Businesses Unprepared for Next Global Crisis 

New data from Board International, a leading global provider of Intelligent Planning Solutions which help organisations plan smarter, enabling actionable insights and better outcomes, reveals that despite nearly every global business executing some form of planning transformation attempt since 2020, 90% (Supply chain planning professionals: 88%) report it failing to some degree.

Good intentions aren’t enough

Three years on from Covid-19 caused widespread economic and social disruption, the new Board Planning Transformation Benchmark Survey asked 2,450 decision makers across the UK, US, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Australia and Singapore how they are faring in light of a series of economic ‘unprecedented’ events. Just 13% (Supply chain planning professionals: 11%) said they were unaffected by events, such as Covid-19, the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis.

As a result, 85% (Supply chain planning professionals: 89%) of businesses say planning is now taken more seriously across their organisation; 76% (Supply chain planning professionals: 82%) have seen budgets for planning transformation and planning teams increase; and 94% (Supply chain planning professionals: 95%) are being asked for a more strategic approach to planning by their boards and / or investors.

The report highlights that 90% (Supply chain planning professionals: 88%) of transformations failed for one reason or another. A lack of technical capability within the organisation is cited as the top cause of failed transformations by over a quarter (Global: 26%; Supply chain planning professionals: 29%) of decision makers. Lack of investment in skills (Global: 23%; Supply chain planning professionals: 25%) and scarcity of team resources (Global: 22%; Supply chain planning professionals: 21%) came in close second and third places.

Antiquated practises

In addition to skills gaps, the data reveals wide usage of inefficient planning practices are preventing progress. When asked what tools they use to plan, nearly all (Global: 98%; Supply chain planning professionals: 98%) of the decision makers responded that they do some of their planning on spreadsheets like Excel – a tool built in 1985. And planners are taking on average 27 hours (Supply chain planning professionals: 27 hours) a week to model different scenarios for their business.

The need for a new approach is made clear when asked how ready decision makers feel to navigate the next ‘globally significant’ event on the horizon. When asked if they felt ready to cope with continued supply chain disruption (Global: 29%; Supply chain planning professionals: 26%), rising interest rates (Global: 22%; Supply chain planning professionals: 20%), another pandemic (Global: 32%; Supply chain planning professionals: 32%), or a recession (Global: 34%; Supply chain planning professionals: 35%), around a said they were not.

Marco Limena, Board CEO said: “With all the uncertainty that we see in the world, business leaders need to recognize a new reality: the era of continuous disruption is here. Those seven words are meant as a wake-up call for organizations to continuously adapt and find new capabilities and efficiencies to deal with today’s challenging environment. Continuous planning is an imperative, and the good news is that companies that advance their digital capabilities can steer their business at the speed of change and gain a competitive edge.”

About the survey:
2,450 decision-makers across the UK, US, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Australia and Singapore in the financial, supply chain, or retail and merchandise planning functions in businesses with 500+ employees were surveyed online between the 26th of January and the 2nd of February 2023.  Of these 849 are supply chain planning professionals. The findings for this subset are noted in brackets.

Businesses Unprepared for Next Global Crisis 

New data from Board International, a leading global provider of Intelligent Planning Solutions which help organisations plan smarter, enabling actionable insights and better outcomes, reveals that despite nearly every global business executing some form of planning transformation attempt since 2020, 90% (Supply chain planning professionals: 88%) report it failing to some degree.

Good intentions aren’t enough

Three years on from Covid-19 caused widespread economic and social disruption, the new Board Planning Transformation Benchmark Survey asked 2,450 decision makers across the UK, US, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Australia and Singapore how they are faring in light of a series of economic ‘unprecedented’ events. Just 13% (Supply chain planning professionals: 11%) said they were unaffected by events, such as Covid-19, the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis.

As a result, 85% (Supply chain planning professionals: 89%) of businesses say planning is now taken more seriously across their organisation; 76% (Supply chain planning professionals: 82%) have seen budgets for planning transformation and planning teams increase; and 94% (Supply chain planning professionals: 95%) are being asked for a more strategic approach to planning by their boards and / or investors.

