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Day: 14 January 2022

2022 “shaping up to be an exciting year”

Posted on by Keith McKinley

2021 was another year of massive growth for the warehousing industry. Online retailers became accustomed to handling yet larger volumes and clicking ‘buy it now’ the established norm for the consumer.

Despatch Cloud, the cloud-based warehousing and delivery solution specialist for e-commerce, saw its services in huge demand following the surge in online orders. Matthew Dunne (pictured), founder and CTO, believes that 2022 is shaping up to be an exciting year for fulfilment and warehousing, but he is quick to highlight the issues that are holding the sector back from colossal growth.

Fulfilment and warehousing

“Sadly, capacity issues restricted some businesses across the sector in 2021, but these should hopefully be resolved in the coming year, and with the continued likely growth of e-commerce,” comments Dunne.

When it comes to physical warehouses, he cites: “Two kinds of warehouses are emerging to cater for the growing requirement for space and different needs of the industry and the consumer. The demand for mega warehouses is still high with significant numbers of construction projects planned in 2022. Meanwhile there is an explosive growth in mini warehouses in central locations within cities, which enable the same day delivery of common items.”

He believes that due to continued e-commerce growth, 2022 will see the ongoing trend of warehouse automation, from cobots to a fully automated warehouse. He adds: “The cost savings of automated warehouses will impact the industry greatly. Whether 2022 will be the tipping point remains to be seen, but the trend is clear.”

E-commerce

“Due to the pandemic, we have witnessed 5-7 years of growth compressed into the last two years. Whilst we expect, and hope, that the world will head towards stability and normality in 2022, the move to online shopping is not one we or our clients expect to reverse,” adds Dunne.

“We are expecting to see increased sales through social media platforms in the 12 months ahead. Rumours continue to swirl around Meta (Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) and the potential ability to monetise the huge traffic volumes on social media apps into more value-added services.

“C-commerce (chat commerce) where you can ask to be shown items which are then sent to your phone for you to browse, select and purchase, is predicted to break into Europe and the UK soon.

“Consumers are increasingly seeking to buy from smaller firms, with local and/or ethical connections. Now is the time where traditional bricks and mortar shops must go online, leveraging another fulfilment trend.

“With the rapid emergence of same-day delivery companies, same-day, or even more rapid, delivery is becoming more of an expectation within bigger cities, bringing us full-circle to today’s warehousing and fulfilment needs.

“Retailers must seize the moment or risk being left behind.”

Flexport makes significant European appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Flexport, the digital freight forwarder and customs broker, has appointed Douglas Brown – currently VP Flexport Asia – as the company’s new leader for Europe. Douglas replaces Jan van Casteren, who is stepping down to spend time with his family after starting Flexport Europe in 2015.

As Flexport’s first hire in Europe, Jan led the company’s rapid growth from one to a team of almost 350.

“We’re incredibly thankful to Jan for his contributions. Flexport Europe wouldn’t be here without him,” commented Will Urban, Chief Revenue Officer at Flexport. “We’re fortunate to have someone of Doug’s calibre and experience follow in his footsteps. After almost two decades in the industry and three years leading Flexport in Asia, Doug has a proven track record not just in freight forwarding, but in operating at the intersection of technology and logistics.”

Fluent in Mandarin, Douglas joined Flexport in 2019 as General Manager of Greater China. He brings to his new role strong industry expertise, having worked in senior management roles within freight forwarders including Panalpina, Maersk and CEVA Logistics.

After relocating to Flexport’s Europe HQ in Amsterdam in March, Douglas will focus on diversifying Flexport’s mode and trade lane mix and expanding into new European markets. “I’m delighted to move back to Europe to join a great team and support our clients there,” Douglas added. “We’re growing quickly, targeting 250 new hires this year to show Europe how technology can accelerate innovation in our industry.”

“I am very confident about the future of Flexport Europe,” comments Jan van Casteren. “The team here is stronger than ever. We have shown that our organization has the resilience and creativity to thrive in turbulent times during the pandemic. Doug’s exceptional operational skills and industry knowledge makes him the perfect person to advance what we’ve built so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes the business in the future.”

