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Day: 16 May 2025

New Supply Chain Software Brand

Posted on by David Priestman

Körber Supply Chain Software, a joint venture between Körber AG and KKR recently introduced its new company brand, Infios. Logistics Business spoke to Tim Moylan (pictured below), Chief Growth Officer, to learn about the thinking behind the re-brand.

Logistics Business: What was the thinking behind the new name? The letter ‘I’ is always very popular for software – any concerns about distinctiveness?

Tim Moylan: “Yes, the name Infios is intentional. ‘Info’ represents infinite possibilities and the critical role of information across modern supply chains. ‘OS’ nods to our role as a flexible, intelligent operating system that connects and orchestrates execution across transportation, warehousing, and beyond. While the letter ‘I’ is indeed popular in tech, we feel the name Infios properly conveys what we want to signal to our customers —both current and future. In the end, it’s more than a name — it’s a promise to deliver agility, scalability, and intelligence across the most dynamic parts of the supply chain.”

Logistics Business: Was the rebrand made necessary by the MercuryGate acquisition? What else drove it?

Moylan: “The rebrand reflects a broad transformation, signifying our commitment to delivering a fully connected, end-to-end, best-in-class supply chain execution platform — seamlessly integrating warehousing and fulfilment, transportation, order management and commerce, AMR and voice. With this transformation, Infios stands as a true supply chain execution leader, providing adaptable solutions that empower businesses of all sizes to simplify, optimize, and accelerate their supply chain operations. While the MercuryGate acquisition was a catalyst for the rebrand, we are very respectful of all our acquired companies. They all helped us reach the point where we could rebrand, and all the innovation they have delivered make us the supply chain execution powerhouse we are today.”

Logistics Business: Infios will still work closely with Körber for integrating warehouse automation. Will that be exclusive, both ways? How does the rebrand affect the relationship between the companies?

Moylan: “Our partnership with Körber remains strong and collaborative. Infios will continue to integrate with Körber’s warehouse automation offerings, just as we will with other partners. The relationship is not exclusive either way; it’s about delivering what’s best for customers. The rebrand clarifies our role in the ecosystem – we are focused on supply chain execution solutions, which means being open and agile in how we collaborate across the supply chain technology landscape.”

Tim Moylan, Infios

Logistics Business: What is the growth objective for Infios?

Moylan: “Our regional and solution diversity allows us to grow across many dimensions, closely aligned with the growth strategies of our customers. Our short-term focus is on strengthening our foundation, driving execution and delivering measurable impact. A key priority is enhancing customer success by improving implementation, support and account management, ensuring that our customers derive maximum value from our solutions. Innovation remains at the forefront, as we continue to advance our cloud, AI, and automation capabilities, making our solutions more adaptable and future-ready. Additionally, we are focused on driving revenue growth, expanding our market reach through a strong go-to-market strategy, increased cross-sell opportunities and deeper industry partnerships.”

Logistics Business: Will you be extending the product range/offering?

Moylan: “The rebrand is just the beginning. Infios will continue to build out our product ecosystem — strengthening our core offerings like TMS, WMS and OMS while also exploring adjacent areas that support end-to-end supply chain execution. We’re actively listening to customers and aligning our roadmap with what they need to thrive in an increasingly complex supply chain environment.”

Logistics Business: Do you anticipate further acquisitions?

Moylan: “We’re open to acquisitions that align with our mission and enhance our value to customers. As supply chains grow more interconnected, strategic acquisitions can help us accelerate innovation and expand capabilities. That said, we’re just as focused on organic growth — delivering consistent, scalable improvements to our platform and ensuring every customer gets the most from their investment with Infios.”

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Why you need a Specialist Freight Forwarder

Posted on by David Priestman

Experience and track record matter in freight forwarding, according to Paul Everley, Global Head of Forwarding, Peters & May.

Freight forwarders are faced with an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving market. Importers and exporters are contending with changing customs clearance rules, geopolitical issues, stricter environmental pressures and a rapidly shifting trade and tariffs landscape. Global logistics management for even the most standard and commoditised item is not spared from complications.

These challenges are magnified when it comes to transporting unconventional, delicate or time-sensitive items. The stakes are high for specialist freight forwarding, which requires a degree of consultancy and a hands-on approach. It’s not a case for a one-size-fits-all solution.

Is it worth it? Separating cost from value

Freight forwarding for specialist items is as much about risk management as it is about the transportation of the item. Freight forwarders prioritise preventing delays and, when managed correctly, can actually give customers ‘time back’.

Having the right support- underpinned by experience and expertise- goes a long way. While on paper, specialist freight forwarding carries a fixed cost, the reality is often very different without proper support and planning. Incorrect customs declarations, or logistical roadblocks from not understanding the item or product, can cause severe delays, creating huge headaches for importers and exporters, all of which, ultimately, end up ramping up costs.

