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Day: 2 October 2024

Logistics Software Webinar

Posted on by David Priestman

Selecting the right logistics software is crucial for optimising supply chain operations, but the process goes beyond just issuing an RFI or RFP. Watch our logistics software webinar, entitled ‘Logistics Software: Beyond the RFI & the RFP. Achieve Supply Chain Excellence’, where industry experts will guide you through mastering the logistics software selection and procurement process.

Requesting quotes, proposals and further information from vendors of ERP, TMS, WMS, SCM, SCE and other supply chain software solutions, is just the beginning of thte process. Are you planning to buy new logistics software in the next 12 months?

In this logistics software Webinar you’ll learn how to:

  • Define clear requirements for effective RFI and RFP processes.
  • Evaluate and compare solutions beyond surface-level features.
  • Engage stakeholders for alignment and buy-in.
  • Avoid common pitfalls in software selection.

Logistics Software Webinar

Editor Peter MacLeod is joined by Gary Rosier-Taylor, VP of Fleet Sales for Descartes, and Phil Turton of Viewpoint Analysis (pictured below), an independent technology expert on evaluating and purchasing the right IT systems for your logistics operations. He argues that software and IT procurement is broken right now, with the vendor selection process taking too long. Buyers should spend time on their short list and streamline everything. Avoid getting what you asked for, rather than what you need. Try selling to the salesperson and using a ‘rapid RFP’. Score vendors appropriately after every interaction. Do you trust them to deliver?

What sort of additional knowledge does a buyer need to extract from a vendor to trim the shortlist?

  • Whether you’re in transport and distribution management or IT procurement, this logistics software webinar will equip you with the strategies to make informed decisions. Watch now

Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is a global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use its modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community.

Viewpoint Analysis are Technology Matchmakers – helping business leaders find and select enterprise technology, and IT vendors to be found. There are thousands of software vendors in the enterprise arena. As a business with a technology need, how do you know what’s available and which solution is right for you? Viewpoint takes business leaders from problem to vendor selection with our Technology Reference Guides, Technology Innovation Series, Matchmaker Service, and Rapid RFI and RFPs.

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Mapping and Routing Technology can Elevate Logistics Operations

Posted on by David Priestman

With peak season rapidly approaching, logistics companies are once again preparing for the busiest time of the year. Typically, the rush leading up to Black Friday, Christmas, and Boxing Day sales means a surge in demand, with consumers snapping up deals and bagging a bargain. However, the peak period has slowly started to extend beyond the usual end of year rush, and logistics companies are being forced to scale up their operations sooner than ever before.

As a result, businesses will hire additional staff over the next few months, ranging from warehouse workers to drivers, to handle the increased volume. However, blindly adding more staff is no longer the answer – or in some cases, due to the driver shortages, even harder to do anymore. Now, having the right technology in place early is essential to deliver a flawless service during this critical period.

Andrew Nowell, Sales Director at Trimble, believes that in a season where every minute counts and consumer expectations are at an all-time high, commercial mapping and routing technology can support logistics companies by staying ahead of the curve and delivering a 10/10 service when it matters most.

Fail to Prepare Then Prepare to Fail

Unlike five years ago, when planning for peak season involved the use of manual tools and guesswork, today’s data-driven insights allow companies to forecast with confidence what Q4 will look like. When it comes to last-mile delivery, mapping and route planning technology is specifically designed for fleets and commercial vehicles, offering historical data and strategic and operational strategies to create precise plans ahead of time. Ultimately, this technology allows logistics businesses to optimise delivery routes, ensure the best utilisation of the fleet, and maintain driver retention, which is key in an industry where every parcel company is competing for additional peak season drivers.

Boosting the Onboarding Process

Commercial mapping and routing technology can be a game-changer for peak season drivers. For example, with companies onboarding seasonal specific or inexperienced drivers who are unfamiliar with routes, advanced mapping tools can really simplify the process, making a new driver’s day-to-day a lot less stressful. The reason for this is that these tools enable new drivers to confidently navigate unknown areas by providing them with optimised routes and historical traffic data.

This means that even someone unfamiliar with a route can be handed a van loaded with parcels, and they would be able to successfully complete their deliveries. This capability not only helps the drivers ease into their new job, but also improves their efficiency. Without this technology, logistics businesses’ would ordinarily have to assign fewer parcels and avoid late-night routes for inexperienced drivers in order to make the learning curve less daunting. However, with smart mapping technology helping to integrate staff into a business’s delivery ranks seamlessly, companies gain the ability to onboard new recruits in days rather than the weeks or months it traditionally takes – which is crucial during the peak season when time is of the essence.

Boosting Employee Retention

Due to the fact that many seasonal delivery drivers are paid per stop, meaning their income directly correlates to how efficiently they can complete their deliveries, route optimisation not only beneficial for the company but also for the drivers themselves. Ultimately, this can significantly reduce the number of stops a driver can make in a day, impacting their earnings and overall job satisfaction. By reducing unnecessary driving and time spent in traffic, drivers can increase their per-day earnings while also reducing the stress that comes with inefficient routing.

