating groups will showcase their projects, including Hestico’s innovative scheduling system.

Juanita reflects on the broader implications of such collaborations, stating: ‘Working with students allows us to stay connected with emerging technologies and innovative ideas. It’s a symbiotic relationship where both parties can learn and grow. Supporting initiatives like these is essential for fostering the next generation of leaders in our industry.’

As the boundaries between academia and industry continue to blur, Hestico’s project with the University of Pretoria stands as a testament to the potential for collaborative innovation. The scheduling system promises to enhance Hestico’s operational efficiency and empower students with invaluable experience, setting the stage for their successful transition into the professional world.