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Tag: IT

Latest global shipping crisis report released

Posted on by David Priestman

Descartes Systems Group, a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, has released its October report on the ongoing global shipping crisis and analysis for logistics and supply chain professionals. The report shows that a slowing economy, retailers reducing purchases, inflation and high fuel costs are finally making an impact on US container imports. The decrease in September import volumes did not, however, have a measurable impact on port delays, especially for East and Gulf Coast ports, which continues to point to congested and challenging global supply chain performance for the rest of 2022.

Container imports into the US in September retreated 11.0% versus September 2021 to 2,215,731 TEUs, though volume was still up 9% from pre-pandemic September 2019. September 2022 volume was also down significantly versus August 2022 with a 12.4% decline (see image). China was a significant contributor to the decline as Chinese imports in September were down 18.3% to 820,329 TEUs compared to August 2022 and down 22.7% versus September 2021.

“This is the first month that US container import volumes are seeing the effects of market headwinds, but we haven’t yet seen a similar reduction in port waiting times, which would help improve global supply chain performance,” said Chris Jones, EVP Industry & Services at Descartes. “The decline in Chinese imports was the greatest driver of the overall decrease in US imports and was felt the most on West Coast ports as most East and Gulf Ports continued operating at higher overall volumes.”

Note: Descartes’ definition of port delay is the difference as measured in days between the Estimated Arrival Date, which is initially declared on the bill of lading, and the date when Descartes receives the CBP-processed bill of lading.

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Scandit launches 10x faster scanning solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Scandit, a leader in smart data capture, has launched MatrixScan Count, an out-of-the-box scan and count solution for received goods and inventory. Part of the Scandit Smart Data Capture platform, MatrixScan Count enables the accurate scanning and counting of multiple items at once via smart devices, speeding counting workflows by up to 10 times. The solution is designed to boost worker productivity, reduce human error and maintain accurate stock levels.

Enterprises in retail and logistics are facing multiple business challenges. They must deliver first-class customer service in the face of economic pressures, ensure accurate supply chain visibility, and maintain an efficient and empowered workforce. Improving productivity can ease some of these challenges. By shifting tedious, repetitive tasks from frontline workers to technology, errors in stock management or goods delivery can be eliminated while people are freed up to engage in value-add activities.

Tasks like receiving, stock taking, and cycle counting can be incredibly time-intensive, inefficient, and error-prone. Offered as an out-of-box solution, the built-in UI in MatrixScan Count means that enterprises can start using the solution immediately with minimal development time. Equipping workers with MatrixScan Count maximises efficiency, as workers can speed up counting workflows by up to 10 times. Inaccuracies throughout the supply chain are reduced as workers using MatrixScan Count receive real-time on-screen alerts via augmented reality guiding them to complete counting workflows precisely, avoiding incorrect products, double-counting, or accidentally skipping items.

“Counting accurately is a critical part of many business workflows for multiple industries, but tedious, multi-step or manual processes still prevail,” said Christian Floerkemeier, CTO and co-founder of Scandit. “Enterprises are struggling to recruit and retain staff, so by introducing tools such as MatrixScan Count which reimagine processes to super-speed through tedious tasks, workers can engage in high-value assignments leading to an enhanced experience.”

Free workers to focus on value-add activities

MatrixScan Count is built for speed, accuracy, and reduced human intervention. MatrixScan Count offers enterprises across the retail, logistics, parcel and post industries the ability to optimise labour resources and maximise process efficiency by addressing the entire counting workflow, for example:

  • Achieving accurate stock taking and inventory counting with built-in stock information updates and confirmation
  • Reducing time-to-receive in warehouses and back-of-store operations with visual counting and confirmation against a list that includes expected items to receive
  • Maximising drivers’ efficiency in verifying and counting parcels for delivery during van loading and unloading

Customised Experiences with out-of-the-box UI

MatrixScan Count gives workers the freedom to work how they want, equipping them to count at speed with maximum comfort, leading to increased productivity and an improved working experience. Pre-set user interfaces mean that customisations including left-handed mode, strap mode, and landscape scanning mode are provided depending on user preference.

MatrixScan Count is designed with real-world conditions in mind with stable long-range performance for capturing as many items in one shot at once, particularly important where large items are included.

Available now on iOS and select Android devices, MatrixScan Count leverages MatrixScan technology to locate, track and decode multiple barcodes simultaneously.