Flexport makes significant European appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Flexport, the digital freight forwarder and customs broker, has appointed Douglas Brown – currently VP Flexport Asia – as the company’s new leader for Europe. Douglas replaces Jan van Casteren, who is stepping down to spend time with his family after starting Flexport Europe in 2015.

As Flexport’s first hire in Europe, Jan led the company’s rapid growth from one to a team of almost 350.

“We’re incredibly thankful to Jan for his contributions. Flexport Europe wouldn’t be here without him,” commented Will Urban, Chief Revenue Officer at Flexport. “We’re fortunate to have someone of Doug’s calibre and experience follow in his footsteps. After almost two decades in the industry and three years leading Flexport in Asia, Doug has a proven track record not just in freight forwarding, but in operating at the intersection of technology and logistics.”

Fluent in Mandarin, Douglas joined Flexport in 2019 as General Manager of Greater China. He brings to his new role strong industry expertise, having worked in senior management roles within freight forwarders including Panalpina, Maersk and CEVA Logistics.

After relocating to Flexport’s Europe HQ in Amsterdam in March, Douglas will focus on diversifying Flexport’s mode and trade lane mix and expanding into new European markets. “I’m delighted to move back to Europe to join a great team and support our clients there,” Douglas added. “We’re growing quickly, targeting 250 new hires this year to show Europe how technology can accelerate innovation in our industry.”

“I am very confident about the future of Flexport Europe,” comments Jan van Casteren. “The team here is stronger than ever. We have shown that our organization has the resilience and creativity to thrive in turbulent times during the pandemic. Doug’s exceptional operational skills and industry knowledge makes him the perfect person to advance what we’ve built so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes the business in the future.”

Infor provides supply chain IT for sports brand owner

Posted on by David Priestman

Infor, the industry cloud company, has announced that Pentland Brands Limited, owner of the Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury of New Zealand, Endura, ellesse, SeaVees and Mitre brands, has adopted the Infor Nexus supply chain platform. The technology will help Pentland Brands improve visibility of inventory, enhancing collaboration with suppliers, automating the vital procure-to-pay process, and accelerating the onboarding of new suppliers and partners.

The Pentland Brands UK businesses are already live on the platform, with the US-based businesses going live at the end of 2021.Now its entire supplier network across China, East Asia and Europe is connected to Infor Nexus, with standardised best-practice processes for all interactions.

Following a thorough review of the market, Infor Nexus was chosen based on its capability to combine both the physical and financial supply chain processes.  This helps provide:

  • Real-time supply forecast and order collaboration.
  • Digital shipping processes to help streamline both carton scanning and transport booking.
  • Automation of the procure-to-pay process, including invoice generation, auto-approval, and settlement. This will help reduce costs and provide real-time cashflow visibility to both suppliers and Pentland Brands.
  • Enhanced visibility, enabling Pentland Brands to respond quickly to production issues and changes in available quantities, as well as tracking the process of all goods in transit.

As the system of engagement, Infor Nexus was also chosen because of its complete integration with Pentland Brands enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This helps synchronise orders generated in the ERP, order change requests, supplier pack lists, advance shipping notices (ASNs), estimated time of arrival (ETA), and payment authorisation back to the ERP. This helps extend the visibility across Pentland Brands’ supply chain and reduces supply and capital costs.

Looking to the future, Pentland Brands is also assessing the predictive estimated time of arrival (PETA) capabilities of Infor Nexus.

“For brands, especially those linked to the sports, outdoor and lifestyle markets, efficient operations and speed to market are critical,” said Abhy Thomas Joseph, Pentland Brands, global director IT, Digital & Innovation. “The enhanced collaboration, connection and visibility provided by Infor Nexus gives us a competitive advantage with our suppliers and also allows us to on-board new partners faster.”

“Modern brand management is just as much about ensuring a world-class supply chain as it is ensuring you have the best creative talent,” said Sam Keers, Pentland Brands global sourcing and planning director. “We have hundreds of suppliers across the globe, and we’re now able to deliver a standardised set of best practices that will mean we’re more agile across all of our markets.”

