Subscribe

Day: 29 April 2025

National Supply Chain Day

Posted on by David Priestman

‘National Supply Chain Day’ is taking place in the USA today. Chris Coote, Head of Product at Dexory, comments on how technology, such as AI and robotics, is enhancing resilience across modern supply chains.

“National Supply Chain Day is time to recognise the transformative impact of technology across modern supply chains. Warehouses are more than just storage spaces – they’re strategic, tech-enabled hubs seamlessly connecting supply with demand. AI is revolutionising supply chain management, addressing challenges like visibility, inventory optimisation and operational efficiency. With real-time tracking and predictive analytics, businesses can make faster and more informed decisions, helping build resiliency and enabling companies to anticipate disruptions and respond proactively.

“Adding robotics into this mix means resiliency only grows. Robotic systems collect precise inventory data, which AI analyses to detect discrepancies, forecast trends, and optimise stock levels. By reducing time to insight to speed up decision making, reduces manual effort, minimises errors and improves productivity. Ultimately, supply chain technology isn’t just about streamlining operations – it’s fundamentally transforming how businesses connect products with people in our increasingly complex global supply chain.”

National Supply Chain Day is celebrated on April 29th every year to mark the binding importance of global logistics in the everyday lives of people. The goal is to bring stakeholders together to share recent developments in the field. Introduced in 2020 by a Georgia-based packaging outlet, it aims to raise awareness about the way logistics affects all of us, and how we can be better partners and benefactors of the global system.

In the last 30 years, the supply chain has evolved from being an amalgam of various sub-specialties to a distinctive and globally valued industry. Today, students can study in supply chain management and build a career in the field. The scattered links of the industry are finally coming together under an umbrella, intending to develop devoted talent from the start. The emergence of machine learning and artificial intelligence has also brought forward a tremendous change in the way operations unfold in the industry.

This day emphasizes the dependence on this industry. The central tagline of the observation is ‘Every link in the supply chain matters,’ which conveys the importance of multiple channels and workers at all levels of logistics who keep the goods moving. The word ‘link’ also signifies the underlying importance of our interconnected and interlinked world. A missing link can hamper the entire operation and jeopardize businesses across the world, which later impacts all of us.

similar news

National Forklift Safety Day 2024

 

Logistics Companies Embracing AI

Posted on by David Priestman

Employees in logistics are among the top users of artificial intelligence, with almost all saying it has had a positive impact on their workplace. New research found that 62% of people who work in the industry, and who regularly handle information as part of their job, use AI today, and 97% of those say it’s been beneficial.

The Access Group surveyed employees in 12 industries and professions – and found that half of all employees use AI. While the logistics sector was behind the tech industry, where adoption is 74%, it was well ahead of not-for-profit, and health and social care sectors where it is 29% and 30% respectively. Employees in logistics cite reduced workloads and higher productivity as the top benefits of AI.

Top five benefits of AI in Supply Chain

• Reduces workload (62%)
• Gives employees time to focus on what matters most (37%)
• Employees are more productive (31%)
• Better team communication (30%)
• Better customer service (29%)

Generative AI tool, ChatGPT is the most popular application – used by 53% of respondents and 64% say it has reduced their stress levels. However, there were some concerns too, with 51% pointing to job replacement, and 46% to data security.

Jarrod Adam

Jarrod Adam (pictured), Head of Product for inventory software platform Unleashed said: “Small and medium-sized logistics firms have made great strides in moving towards digital technologies in recent years – but the adoption of AI is set to transform the industry, enabling firms to be more innovative, competitive and profitable. Many routine and repetitive tasks are now being automated using ERP and warehouse management software. AI is the next natural step for these firms, allowing them to save valuable resources in an industry that has been plagued by skills shortages and rising costs for years. AI can vastly improve operational efficiency by intelligently prioritising tasks for users and providing insights that result in better decisions. By removing a lot of the drudge work, firms also create modern working environments that are more attractive to current and existing employees.”

Marko Perisic, Chief Product and Engineering Officer at The Access Group, said that the adoption of AI in logistics was positive – but added that employees must be given the right tools and training. “AI has taken off in a way that few people could have imagined – but left unchecked it can lead to some employees using it irresponsibly. Logistics firms need a vendor who offers the highest data protection standards. Our new AI experience, Access Evo, encourages employees to innovate, while giving them peace of mind that all information is stored in a secure and private environment and not used in other open source AI systems. Approved AI tools like these, underpinned by clear and regularly-updated policies and training, can help everyone to deliver a better standard of service, and get ahead in their careers without compromising company data.”

similar news

AI essential to supply chain transformation

 

Live RFID Solutions Showcase

Posted on by David Priestman

Clustag RFID Solutions has opened a new Experience Centre for its customers in Miami as part of its expansion plan in the United States. This hub, with over 3000 square feet of space, allows customers to test RAIN and other RFID solutions in real-time, optimizing their item-level tracking and logistics processes. In this way, the company strengthens its presence in the American market, where it already provides advanced RFID solutions and specialized advice to its customers in 11 states.