Tech firm ranked as one of UK’s best employers

Posted on by David Priestman

A fast-growing logistics technology business is celebrating after being named as one of the UK’s Best Tech Employers by the leading workplace accreditation body. Wise, which has created a revolutionary workforce management platform used by over 250 UK delivery companies, has been named on the prestigious list of the UK’s Best Tech Employers by Great Place To Work.

Wise was placed alongside some of the UK’s most well-known and innovative technology firms following a lengthy process. Following an anonymous staff satisfaction survey and rigorous external testing, the technology firm scored an overall 91% for staff satisfaction, with its highest scoring areas covering atmosphere, diversity and inclusion and teamwork.

Based in Solihull, Wise’s free platform is used by last-mile delivery firms to save time, stress and money when managing a self-employed workforce and its app has already been used by over 50,000 delivery drivers.

Hannah Jarrad, Head of People and Culture at Wise, said: “Throughout the last couple of years we’ve been on an incredible journey, bringing together some of the Midlands’ best technology talent and growing our culture along the way. We’re over the moon to have been listed as one of the UK’s Best Tech Workplaces and this certification is testament to the hard work and attitude of each and every one of the Wise team.”

Smart Locker startup at Parcel + Post Expo

Posted on by David Priestman

Bloq.it is a Smart Locker startup relatively new to the tech market. Nevertheless, it has shown non-stop and exponential growth over these past three years.

Founded in 2019 and based in Lisbon with over 20 employees, it works to develop scalable and tailor-made solutions for businesses in retail, logistics, and other industries.

Its solutions are deployed in more than 15 countries, and it says it prides itself on having grown its business by 2,000% in 2021.

From the beginning, it committed to solving the most costly and tedious leg of all delivery processes: the last mile. This is how its software engineers and founders came up with an integral, adaptable and scalable invention that fits all business sizes and models.

With constant improvements, it says it works towards revolutionising the smart lockers industry, and becoming the biggest smart lockers manufacturer in the world and the most reliable partner of businesses to optimise their delivery operations.

At this year’s Parcel+Post Expo in Frankfurt, it will showcase a demo of its most recently developed product: The V-locker, a smart parcel locker tailored-made for the giant marketplace Vinted.

From the 18th to the 20th of October 2022, all Parcel+Post Expo Frankfurt visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the company’s demo unit.

This demo unit will simulate real smart lockers functionalities so visitors – whether technology or logistics enthusiasts or potential clients – can have a more realistic idea of how Bloq.it’s technology works and how it can solve most of the delivery pain points, such as delays, returns and porch piracy.

Bloq.it’s business developers and founders will be on Stand 2049 where visitors are invited to try out its state-of-the-art technology to understand the reasons why the young startup is the winner of different prizes, such as:

  • The ‘Most Innovative’ award at the Web Summit 2019
  • “Portugal’s top 10 tech startups coming out of Lisbon”, an award by EU-Startups it has won over the past three years
  • “Scale-Up of the Year”, Bloq.it‘s newest award given by the Startup Grind 2022 Global Conference in San Francisco.

 

ZigZag claims two European eCommerce Awards

Posted on by David Priestman

Returns management solution ZigZag Global was presented with two awards at the inaugural European eCommerce Awards 2022. Competition was fierce, with thousands of renowned retailers, carriers, and suppliers from the wider eCommerce ecosystem applying.

Sister event of the industry-respected UK eCommerce Awards – which ZigZag is also attending in November as a shortlisted company – the new European eCommerce Awards “recognises, rewards, and celebrates outstanding online retail websites, platforms, and software”. ZigZag proudly accepted the awards for European eCommerce Software or Extension of the Year and European eCommerce Innovation on stage from host Carrie Frais.

The innovative qualities of ZigZag’s returns solution shone through on the night, with the latest Refund to Gift Card functionality “wowing” the judges. 78% of 18–25-year-olds stated they wanted a refund to gift card option in its Retail Returns Study, paving the way for its development. The solution ensures that even when a customer makes a return the sale is not lost and that cash stays in the business. The initiative improves the customer experience with faster refunds and fosters retention and loyalty.

Speaking on the win, Al Gerrie, ZigZag Global CEO, said: “The accolade is a testament to the innovation at ZigZag and the ground-breaking features we are bringing to the market. From our tech developers to our client success team, everyone has been focused on delivering a best-in-class solution. It is the perfect recognition for the company’s hard work.”