“Combining supply chain, operational and financial aspects into cohesive processes enables faster, more controlled growth,” said Mark Illidge, Infor vice-president and general manager for supply chain in EMEA. “As brands look to re-engage with a drastically changed retail market, the ability to be agile, fast and responsive throughout the supply chain will be key to success, and technology such as the Infor Nexus platform will be a vital part of that.”

Infor provides supply chain IT for sports brand owner

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Infor, the industry cloud company, has announced that Pentland Brands Limited, owner of the Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury of New Zealand, Endura, ellesse, SeaVees and Mitre brands, has adopted the Infor Nexus supply chain platform. The technology will help Pentland Brands improve visibility of inventory, enhancing collaboration with suppliers, automating the vital procure-to-pay process, and accelerating the onboarding of new suppliers and partners.

The Pentland Brands UK businesses are already live on the platform, with the US-based businesses going live at the end of 2021.Now its entire supplier network across China, East Asia and Europe is connected to Infor Nexus, with standardised best-practice processes for all interactions.

Following a thorough review of the market, Infor Nexus was chosen based on its capability to combine both the physical and financial supply chain processes.  This helps provide:

  • Real-time supply forecast and order collaboration.
  • Digital shipping processes to help streamline both carton scanning and transport booking.
  • Automation of the procure-to-pay process, including invoice generation, auto-approval, and settlement. This will help reduce costs and provide real-time cashflow visibility to both suppliers and Pentland Brands.
  • Enhanced visibility, enabling Pentland Brands to respond quickly to production issues and changes in available quantities, as well as tracking the process of all goods in transit.

As the system of engagement, Infor Nexus was also chosen because of its complete integration with Pentland Brands enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This helps synchronise orders generated in the ERP, order change requests, supplier pack lists, advance shipping notices (ASNs), estimated time of arrival (ETA), and payment authorisation back to the ERP. This helps extend the visibility across Pentland Brands’ supply chain and reduces supply and capital costs.

Looking to the future, Pentland Brands is also assessing the predictive estimated time of arrival (PETA) capabilities of Infor Nexus.

“For brands, especially those linked to the sports, outdoor and lifestyle markets, efficient operations and speed to market are critical,” said Abhy Thomas Joseph, Pentland Brands, global director IT, Digital & Innovation. “The enhanced collaboration, connection and visibility provided by Infor Nexus gives us a competitive advantage with our suppliers and also allows us to on-board new partners faster.”

“Modern brand management is just as much about ensuring a world-class supply chain as it is ensuring you have the best creative talent,” said Sam Keers, Pentland Brands global sourcing and planning director. “We have hundreds of suppliers across the globe, and we’re now able to deliver a standardised set of best practices that will mean we’re more agile across all of our markets.”

“Combining supply chain, operational and financial aspects into cohesive processes enables faster, more controlled growth,” said Mark Illidge, Infor vice-president and general manager for supply chain in EMEA. “As brands look to re-engage with a drastically changed retail market, the ability to be agile, fast and responsive throughout the supply chain will be key to success, and technology such as the Infor Nexus platform will be a vital part of that.”

EPG Rocket Club established to help start-ups

Posted on by David Priestman

As one of the world’s leading logistics experts, Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG) is always looking to the future. And this outlook sees the Boppard-based family business treading new paths. With its newly established EPG Rocket Club, the international software provider has created a new innovation platform for start-ups to present their solutions. Seven companies from Hamburg, Munich, Vienna and elsewhere have now presented their innovative and creative IT solutions to EPG.

Digitalisation is opening up exciting new perspectives for the logistics sector – from driverless transport systems and intelligent robots that collect goods in warehouses to fully automated warehouses controlled by artificial intelligence. Boppard-based Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG) is right at the centre of this phase of transformation, with the company having enjoyed success on the market for more than 30 years through its warehouse management system LFS.

With the launch of the EPG Rocket Club, the software provider is looking to provide young companies with the opportunity to strike up a dialogue with the experts at EPG and to become part of the group’s international network, which currently spans 19 locations worldwide.

“The EPG Rocket Club serves as a platform for visionaries and pioneers within the sector. We aim to honour and promote the most innovative companies and to work with them to help shape the logistics sector of tomorrow,” explains Dennis Kunz, Director Marketing at EPG. A nine-strong panel of judges – made up of experienced logistics experts from companies such as Fressnapf, Flaconi, Metro and Lekkerland – was responsible for choosing a winner among the companies.