The company, which is extensively involved in the retail sector, particularly in fashion, collaborates with over 15 major luxury brands, sports goods, and underwear companies in the U.S. to enhance their intralogistics processes using RAIN and other RFID solutions. “The opening of the Miami office is an important step in getting closer to our customers and improving direct service in the region,” states Luis Rius, CEO of Clustag. The office is just 20 minutes from the airport, making it easily accessible for clients.

Since launching operations in the U.S. market in 2021, Clustag has significantly expanded its operations to states such as Washington, California, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The new Miami office serves as the group’s operational hub in the U.S. it will house Clustag’s administrative and commercial teams, ensuring closer and more efficient service while strengthening relationships with retailers. Currently, Clustag has 14 ongoing projects in North America, with several still in the design phase.
“We want to help our customers face current and future logistics challenges, improving their efficiency and reduce lead times for wholesale, retail and e-commerce customers, offering a more agile and reliable service”, added Rius.

Live RFID Testing for Maximum Performance

This new Customer Experience Centre location will feature a space that allows for live product reading and coding tests for customers’ actual products, as well as testing RAIN and other RFID solutions under maximum demand conditions, simulating high-performance situations in distribution centres. “No matter which Clustag solution is used, these real-world tests ensure optimal and reliable performance,” explains Jorge Robledillo, General Manager of Clustag for North America. To guarantee top-tier performance of RAIN RFID technology across our RFID read points, we conduct rigorous assessments such as box processing speed measurement, accuracy and consistency checks in tag reading, and cross-reading error detection. In this Experience Centre allow us to simulate real-world conditions in controlled environments, ensuring RFID Solutions maximum reliability, and adaptability to each client’s unique operational needs,” Robledillo added.

The facility will also allow for in-depth testing of Clustag’s RFID software, “ZENTUP ensures flexible and scalable integration with any warehouse management system,” says Robledillo. “Seeing this comprehensive solution in action allows us to anticipate and resolve customer concerns before they even arise,” adds the Clustag North America Director.

Miami’s strategic location, its proximity to key events and numerous international companies have made it a crucial hub for Clustag’s growth. “The city stands out not only for its strong logistics connections but also for its diversity, which will enrich our team,” Rius adds. “We are committed to innovation and always open to adding new talent to continue delivering exceptional service.”

With this expansion, Clustag reinforces its commitment to the U.S. market, offering RAIN RFID solutions that optimize intralogistics processes and improve operational efficiency for its customers. See this YouTube video.

similar news

Clustag Selected for Item-Level RFID Solution

 

Cutting Edge Pallet Freight Tracking Tool

Posted on by David Priestman

United Pallet Network (UPN) has announced the launch of SmartTRAK, its bespoke new cutting-edge pallet freight tracking tool which enables users to follow their delivery second by second in real time.

SmartTRAK integrates advanced live tracking, dynamic planning tools, and real-time performance monitoring to ensure that all UPN shipments are managed with absolute precision at every stage of their journey.

UPN Clients can now follow their pallet freight delivery second by second via an interactive map which gives clear real time visualisation delivery status and drop number. They will benefit from complete control every step of the way by knowing precisely when each shipment will arrive, reducing guesswork and enabling seamless coordination. “The introduction of SmartTRAK confirms UPN’s ongoing commitment to service excellence and evolution of industry standards”, said UPN Managing Director, David Brown.

At the core of SmartTRAK is an advanced, bespoke algorithm that generates automatic 2-hour ETA windows during planning. These ETAs are continuously refined in real-time using vehicle location updates, current traffic conditions, time required for each delivery, and scheduled driver breaks. “With the launch of SmartTRAK, UPN Service users enjoy complete control over their logistics, with accurate, real-time insights at their fingertips,” commented Joel Miller, UPN’s Director of Information Technology.

UPN leverages state-of-the-art technology to provide significant advantages to clients. By using the latest technology, the SmartTRAK system:

• Continuously updates delivery ETAs based on real-time driver progress and location
• Highlights potential issues such as early or late arrivals with intuitive colour-coded alerts
• Displays live tracking on an interactive map, ensuring complete visibility of every shipment

SmartTRAK is an innovative palletised freight tracking system, providing benefits that empower businesses with unparalleled control over their logistics operations. By homing in on the company’s distinct point of difference within the sector in terms of its bespoke IT support systems and infrastructure, and its quality driven focus on service excellence, UPN has established a unique position in the Pallet Network Sector with its ‘Unique IQ’ initiative.