Having experience of shipping a particular product and knowing the customs landscape is a competitive advantage. An experienced freight forwarder will plan thoroughly and will have access to all the right information and documentation up front to navigate changing customs rules. For example, classification codes may change, or permit requirements can alter, and both scenarios can have ramifications for shipments and costs. It’s this responsiveness, industry knowledge and experience- the consultative approach- that sets apart newer entrants from established forwarders who will be better positioned to anticipate challenges and take proactive action to minimise risks and costs in the long-term.

A strong example of distinguishing cost from value is demonstrated by Peters & May’s freight forwarding team, who arranged premium ‘must-ride’ air freight services for a client shipping laboratory equipment to the USA. The shipment was time-sensitive, requiring on-site engineers to install the equipment upon arrival. Previously, the client had faced significant and costly delays when their cargo was bumped from flights due to reliance on standard air and sea services. Although the ‘must-ride’ option came at a higher upfront cost, it ultimately saved the company time and money, safeguarded their reputation as a reliable partner, ensured timely delivery, and helped secure future business.

Partnerships and scale under one roof

Knowledge is only valuable if it’s used correctly. Specialist freight forwarders with in-house customs expertise ensure that your customs experts and logistics management teams are aligned. By offering a single, trusted point of contact for freight forwarding and customs support, customers can minimise duplication of work. Their one point of contact will already understand the customers’ objectives and have familiarity with the product, customs and regulatory expertise. This contributes to better value for the customer through more control of the logistics process and more streamlined workflows, so that when problems do occur, there is typically an easier, more efficient ‘work around’.

Being a specialist also means that there are other advantages from a standardised freight forwarder, including inward and outward processing between the EU and the UK, and visa-versa, as well as customs warehousing capability in the UK.

Smarter Control, Lower Costs

To have both freight and customs support managed by one specialist freight forwarder is also helpful in managing costs and unforeseen changes, affording more flexibility.

For example, when supporting clients for customs clearance, it is not uncommon to see that the freight was arranged by suppliers at a higher fee. This can easily be avoided by identifying the issue first and arranging for freight services at reduced costs. This means that a client not only saves money on shipping, but assumes control over their inbound supply chain, engendering confidence that the goods are being shipped for the client’s benefit and not the supplier’s. This centralised oversight allows for more flexibility if plans for production shift, and reduces wasted time if goods are unavailable for production – minimising the impact on a client’s cashflow and maintaining industry reputation.

There are several benefits of working with a specialist company, but the biggest advantage is simple: a deep understanding of what you do and what you want. Working with a freight forwarder that speaks your language, and is both service and solutions-oriented, means that you can focus on your core responsibilities without the additional burden of trying to navigate regulatory changes, leaving your forwarder to further alleviate the pressure of the whole shipping process. It is an investment in dependability and risk management, that gives the customer back valuable time.

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Packaging Innovation Day is Borderless Success

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With over 150 international attendees representing 92 leading companies in the world of eCommerce and logistics, the 2025 edition of CMC’s Innovation Day on Wednesday concluded with outstanding success. Held at the CMC Packaging Automation headquarters in Città di Castello, the event reaffirmed the company’s central role as a global benchmark in packaging automation.

This year’s theme, LIMITLESS, served as the guiding thread for a day filled with insights, visionary thinking, and innovations that are reshaping the future of right-sized packaging. The morning conference featured presentations from international customers, system integrators, and industry leaders who shared real-world case studies and emerging market trends. Logistics Business will bring you the full story in our next issue.

Among the speakers were DHL – who presented its project with Adidas; Avantor and Element Logic – who highlighted their joint project in Germany and the crucial role of CMC Genesys integration with AutoStore; and eMAG – the largest eCommerce player in Eastern Europe, who presented its packaging automation project developed in partnership with CMC. Exotec offered insight on the importance of right-sized packaging in complementing the new Skypod system.

In the afternoon, guests visited CMC’s production facility for exclusive demonstrations of the full range of on-demand packaging solutions and two of 2025’s key technological innovations:

• CMC Super Vertical: an ultra-compact machine capable of producing right-sized boxes and mailers, specifically designed for small to mid-sized distribution centers. It is ideal for retrofit projects and for maximizing space without compromising productivity.

• New CMC Genesys Concept and Genesys PRIMA: a scalable and modular machine, able to operate either as a stand-alone box-first solution or integrated within warehouse workflows. With the integration of CMC’s patented Vary-Tote technology, the system can handle irregularly shaped products within advanced pick-to-pack processes.

The event also saw a strong presence of system integrators from across the globe, eager to explore the flexibility and scalability of CMC’s solutions for end-to-end project implementations.
Underscoring the event’s success and rising international demand, CMC announced that, for the first time, Innovation Day will also be held at its Tech Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on July 16th. Already functioning as a training hub and testing lab for clients and technology partners, the U.S. site will host the second edition of CID25 to offer an immersive experience to the North American market.