The start-ups impressed the judges with their fresh ideas and innovative spirit. The range of solutions presented was extremely diverse and provided further proof that the logistics sector is highly innovative and has a promising future. The solutions showcased included a cloud-based application for purchasing replacement parts, software for the digitalisation of container transport and a digital pallet note.

Award goes to Vienna company

The companies presenting their solutions were competing for the stylish, shiny green EPG Rocket Club Award. The panel of judges ultimately opted to hand the rocket-shaped award to SpotVessels GmbH in recognition of the solution it has developed for the inland navigation sector.

The Vienna-based company offers an online platform that fundamentally improves the booking of freight transport as well as the fleet management of inland vessels and barges. The solution helps to utilize loading capacity more effectively, reduce the number of empty runs and thus increase freighter efficiency.

“The presentations given by the start-ups were very impressive,” says a delighted Dennis Kunz. “We had the chance to listen to fascinating visionaries from the logistics sector who presented their ideas with great passion and verve. In the era of the digital transformation, it’s important that we learn from each other and create new synergies. As a community, the EPG Rocket Club will continue to play an important role in future.”

CLICK HERE to view a video of the EPG Rocket Club event.

EPG Rocket Club established to help start-ups

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As one of the world’s leading logistics experts, Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG) is always looking to the future. And this outlook sees the Boppard-based family business treading new paths. With its newly established EPG Rocket Club, the international software provider has created a new innovation platform for start-ups to present their solutions. Seven companies from Hamburg, Munich, Vienna and elsewhere have now presented their innovative and creative IT solutions to EPG.

Digitalisation is opening up exciting new perspectives for the logistics sector – from driverless transport systems and intelligent robots that collect goods in warehouses to fully automated warehouses controlled by artificial intelligence. Boppard-based Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG) is right at the centre of this phase of transformation, with the company having enjoyed success on the market for more than 30 years through its warehouse management system LFS.

With the launch of the EPG Rocket Club, the software provider is looking to provide young companies with the opportunity to strike up a dialogue with the experts at EPG and to become part of the group’s international network, which currently spans 19 locations worldwide.

“The EPG Rocket Club serves as a platform for visionaries and pioneers within the sector. We aim to honour and promote the most innovative companies and to work with them to help shape the logistics sector of tomorrow,” explains Dennis Kunz, Director Marketing at EPG. A nine-strong panel of judges – made up of experienced logistics experts from companies such as Fressnapf, Flaconi, Metro and Lekkerland – was responsible for choosing a winner among the companies.

The start-ups impressed the judges with their fresh ideas and innovative spirit. The range of solutions presented was extremely diverse and provided further proof that the logistics sector is highly innovative and has a promising future. The solutions showcased included a cloud-based application for purchasing replacement parts, software for the digitalisation of container transport and a digital pallet note.

Award goes to Vienna company

The companies presenting their solutions were competing for the stylish, shiny green EPG Rocket Club Award. The panel of judges ultimately opted to hand the rocket-shaped award to SpotVessels GmbH in recognition of the solution it has developed for the inland navigation sector.

The Vienna-based company offers an online platform that fundamentally improves the booking of freight transport as well as the fleet management of inland vessels and barges. The solution helps to utilize loading capacity more effectively, reduce the number of empty runs and thus increase freighter efficiency.

“The presentations given by the start-ups were very impressive,” says a delighted Dennis Kunz. “We had the chance to listen to fascinating visionaries from the logistics sector who presented their ideas with great passion and verve. In the era of the digital transformation, it’s important that we learn from each other and create new synergies. As a community, the EPG Rocket Club will continue to play an important role in future.”

CLICK HERE to view a video of the EPG Rocket Club event.

FourKites summit covers positive environmental impact

Posted on by David Priestman

FourKites has announced its 2022 Global Supply Chain Sustainability Summit. At this virtual conference supply chain leaders will focus on driving positive environmental impact through supply chain transformation. The half-day event will be broadcast live from Amsterdam on 9th March 2022 and be streamed to participants worldwide.