As well as the launch of the Refund to Gift Card feature, the panel of esteemed industry experts were impressed with the other ways the ZigZag platform is also revolutionising the returns experience for retailers across the globe. The B2B Returns platform was acknowledged by the judges for its ability to support the continued growth of omni-channel, allowing retailers to manage stock quickly and easily as it’s transferred between stores. Additionally, ZigZag’s Live Exchanges technology gets replacement goods out quickly to customers that want a change of size, colour, fit, or an entirely new product quickly, once again saving the sale for the retailer.

The ZigZag team accepted the award on stage at Salt in Barcelona in front of an audience of leading global brands including representatives from New Era Cap, F.Hinds, American Eagle, Iceland, Oliver Bonas, L’Oréal Lancôme and Ellesse.

ZigZag’s Commercial Director Jason Taylor said “This award means a lot as it was voted for by our customers who recognise the quality of our returns solution and the ZigZag client success team that supports our retailers. We’ve had a huge year, processing over £1bn in GMV of refunds through the platform across over 130 countries.”

ZigZag Global was one of around 100 shortlisted vendors at the prestigious event and the double win is the company’s second and third trophies of the year, with more nominations still to be concluded before 2023. ZigZag has claimed an award every year since its conception back in 2015 but picking up two awards at the European eCommerce awards in Spain was a special achievement.

 

 

Technology to Support the Last Mile

Posted on by David Priestman

That last mile in the delivery supply chain is one of the toughest for businesses to master. These days we have all become used to receiving our deliveries at the place of our choosing – home, work or a drop-off smartlocker. All these options mean that delivery drivers, logistics and warehouse workers are now busier and more in demand than ever.

They can often be seen lugging around a bulky handheld device to help them manage their day-to-day supply chain challenges. You will have seen them squinting to read the screen in bright sunlight or bad weather, stabbing clumsily at the display to register something on the app – all while trying to juggle the device and their delivery. But they rely on the technology for their work schedule and recording every aspect of the delivery. There is good news for delivery drivers as they will have a new technology best friend with the introduction of the TOUGHBOOK N1 Flat handheld device.

It’s a flat version of Panasonic’s already popular TOUGHBOOK N1 rugged Android handheld. It has an integrated camera-based barcode scanner that can recognise a variety of different barcode types and is one of the thinnest and lightest handheld devices in the 4.7″ category – making it ideal for mobile workers in the postal and courier services, transportation and logistics. With its handy form, the device can be easily paired via Bluetooth as part of a dedicated scanning solution, for example, for those using wearable barcode readers in a warehouse.

Delivery workers will also love it because there will be no more struggling to read the screen and record information. The HD capacitive multi-touch daylight readable display is designed for use by workers in bright sunlight or in the rain and those wearing gloves. The device can also be used with an optional Pen, for more accurate signature recording and recognition capabilities.

For those that need to capture documents or use a webcam, there is an 8MP rear and 5MP front camera. Its communication capabilities are also unrivalled in the rugged handheld market with voice and data and roaming WiFi options.

It doesn’t matter how busy the schedule, the device is designed to operate for up to 12 hours with user warm swap battery functionality. It runs the Android 11 operating system with long-term security updates and is equipped with Qualcomm Octa Core processor with a 4GB of RAM memory and 64GB of Flash storage.

And there are no concerns if this device is dropped, falls out of the van or gets a soaking. It’s fully rugged and tested to MIL-STD-810G standards and can survive drops from a height of 2.1m. For those working in cold temperatures, such as frozen and chilled food delivery drivers, the operational temperature range of the device is from -20° to +50°C.

The IT support team will also love this new mobile worker companion. The TOUGHBOOK N1 Flat is Android Enterprise ready and has the support of Panasonic Complete Android Services and Security (COMPASS) – offering everything needed to configure, deploy and manage TOUGHBOOK rugged Android tablets and handhelds securely in the business across the full lifecycle of the solution.

In the busy world of last mile delivery, couriers and logistics, mobile workers need a device that is intuitive to use and tough enough to stand up to the every day knocks and scrapes of the challenging work environment. The TOUGHBOOK N1 Flat is that ideal rugged device from navigating to the next drop-off, through to scanning the barcode, capturing a signature or taking photos of safe delivery. It looks set to become their new best friend.