“Integration is no longer optional — it’s essential. At CMC, we believe that innovation must start with listening. Since 1980, we’ve helped companies improve their fulfillment processes and achieve their sustainability goals through high-speed, high-performance technology. In recent years, market demand has shifted: businesses now need scalable solutions that can be deployed in existing, space-constrained environments. This is what has driven our R&D efforts. The result is a new generation of ultra-compact, intelligent systems that can handle a wide variety of items without compromising on package integrity or throughput. With CID25, we wanted to demonstrate that when innovation is driven by vision and passion, there are no limits,” said Francesco Ponti, CMC Executive Chairman and CEO.

Tania Torcolacci, Head of Global Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at CMC, added: “The excitement we received during the event encouraged us to extend Innovation Day to the U.S., where we aim to replicate the energy, dialogue, and value generated here in Italy.”

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Automated Air Cargo Handling at Schiphol

Posted on by David Priestman

Joloda Hydraroll has installed an automated air cargo handling system for Schiphol Express at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to make trailer loading and unloading faster and more efficient. It is one of the first major installations under the new Joloda Air Cargo Equipment division, which launched in 2024.

Schiphol Express provides comprehensive logistics services, including cargo handling, temporary ULD storage, sorting, and transportation for freight forwarders, airlines, and logistics providers.
Operating from Schiphol and Eindhoven Airports, the company manages the entire logistics process, from loading and unloading goods in first-line warehouses to transportation and delivery across the Netherlands. To handle increasing volumes, Schiphol Express needed a more efficient and reliable solution that would speed up trailer cargo transfer between its trucks and warehouses.

The challenge: time-consuming manual processes

Schiphol Express’s existing equipment was outdated and needed replacing with a modern version featuring the latest automated technology. The manual unloading of air cargo, such as ULDs and PMC pallets, was time-consuming and labour-intensive, resulting in long trailer turnaround times and high staffing costs. The company sought a system to streamline operations, reduce manual handling risks, and enhance overall efficiency when transferring air cargo between trailers and warehouses.

The Solution

Joloda Hydraroll designed, manufactured, and installed a fully integrated system consisting of a 20-foot truck dock and two 10-foot powered rollerbed positions. The configuration enables Schiphol Express to prepare or unload a full truck load (four 10-foot positions) more efficiently.

• Truck Dock
The truck dock system features hydraulic height and sideways adjustment for precise truck-to-dock alignment. Its 20-foot height allows two 10-foot PMC pallets or one 20-foot pallet to be unloaded from the trailer simultaneously. Once the pallets reach the end of the truck dock, the operator hydraulically lowers the dock to align with the powered rollerbed system. The truck dock is also specified with a winch, enabling the towing of air cargo from trailers in cases where pallets become stuck, even if the trailer is fitted with pneumatic rollertrack, modular rollerbed systems, or powered cargo rollers. Since all air freight trailers are equipped with rollerbeds as a minimum standard, the winch serves as a backup to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, trailer detection is integrated into the truck dock. The system automatically detects when a trailer is correctly aligned and ready to receive freight, further improving efficiency and safety.

• Powered Rollerbed
The powered rollerbed system consists of two 10-foot rollerbed positions that functions in conjunction with the truck dock to ensure the entire system operates as one seamless unit. Once the dock is aligned with the powered rollerbed, their motorised rollers propel air cargo further into the warehouse, eliminating manual handling and accelerating the workflow. The system is also equipped with weighing scales, enabling air cargo to be weighed and labelled with a printed sticker before further processing. Automation plays a key role in making this a one-person operation. Photocell sensors automatically shut off the motors to prevent air cargo from being propelled beyond the length of the truck dock or powered rollerbed system, ensuring controlled and efficient cargo handling at all times.

Results: Unloading a full truck in minutes

The team at Schiphol Express has increased productivity and reduced operational costs since implementing the new air cargo handling system; automating the unloading process has reduced unloading times to just minutes per truckload. Operators have also noted a smoother workflow, and the ability to handle higher cargo volumes has improved service levels for clients. The robust construction ensures durability under high-demand conditions, while the modular design and seamless integration with existing logistics processes has further reinforced the effectiveness of the installation and the opportunity for future expansion as cargo volumes grow.

Christophe Darras, Manager Operators at Schiphol Express, commented: “The installation of the air cargo handling equipment has transformed our operations. The automated system has significantly reduced trailer loading and unloading times, improved workflow efficiency, and enhanced safety for our team. The equipment has integrated with our existing processes seamlessly, allowing us to handle higher cargo volumes with greater reliability. This investment will be instrumental in optimising our logistics capabilities and performance.”

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