The report highlights that 90% (Supply chain planning professionals: 88%) of transformations failed for one reason or another. A lack of technical capability within the organisation is cited as the top cause of failed transformations by over a quarter (Global: 26%; Supply chain planning professionals: 29%) of decision makers. Lack of investment in skills (Global: 23%; Supply chain planning professionals: 25%) and scarcity of team resources (Global: 22%; Supply chain planning professionals: 21%) came in close second and third places.

Antiquated practises

In addition to skills gaps, the data reveals wide usage of inefficient planning practices are preventing progress. When asked what tools they use to plan, nearly all (Global: 98%; Supply chain planning professionals: 98%) of the decision makers responded that they do some of their planning on spreadsheets like Excel – a tool built in 1985. And planners are taking on average 27 hours (Supply chain planning professionals: 27 hours) a week to model different scenarios for their business.

The need for a new approach is made clear when asked how ready decision makers feel to navigate the next ‘globally significant’ event on the horizon. When asked if they felt ready to cope with continued supply chain disruption (Global: 29%; Supply chain planning professionals: 26%), rising interest rates (Global: 22%; Supply chain planning professionals: 20%), another pandemic (Global: 32%; Supply chain planning professionals: 32%), or a recession (Global: 34%; Supply chain planning professionals: 35%), around a said they were not.

Marco Limena, Board CEO said: “With all the uncertainty that we see in the world, business leaders need to recognize a new reality: the era of continuous disruption is here. Those seven words are meant as a wake-up call for organizations to continuously adapt and find new capabilities and efficiencies to deal with today’s challenging environment. Continuous planning is an imperative, and the good news is that companies that advance their digital capabilities can steer their business at the speed of change and gain a competitive edge.”

About the survey:
2,450 decision-makers across the UK, US, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Australia and Singapore in the financial, supply chain, or retail and merchandise planning functions in businesses with 500+ employees were surveyed online between the 26th of January and the 2nd of February 2023.  Of these 849 are supply chain planning professionals. The findings for this subset are noted in brackets.

Add-On AI Solutions and Intermodal TOS

INFORM, a leading provider of intelligent AI and optimization software solutions, will showcase its proven optimization add-on solutions for maritime and intermodal terminal operators at the upcoming TOC Europe conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In addition to its add-on optimization modules, at booth number G90, INFORM will also showcase its Intermodal Terminal Operating System (TOS) solution.

By visiting INFORM’s booth at TOC Europe 2023, terminal operators can discover how advanced optimization modules can help them improve their operational efficiency, optimize their resource utilization, and increase overall productivity. On display will be a series of artificial intelligence (AI) and operations research (OR) based optimization modules that empower terminal operations. Having been exhibiting at the show for nearly a decade, INFORM is a regular contributor through its presence on the tradeshow floor as well as typically delivering and moderating conference sessions on the TECH TOC stage. This year, it will take place from June 13-15, 2023 at the Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Alex Van Winckel Director Strategic Relations and Sales at INFORM’s Terminal & Distribution Centre Logistics Division commented, “We are thrilled to be presenting our Intermodal TOS solution at TOC Europe. Our solution has been developed with optimization built into its core and with the specific needs of European terminal operators in mind. We believe it can make a significant impact on their operations and look forward to showcasing our system and discussing how it can help driving the industry forward.”

In addition, six proven modules for maritime and intermodal terminals with will be presented: They include INFORM’s Crane Optimizer (CO), Yard Optimizer (YO), Vehicle Optimizer (VO), Train Load Optimizer (TLO), Rail Scheduler (RS), and Machine Learning (ML) modules. As add-on solutions to the existing IT and software infrastructure (including a terminal’s TOS), these modules add an intelligence layer behind the existing operational layer to support and/or automate decision-making within a terminal.

“We believe that TOC Europe will be a great event for experts from the whole industry to learn about the latest trends and technologies,” added Dr. Eva Savelsberg (pictured), Senior Vice President at INFORM’s Terminal & Distribution Center Logistics Division. “We look forward to meeting with our customers and partners at the conference, and of course to build new relationships as well.” INFORM is a market leader in AI and optimization software to facilitate improved decision making. Based in Aachen, Germany, the company has been in the optimization business for 50 years and serves a wide span of logistics industries including ports, maritime, and intermodal terminals with both add-on optimization modules as well as TOS solutions.