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DP World tech expert honoured

Posted on by David Priestman

DP World’s Que Tran, Regional Chief Information Officer and Head of IT for Europe, has been named among the top 30 Leading Business and Technology Executives by the CIO 100 for 2022.

This is the third consecutive year that Que has made the CIO 100’s top 30, which recognises the best and brightest CIOs and technology leaders in the UK, celebrating their digital transformation achievements

Since joining DP World in 2017, Que has been instrumental in helping the business to reimagine the future, introducing step-change terminal handling innovations designed to streamline its global network of ports and terminals, and keep trade flowing.

Que has also played an active role championing the role of automation in DP World’s European operations, driving the future of sustainable, safe and efficient world trade.

The judges also recognised Que’s commitment to developing future talent both inside and outside of the IT industry. Que is a CIO UK mentor, helping to develop the rising stars of the UK IT sector, and he’s also a volunteer with the Young Women’s Trust where he helps young women with writing CVs and job applications.

Rashid Abdulla, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, DP World Europe, said: “Que should be incredibly proud of his achievement – to be named in the top 30 for three consecutive years demonstrates the immense value, insight and innovation he brings to DP World, logistics, and the IT industry. On behalf of all of DP World, I offer my warm congratulations to Que and I thank him for his tireless dedication to introduce positive change to our operations.”

Que Tran, Regional Chief Information Officer and Head of IT, DP World Europe, said: “It truly is an honour to be named among the top 30 Leading Business and Technology Executives in the 2022 CIO 100. The logistics sector is at an exciting point as it tries to operate more efficiently, sustainably and safely than ever before. I’m proud of the work that we’re doing at DP World, using automation and other technologies, enabling people and businesses to trade globally, seamlessly.”

 

AI and the logistics of disaster

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Natural disasters, such as the recent hurricanes which devastated Puerto Rico (Fiona) and Florida (Ian), are serving up real-life case studies demonstrating how artificial intelligence, or AI, is helping to improve supply chain reliability in the face of horrific storms, writes Vaughn Moore, Executive Chairman and CEO of AIT Worldwide Logistics.

While it will still be weeks and even months before the people and businesses located in these regions rebuild their lives, supplies and relief will get to them much faster and more efficiently thanks to AI’s ability to readily capitalise on incoming logistical data.

While AI-enabled forecasting has already proven its effectiveness in predicting how inventory and materials will be disrupted by natural disasters, it’s a bit more challenging to know in advance how physical transport infrastructure – roads, ports, trucks, trains, ships, and labour – will be impacted.

In the case of transportation logistics, however, one thing is increasingly clear: network flexibility is a key advantage. Using the latest real-time information about freight location, road access, weather, and truck loads, an AI-enabled logistics network has the flexibility to recommend a plan to consolidate shipments headed for Florida so they can be staged at a neighbouring facility (Atlanta, for example) and quickly deployed to centres like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa in hours – as soon as conditions permit.

Capacity management also comes into play when shipments are unexpectedly paused and displaced from their original planned routes. AI can help analyse the data and propose a plan that will get supply chains moving again in the most efficient manner.

The next challenge begins when shipment demand surges as lanes reopen in stricken areas. While pain points persist in the supply chains for both Florida and Puerto Rico, leveraging the power of AI when catastrophe strikes can strengthen the tactical response for shippers and their logistics partners, improving the recovery period for survivors.

 

SiB Solutions expands UK business

Posted on by Keith McKinley

SiB Solutions, the Swedish enabler of flawless logistics, is expanding its UK business to meet the growing interest in its services. Experienced logistics expert Paul Bowes (pictured) joins the company as Technical Project Manager.

Eridge Associates Ltd. has represented SiB Solutions in the UK since 2021. Eridge Associates Ltd is represented by Michael Marienfeld and David Bingham with a combined 50 years of logistics expertise. Now they will be supported by the logistics expert Paul Bowes as he joins SiB Solutions as Technical Project Manager. Paul will lead the expansion and oversee the start, implementation and training for instant improvements using its intelligent video and AI services to current and new customers.

SiB Solutions offers cutting-edge technologies including AI and intelligent video analysis to enable companies to achieve flawless logistics. Companies using the service instantly save time and money, dramatically improving quality through superior visibility, visual evidence and insights. This is evident to UK logistics-intensive companies who are looking for further ways to improve quality to gain extra profitability and a competitive advantage.