Sustainability continues to be a growing focus for companies, even as the pandemic causes ongoing supply chain disruptions. According to a survey by Reuters and FourKites, 84% of European supply chain leaders are either increasing or staying focused on their sustainability commitments.  Sixty-five companies in the S&P 500 had net-zero targets in place prior to the COP26 Summit. Many of these businesses are asking their suppliers to disclose data on greenhouse-gas emissions. Many companies also expanded their efforts to include social issues such as worker welfare and supplier diversity.

FourKites’ Global Supply Chain Sustainability Summit will show how companies can build greener supply chains and logistics operations through transparency, technology and collaboration. As a result companies will be able to make meaningful progress to achieve their sustainability goals.

Donal Daly, technology entrepreneur, author and Future Planet Founder is one of the thought leaders who will offer his unique perspective on how companies can grow sustainably. Other speakers include supply chain leaders from companies including Bayer, RHI Magnesita, Henkel, Hoyer Group and Tetra Pak.  They will discuss topics ranging from alternative energy strategies to electric vehicle readiness, reverse logistics, recycled materials and more.

“The unprecedented disruptions of the last few years have served as a wake-up call to world business leaders,” said Dan Tram, Investment Director at Volvo Group Venture Capital. “We must move faster – with our customers, supply chain partners, governments, societies and other stakeholders – to develop and offer cleaner, safer and more circular transport solutions to reach our collective and individual sustainability targets. The FourKites Summit is an important event, and we look forward to participating with peers from around the globe.”

“We are delighted to organise an event that includes some of the world’s preeminent companies and supply chain leaders sharing their insights on how to achieve positive, quantifiable impacts on the community and the environment through innovative new supply chain initiatives,” said FourKites founder and CEO Mathew Elenjickal. “We look forward to collaborating with and learning from these thought leaders about new technologies, processes and programs that are making a difference.”

CLICK HERE to register for FourKites’ 2022 Global Supply Chain Sustainability Summit.

FourKites summit covers positive environmental impact

Posted on by Keith McKinley

FourKites has announced its 2022 Global Supply Chain Sustainability Summit. At this virtual conference supply chain leaders will focus on driving positive environmental impact through supply chain transformation. The half-day event will be broadcast live from Amsterdam on 9th March 2022 and be streamed to participants worldwide.

Sustainability continues to be a growing focus for companies, even as the pandemic causes ongoing supply chain disruptions. According to a survey by Reuters and FourKites, 84% of European supply chain leaders are either increasing or staying focused on their sustainability commitments.  Sixty-five companies in the S&P 500 had net-zero targets in place prior to the COP26 Summit. Many of these businesses are asking their suppliers to disclose data on greenhouse-gas emissions. Many companies also expanded their efforts to include social issues such as worker welfare and supplier diversity.

FourKites’ Global Supply Chain Sustainability Summit will show how companies can build greener supply chains and logistics operations through transparency, technology and collaboration. As a result companies will be able to make meaningful progress to achieve their sustainability goals.

Donal Daly, technology entrepreneur, author and Future Planet Founder is one of the thought leaders who will offer his unique perspective on how companies can grow sustainably. Other speakers include supply chain leaders from companies including Bayer, RHI Magnesita, Henkel, Hoyer Group and Tetra Pak.  They will discuss topics ranging from alternative energy strategies to electric vehicle readiness, reverse logistics, recycled materials and more.

“The unprecedented disruptions of the last few years have served as a wake-up call to world business leaders,” said Dan Tram, Investment Director at Volvo Group Venture Capital. “We must move faster – with our customers, supply chain partners, governments, societies and other stakeholders – to develop and offer cleaner, safer and more circular transport solutions to reach our collective and individual sustainability targets. The FourKites Summit is an important event, and we look forward to participating with peers from around the globe.”

“We are delighted to organise an event that includes some of the world’s preeminent companies and supply chain leaders sharing their insights on how to achieve positive, quantifiable impacts on the community and the environment through innovative new supply chain initiatives,” said FourKites founder and CEO Mathew Elenjickal. “We look forward to collaborating with and learning from these thought leaders about new technologies, processes and programs that are making a difference.”

CLICK HERE to register for FourKites’ 2022 Global Supply Chain Sustainability Summit.

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