Add-On AI Solutions and Intermodal TOS

INFORM, a leading provider of intelligent AI and optimization software solutions, will showcase its proven optimization add-on solutions for maritime and intermodal terminal operators at the upcoming TOC Europe conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In addition to its add-on optimization modules, at booth number G90, INFORM will also showcase its Intermodal Terminal Operating System (TOS) solution.

By visiting INFORM’s booth at TOC Europe 2023, terminal operators can discover how advanced optimization modules can help them improve their operational efficiency, optimize their resource utilization, and increase overall productivity. On display will be a series of artificial intelligence (AI) and operations research (OR) based optimization modules that empower terminal operations. Having been exhibiting at the show for nearly a decade, INFORM is a regular contributor through its presence on the tradeshow floor as well as typically delivering and moderating conference sessions on the TECH TOC stage. This year, it will take place from June 13-15, 2023 at the Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Alex Van Winckel Director Strategic Relations and Sales at INFORM’s Terminal & Distribution Centre Logistics Division commented, “We are thrilled to be presenting our Intermodal TOS solution at TOC Europe. Our solution has been developed with optimization built into its core and with the specific needs of European terminal operators in mind. We believe it can make a significant impact on their operations and look forward to showcasing our system and discussing how it can help driving the industry forward.”

In addition, six proven modules for maritime and intermodal terminals with will be presented: They include INFORM’s Crane Optimizer (CO), Yard Optimizer (YO), Vehicle Optimizer (VO), Train Load Optimizer (TLO), Rail Scheduler (RS), and Machine Learning (ML) modules. As add-on solutions to the existing IT and software infrastructure (including a terminal’s TOS), these modules add an intelligence layer behind the existing operational layer to support and/or automate decision-making within a terminal.

“We believe that TOC Europe will be a great event for experts from the whole industry to learn about the latest trends and technologies,” added Dr. Eva Savelsberg (pictured), Senior Vice President at INFORM’s Terminal & Distribution Center Logistics Division. “We look forward to meeting with our customers and partners at the conference, and of course to build new relationships as well.” INFORM is a market leader in AI and optimization software to facilitate improved decision making. Based in Aachen, Germany, the company has been in the optimization business for 50 years and serves a wide span of logistics industries including ports, maritime, and intermodal terminals with both add-on optimization modules as well as TOS solutions.

New Electric Combilift Forklift

As leading forklift manufacturer Combilift continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary, it has launched the second of five new products planned for this year. The Combi-CB70E was unveiled in mid-May at Ligna, the international timber and woodworking show in Hannover.

This is a further addition to Combilift’s ever growing range of electric models which offer powerful performance, extensive battery life and unrivalled ergonomics. The Combi-CB70E, in the vibrant Combi-green livery first seen on the recently launched Combi-CUBE product, boasts the distinction of being the shortest 7t capacity counterbalance truck on the market whilst also benefitting from multidirectional ability, enabling the versatile space saving handling of both long and bulky loads.

Design features incorporated into the high-capacity Combi-CB70E include large super-elastic tyres and compact wheelbase. With a 7,000kg/15,500lb lift capacity, this model benefits from an impressively small footprint as well as exceptional manouevrability meaning that it can easily move bulky loads around in confined spaces.

Occupational health and safety requirements mean that the welfare of the workforce has become ever more important over the years. Drivers of industrial vehicles, who are often required to spend extensive periods in their work stations, quite rightly expect the highest levels of comfort and safety. Combilift’s designers have therefore gone to great lengths to ensure that the latest generation of models are kitted out with top quality components that ensure sophisticated ergonomics for a stress-free in-cab environment. Features in the spacious cab include generous glazing for excellent all-round visibility, the tilting steering column, hydraulic steering and the Grammer MSG65 seat.

What sets the Combi-CB70E apart from other forklifts is its gas strut suspension cab, which uses components such as those found in large scale industrial machinery with cab suspension. Combined with the super-elastic tyres this guarantees the smoothest of rides over uneven or less than perfect ground conditions.