It’s clear that advanced mapping and routing technology presents a solution that extends beyond simply managing increased demand. With features like data-driven route optimisation, historical traffic insights, and strategic planning, logistics businesses can deliver an efficient service when it matters most. Not only can businesses onboard new employees and get them up to speed faster, but it will also enhance the experience for both seasoned and seasonal employees. In a competitive environment where the peak season stretches beyond traditional boundaries, embracing mapping technology is essential to stay ahead of the curve.

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Costa Coffee Selects Global EDI

Posted on by David Priestman

TrueCommerce, a global provider of supply chain and trading partner connectivity, integration, and omnichannel solutions, has been selected by Costa Coffee, one of Europe’s leading coffee chains, to spearhead their global EDI expansion. TrueCommerce will support Costa Coffee’s ambitious growth plans by providing unified EDI integration and enhancing operational agility.

Costa Coffee has a vast and growing presence with more than 3,000 establishments spread across the continent. The company’s decision to partner with TrueCommerce highlights their commitment to optimising operations and enhancing their global supply chain capabilities. The chain is now employing TrueCommerce’s fully managed EDI solution to refine its operations. This solution will seamlessly integrate with Costa’s existing ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations, making it an ideal match for the company’s extensive EDI needs.

Given its expansive network, a solution capable of adapting to its rapid growth and evolving requirements was required. Keith Patterson, Global Enterprise Architect at Costa Coffee highlights, “In addition to the scalability and reliability demands of our ever-growing organisation, we were concerned with future-proofing our trading partner connectivity. The EDI platform provided by TrueCommerce will ensure we are well-prepared for ongoing growth during this exciting period for our business.”

Matthew Wilcock, Senior Vice President, Sales, Europe at TrueCommerce, emphasises the partnership’s value: “Our collaboration with Costa Coffee is aimed at enhancing scalability, reducing risk, and accelerating growth. By leveraging our advanced EDI solutions, Costa Coffee will benefit from improved operational efficiency and reduced technical burdens, enabling them to focus on expanding their market presence with agility.”

TrueCommerce is set to deliver vital support for maintaining high standards and achieving international goals. The solution ensures EDI compliance and fosters better interactions with customers, suppliers, and logistics providers.

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Nulogy Acquisition of Mingo Smart Factory

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Nulogy, a provider of manufacturing supply chain solutions, has announced its strategic acquisition of Mingo Smart Factory, a leader in manufacturing productivity technology. Mingo Smart Factory, which offers real-time visibility into machine throughput and efficiency on the factory floor, will significantly complement Nulogy’s bespoke capabilities for external manufacturing partners such as FMCG brands, co-packers, contract manufacturers, and value-added logistics providers.

Mingo Smart Factory has established itself as an innovator in real-time manufacturing analytics, offering powerful tools that enable manufacturers to optimise operations, reduce waste, and enhance overall productivity. Mingo’s smart factory solution is transforming manufacturing by providing an end-to-end solution, from sensors to data collection to analytics, delivering scalable, real-time insights into factory floor productivity. By integrating Mingo’s advanced technology and expertise with Nulogy’s existing solutions, Nulogy will be able to offer its customers a more comprehensive and robust suite of tools to optimise their manufacturing operations, empowering them to respond to market changes with agility and precision.

“At Nulogy, we are committed to equipping brand manufacturing supply networks across the globe with the latest technology required to collaborate effectively with partners and streamline workflows for greater agility and success,” says Jason Tham, CEO and co-founder of Nulogy. “Our acquisition of Mingo Smart Factory introduces additional innovation for our customers and will enable a wider range of manufacturing operations to harness the power of their data for a more automated, sustainable, and resilient external supply chain.”

“Mingo Smart Factory and Nulogy share a common vision of digitally empowering manufacturers with the data and systems they need to be smart, agile, and efficient in today’s market,” says Bryan Sapot, CEO of Mingo Smart Factory. “Our combined capabilities will provide external manufacturing supply chains with a premier platform purpose-built for their success.”

Nulogy is a purpose-built, multi-enterprise collaboration platform for the extended supply chain, digitally enabling brand manufacturers and their external supplier networks to collaborate seamlessly on a centralised, data-driven, AI-enabled solution. Nulogy’s solutions are deployed within the supply networks of global FMCG leaders such as L’Oréal, Colgate-Palmolive, and Church & Dwight, as well as at hundreds of supplier sites worldwide.

The acquisition of Mingo propels Nulogy’s vision to become the definitive leader in digital transformation solutions for external manufacturing operations and the extended supply chain. Together, Mingo and Nulogy will offer customers even more powerful tools to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and optimise manufacturing operations.

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