From April 2024, United Pallet Network went Carbon Neutral. All palletised freight deliveries handled by its members across its UK wide partner network are now undertaken on a Carbon Neutral basis. In a first for the Sector Carbon Neutral Britain provide UPN with full Carbon Neutral Certification for every Member, certifying all UPN deliveries as Carbon Neutral. Established in 2001, UPN has grown strongly and steadily into a high quality palletised freight distribution network. Focussed on growth through member success UPN currently have over 100 members covering the whole of the UK, and European partners providing coverage throughout 26 countries.

similar news

UPN Launch Latest Live Signature Capture App

 

Fleet Safety Boosted by Telematics Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Circet, a European provider of telecommunications infrastructure services, has improved safety, reduced emissions and cut operational costs by adopting a fully integrated telematics solution from Geotab Inc. and Lytx. In just three months, Circet and Geotab partnered to connect 3,000 vehicles across Circet’s mixed fleet in the UK and Ireland, representing the biggest deployment of its kind in such a short installation window.

Circet’s fleet, which includes diesel and electric light and heavy commercial vehicles, required a solution capable of handling wide variability in makes, models and drivetrains. The combination of Geotab’s global telematics data platform integrated deeply with the Lytx Surfsight™ video safety platform has given the Circet operations team full visibility into its entire fleet, delivering immediate impact.

Within the first three months of this year, Circet recorded a 16% improvement in its company-wide driver safety score. Key safety metrics such as harsh braking, acceleration and cornering all improved, contributing to an average driver score 42% better than industry benchmarks. These improvements are largely due to the use of Geotab’s Driver Safety Scorecard and near real-time driver feedback from the Lytx Surfsight dash cams, which alert drivers to risky behaviours and send incidents to the operations team for review.

Fuel efficiency has also improved. Circet’s diesel vehicles are now operating at an average efficiency of 10 litres per 100 kilometres, 10% better than peer group leaders. Circet’s transition to electric vehicles is delivering further savings. Over the first three months of 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 3% of total fleet trips, covering more than 263,000 miles (424,000 kilometres). According to Geotab’s Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA), Circet stands to save approximately £385,000 annually by expanding its electric fleet and swapping ICE vehicles for EV where appropriate.

Based on results across all vehicle types so far this year, the Geotab and Lytx Surfsight solution could deliver over £2.3 million in fuel savings each year. Ray Verschoyle, Head of Transport Compliance at Circet said: “The combined Geotab and Lytx Surfsight solution has transformed how we manage our fleet. We now have the data we need to improve safety, cut fuel use, lower maintenance costs and operate more sustainably. Their focus on innovation and ability to integrate with our systems made them the perfect partners for our needs.”

Aaron Jarvis, Associate Vice President, EMEA at Geotab, added; “Circet chose Geotab because we offer more than just an off-the-shelf solution. Our continuous investment in product development, combined with strong local service and support, gave them confidence in our long-term value. Our partnership with Lytx allows us to deliver fully integrated safety solutions, and our open platform meant we could align closely with Circet’s internal systems and processes. It’s another example of how Geotab’s ecosystem can support a customer’s needs today while future-proofing business operations.”

Deep integration to meet sustainability goals

The Circet deployment includes Geotab telematics devices and Lytx Surfsight dash cameras with road-facing lenses, and the option of driver-facing ones, too. This hardware is backed by software integration with the Geotab platform, allowing Circet to unify vehicle tracking, video footage and safety data in one system. The rollout was supported directly by Geotab’s local project team, who provided in-person training and implementation support to ensure a smooth transition.

Geotab’s data also supports Circet’s sustainability goals. The company is using Geotab’s certified Scope 1 emissions calculation tools to track fuel consumption and emissions reductions across both diesel and electric vehicles. This structured, data-driven approach is essential as Circet prepares for stricter ESG reporting requirements under EU legislation. With EV driving requiring different skills from traditional combustion vehicles, Circet has used Geotab data to inform driver training, aiming to extend EV range and reduce charging demand. This in turn helps lower Scope 2 emissions and manage charging infrastructure more efficiently.

With these results in safety, efficiency, and emissions reduction, Circet is already seeing a return on its investment. The integrated Geotab and Lytx Surfsight solution is not only improving current operations but also positioning the company for long-term compliance, cost control and growth as it shifts to a low-emissions fleet. The Circet team is now looking to utilise its vehicle data across various business systems and processes with additional integrations into their business reporting tools, internal databases and future plans to feed other key business systems.

similar news

Paragon Routing and Planning Now on Geotab

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.