Combilift’s newly developed Auto Swivel Seat was also premiered at the show. This optional feature automatically engages and swivels the seat and armrest 15° to the right or left to accord with the direction of travel selected by the operator – reducing driver strain, particularly when travelling in reverse. (Patent Pending Application No. 2305983.5)

The truck also features Combilift’s internationally patented and Red Dot awarded independent electric traction which provides all front and rear drive wheels with 100% traction control. This negates the need for differential lock on slippery surfaces and significantly reduces long load momentum twisting when travelling sideways. Each electric drive incorporates parking and regenerative dynamic braking for power efficiency. Roll-out access for major electrical components also simplifies maintenance tasks.

This mix of next-gen performance, extensive battery life and exceptional ergonomics combined with all the advantages of the Combi-CB range, makes this the most powerful compact electric multidirectional forklift to date.

Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar said: “The increased capacities that we are offering in our electric range will answer the demand for ever more powerful products which at the same time help companies to achieve their aims for more sustainable operations. We are confident that the Combi-CB70E will be a popular addition to our portfolio for diverse industry applications.”

New Electric Combilift Forklift

As leading forklift manufacturer Combilift continues to celebrate its 25th anniversary, it has launched the second of five new products planned for this year. The Combi-CB70E was unveiled in mid-May at Ligna, the international timber and woodworking show in Hannover.

This is a further addition to Combilift’s ever growing range of electric models which offer powerful performance, extensive battery life and unrivalled ergonomics. The Combi-CB70E, in the vibrant Combi-green livery first seen on the recently launched Combi-CUBE product, boasts the distinction of being the shortest 7t capacity counterbalance truck on the market whilst also benefitting from multidirectional ability, enabling the versatile space saving handling of both long and bulky loads.

Design features incorporated into the high-capacity Combi-CB70E include large super-elastic tyres and compact wheelbase. With a 7,000kg/15,500lb lift capacity, this model benefits from an impressively small footprint as well as exceptional manouevrability meaning that it can easily move bulky loads around in confined spaces.

Occupational health and safety requirements mean that the welfare of the workforce has become ever more important over the years. Drivers of industrial vehicles, who are often required to spend extensive periods in their work stations, quite rightly expect the highest levels of comfort and safety. Combilift’s designers have therefore gone to great lengths to ensure that the latest generation of models are kitted out with top quality components that ensure sophisticated ergonomics for a stress-free in-cab environment. Features in the spacious cab include generous glazing for excellent all-round visibility, the tilting steering column, hydraulic steering and the Grammer MSG65 seat.

What sets the Combi-CB70E apart from other forklifts is its gas strut suspension cab, which uses components such as those found in large scale industrial machinery with cab suspension. Combined with the super-elastic tyres this guarantees the smoothest of rides over uneven or less than perfect ground conditions.

Combilift’s newly developed Auto Swivel Seat was also premiered at the show. This optional feature automatically engages and swivels the seat and armrest 15° to the right or left to accord with the direction of travel selected by the operator – reducing driver strain, particularly when travelling in reverse. (Patent Pending Application No. 2305983.5)

The truck also features Combilift’s internationally patented and Red Dot awarded independent electric traction which provides all front and rear drive wheels with 100% traction control. This negates the need for differential lock on slippery surfaces and significantly reduces long load momentum twisting when travelling sideways. Each electric drive incorporates parking and regenerative dynamic braking for power efficiency. Roll-out access for major electrical components also simplifies maintenance tasks.

This mix of next-gen performance, extensive battery life and exceptional ergonomics combined with all the advantages of the Combi-CB range, makes this the most powerful compact electric multidirectional forklift to date.

Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar said: “The increased capacities that we are offering in our electric range will answer the demand for ever more powerful products which at the same time help companies to achieve their aims for more sustainable operations. We are confident that the Combi-CB70E will be a popular addition to our portfolio for diverse industry applications.”

Mitsubishi Electric Invests in OTTO Motors

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a global leader in factory automation solutions, has announced a strategic investment in Clearpath Robotics, the parent company of autonomous mobile robot supplier, OTTO Motors.