Cutting-edge solution

“What appealed about SiB Solutions to me was that they have come up with a cutting-edge solution to problems for logistics operations,” says Paul Bowes. “In the last five years, Internet shopping has exploded, and naturally brought problems of traceability and visibility of what is picked and what goes out of the door. Being able to validate claims using visual evidence puts an end to any supply chain blame game.”

“We have known about Paul for some time and he was the person we wanted to lead our expansion in the UK,” says Stefan Borg, CEO of SiB Solutions. “We see a huge market potential there. All you have to do is drive down the M1 and see the number of warehouses and distribution centres, both manual and automated. The potential for a service like ours that enables logistics professionals make almost instant improvements is huge.”

“As internet shopping becomes ever more popular, DCs have gone from full pallet movement to lots of small transactions. Pickers go on autopilot, doing the same routine thing day in day and mistakes happen”, says Stefan Borg, CEO of SiB Solutions. “Video clips let you see the whole process and work out any operational hiccups. UK logistics operators then get better in their practices and see where mistakes happen. Which is why we now have an expert in Paul with his more than 25 years of logistics expertise to help companies reach flawless logistics.”

Paul of course had the final word on why he wanted to work with SiB Solutions. “As soon as I spoke to the people at SiB Solutions and saw the potential I was hooked. What really did it for me was the enthusiasm, belief, and downright fun the company show that it has. A job shouldn’t just be a job, it should be a pleasure to go to work every day. That’s what I know I’m signing up to with SiB Solutions.”

 

Five success factors for supply chain design

Posted on by David Priestman

The right supply chain design is becoming a crucial competitive advantage for companies around the globe, writes Ralf Duester, board member of SCM software provider Setlog.

“Form follows function”: anyone who is into architecture knows the principle which was preached by the so-called German Bauhaus representatives at the beginning of the 20th century. Even better than in architecture, the influence of “form follows function” can be seen in the products developed at the Bauhaus. The use of new materials and technologies opened completely new perspectives in the development of everyday objects – not least from an economic point of view. This is just as true for chairs as it is for desk lamps.

What does lamp design have to do with the design of modern supply chains? To put it bluntly, you could say that the Bauhaus principle figuratively sets the tone for the design of value chains. Why? Because, on one hand, customer demands are increasing – for example, in quick commerce, deliveries are already specified in minutes. On the other hand, the challenges in SCM are increasing because supply chain interruptions are threatening companies more and more often. Accidents, climate change, pandemics and political crises are just some of the many causes.

Supply chain design is the basis for strategic supply chain planning. Proper design thus becomes a key competitive advantage for companies. Managers must therefore provide their teams with robust mechanisms and modern technologies to help them manage supply chain complexity. Tools include scenario planning, cross-functional communication and AI-supported decision-making.

Five factors will play a key role in shaping supply chains in the future:

Aligning the supply chain with the customer: Companies’ focus on what customers want is now more important than ever. Amazon & Co. have led the way. The dilemma: in meeting customer demands, both the timely availability of goods and logistics costs need to be taken into consideration. To find optimal solutions, a customer-centric supply chain must be data-driven.

The end-to-end optimisation of global networks: International supply chains that span across multiple channels and serve different markets are extremely complex. It is no longer possible to manually turn screws. The usage of simulations and machine learning methods supports the optimisation of global networks.

The sustainable design of supply chains: For most companies, sustainability is now a high priority – which is why supply chains are moving more into the focus of management. Sustainable supply chain design is not an option, but an obligation. However, costs cannot be ignored in the decision making either. That’s why modern methods and digital tools need to be used to assess the economic, social and environmental costs of supply chains.

Designing the supply chain against the backdrop of risk: whether it’s Fukushima, Covid or the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions and uncertainties cannot be prevented. Therefore, new methods for integrating risk and resilience need to be used in supply chain design. Scenario planning is a tool to forge resilient chains. Risks need to be played out at different stages. And models must be developed that enable the highest performance and return on investment (ROI) across a range of scenarios.

The use of software to create transparency: whether inbound logistics, supplier management or CSR: data silos within a company will only be broken down if all departments communicate in a shared tool to which external supply chain partners are also connected – sub-sub-suppliers as well as procurement agencies, technicians, laboratories, or freight forwarders, for example. This is the only way to achieve transparency in the supply chain. Any disruption in the material flow can then be communicated to all players in real time.

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