With more than 4 million hours of production experience, OTTO Motors’ pioneering autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology and award-winning software are used by Fortune 500 companies to deliver productivity and safety in material handling operations. The investment expands the strategic relationship between OTTO Motors and Mitsubishi Electric, and strengthens the two companies’ commercial collaboration.

Mitsubishi Electric Invests

“Industrial automation is continuing to transform businesses around the world. As a globally-trusted leader with a strong mission to invest in continuous technological innovation and ceaseless creativity, Mitsubishi Electric has been an important partner for OTTO Motors. We are proud to have their continued support and share a vision to accelerate industrial automation globally. We look forward to pursuing the tremendous opportunity ahead,” said OTTO Motors’ CEO & Co-Founder, Matt Rendall.

“The relationship between Mitsubishi Electric and OTTO Motors is built upon years of respect and trust. OTTO Motors is well positioned to become a leader in industrial autonomy. We see a bright future ahead for OTTO Motors and are honored to support their continued success,” said Mitsubishi Electric’s Chief Strategy Officer, Satoshi Takeda.

Mitsubishi Electric Invests in OTTO Motors

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a global leader in factory automation solutions, has announced a strategic investment in Clearpath Robotics, the parent company of autonomous mobile robot supplier, OTTO Motors.

With more than 4 million hours of production experience, OTTO Motors’ pioneering autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology and award-winning software are used by Fortune 500 companies to deliver productivity and safety in material handling operations. The investment expands the strategic relationship between OTTO Motors and Mitsubishi Electric, and strengthens the two companies’ commercial collaboration.

Mitsubishi Electric Invests

“Industrial automation is continuing to transform businesses around the world. As a globally-trusted leader with a strong mission to invest in continuous technological innovation and ceaseless creativity, Mitsubishi Electric has been an important partner for OTTO Motors. We are proud to have their continued support and share a vision to accelerate industrial automation globally. We look forward to pursuing the tremendous opportunity ahead,” said OTTO Motors’ CEO & Co-Founder, Matt Rendall.

“The relationship between Mitsubishi Electric and OTTO Motors is built upon years of respect and trust. OTTO Motors is well positioned to become a leader in industrial autonomy. We see a bright future ahead for OTTO Motors and are honored to support their continued success,” said Mitsubishi Electric’s Chief Strategy Officer, Satoshi Takeda.

cargo-partner Sold to Nippon Express Group

As cargo-partner is celebrating its 40th anniversary, company owner and founder Stefan Krauter has decided to sell the Austrian global logistics firm to Japanese stock-listed Nippon Express Holdings, the parent company of Nippon Express, APC, Franco Vago and others. Having started operations in 1983 with only five employees at Vienna Airport and having developed the company almost completely organically to now 4000 employees in 40 countries around the globe, Krauter had already passed on the baton to his management and now has also passed over ownership to his ‘ideal successor’, NX.

After exceeding the billion euro mark in global turnover for the first time in 2020, cargo-partner’s turnover increased by 72%, reaching over 1.8 billion euro in 2021, and further increased to 2.06 billion euro in 2022.

“Leadership by agile founders bears some considerable advantages, but from a certain stage on, highly professional and long-term stable ownership is the bigger asset. It is the founders’ challenge and responsibility to decide about both management and ownership succession at the right time. Not too early to be able to build a stable internal management succession but, for sure, also not too late,” Krauter says. “That is why, together with the Corporate Executive Board, we started evaluating different options for the future of cargo-partner.”

Stefan Krauter continues to explain: “It would also have been a good option for the management and employees to continue going completely alone, but since the ideal new strategic owner was found in NX Group, we were ultimately convinced that this was the right way to go forward. Following the integration policy we have seen from NX Group so far, cargo-partner will remain cargo-partner in regard to both organization and branding – and it will become the strongest cargo-partner ever!”

The deal was signed on May 12, 2023 and will come into effect subject to the usual regulatory (anti-trust and FDI) approvals in an estimated four to seven months along with the subsequent closing.
“Both organizations will benefit from considerable synergies in global office coverage, an expanded service portfolio, strengthened regional, product and IT know-how, increased scale and others. NX Group will benefit from our strong and extensive network in Central and Eastern Europe that complements NX’s existing network in an ideal way, and cargo-partner will jump several leagues in the Intra-Asian and Trans-Pacific trade lanes,” Stefan Krauter states. He adds: “cargo-partner will also continue to work with its current global agents’ network, strive to expand this section of its business and support it in future with its upgraded platform which is presently under development.”

“I will personally continue to support the transition in my new role on the Corporate Supervisory Board and in my advisory function to the Corporate Executive Board. I will be focusing on smart partial integration with the new owners as well as on other matters regarding strategy, M&A and ESG. What an interesting and rewarding challenge at the end of my career!” Krauter says. The sellers have been advised by J.P. Morgan (financial), ValueAdd (financial), BCG (commercial), Schönherr (legal), and Deloitte (accounting and tax) on the transaction.

Nippon Express is a provider of logistics services. It is based in Tokyo and has a strong global network that spans over 40 countries, with company direct operations in 33 nations, such as Austria. The company offers air freight, marine transportation, heavy haulage, warehousing and distribution processing, logistics design, information technology services, chartered truck services and moving services.

cargo-partner Sold to Nippon Express Group

As cargo-partner is celebrating its 40th anniversary, company owner and founder Stefan Krauter has decided to sell the Austrian global logistics firm to Japanese stock-listed Nippon Express Holdings, the parent company of Nippon Express, APC, Franco Vago and others. Having started operations in 1983 with only five employees at Vienna Airport and having developed the company almost completely organically to now 4000 employees in 40 countries around the globe, Krauter had already passed on the baton to his management and now has also passed over ownership to his ‘ideal successor’, NX.

After exceeding the billion euro mark in global turnover for the first time in 2020, cargo-partner’s turnover increased by 72%, reaching over 1.8 billion euro in 2021, and further increased to 2.06 billion euro in 2022.

“Leadership by agile founders bears some considerable advantages, but from a certain stage on, highly professional and long-term stable ownership is the bigger asset. It is the founders’ challenge and responsibility to decide about both management and ownership succession at the right time. Not too early to be able to build a stable internal management succession but, for sure, also not too late,” Krauter says. “That is why, together with the Corporate Executive Board, we started evaluating different options for the future of cargo-partner.”

Stefan Krauter continues to explain: “It would also have been a good option for the management and employees to continue going completely alone, but since the ideal new strategic owner was found in NX Group, we were ultimately convinced that this was the right way to go forward. Following the integration policy we have seen from NX Group so far, cargo-partner will remain cargo-partner in regard to both organization and branding – and it will become the strongest cargo-partner ever!”

The deal was signed on May 12, 2023 and will come into effect subject to the usual regulatory (anti-trust and FDI) approvals in an estimated four to seven months along with the subsequent closing.
“Both organizations will benefit from considerable synergies in global office coverage, an expanded service portfolio, strengthened regional, product and IT know-how, increased scale and others. NX Group will benefit from our strong and extensive network in Central and Eastern Europe that complements NX’s existing network in an ideal way, and cargo-partner will jump several leagues in the Intra-Asian and Trans-Pacific trade lanes,” Stefan Krauter states. He adds: “cargo-partner will also continue to work with its current global agents’ network, strive to expand this section of its business and support it in future with its upgraded platform which is presently under development.”

“I will personally continue to support the transition in my new role on the Corporate Supervisory Board and in my advisory function to the Corporate Executive Board. I will be focusing on smart partial integration with the new owners as well as on other matters regarding strategy, M&A and ESG. What an interesting and rewarding challenge at the end of my career!” Krauter says. The sellers have been advised by J.P. Morgan (financial), ValueAdd (financial), BCG (commercial), Schönherr (legal), and Deloitte (accounting and tax) on the transaction.

Nippon Express is a provider of logistics services. It is based in Tokyo and has a strong global network that spans over 40 countries, with company direct operations in 33 nations, such as Austria. The company offers air freight, marine transportation, heavy haulage, warehousing and distribution processing, logistics design, information technology services, chartered truck services and moving services.

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