Subscribe

Tag: Logistics Business Conversations

Podcast: AI for smarter, more efficient and resilient business

Posted on by David Priestman

In this insightful transport management focused episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Peter MacLeod sits down with Jonah McIntire, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Trimble, to explore how artificial intelligence—particularly generative AI—is reshaping the logistics and transportation industries.

Jonah challenges the misconception that AI must be fed a company’s proprietary data to be useful. Instead, he explains that modern generative AI systems can thrive even in messy, incomplete environments, learning patterns and improving performance with limited structure. These AI systems function less like traditional software and more like digital colleagues—adaptive, communicative, and capable of learning from real-world complexity.

This transport management podcast conversation, delves into Trimble’s Transport platform, a multi-party ecosystem connecting shippers, carriers, and retailers. AI plays a pivotal role in helping these parties work together more efficiently, solving shared problems like real-time ETA prediction, theft detection, and enhanced visibility. Jonah offers a compelling example: onboarding new users to the platform, a process that previously required a large team, is now being handled autonomously by AI agents, speeding up operations and freeing up human talent for strategic tasks.

Jonah also outlines a future where logistics professionals evolve into managers of AI teams—overseeing intelligent agents that handle tactical execution while humans guide direction and decision-making. Rather than replacing workers, AI is augmenting their capabilities, enabling smarter decision-making and greater resilience across the supply chain.

This transport management podcast episode offers a realistic and optimistic view of AI’s role in logistics, showing how it’s not only improving business performance but also redefining how people work within the industry. A must-listen for logistics professionals looking to understand how to harness AI for smarter, faster, and more collaborative operations.

Click here to listen

Podcast: Maximising Warehouse Efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

In the latest episode of Logistics Business Conversations titled ‘Maximising Warehouse Efficiency’, host Peter MacLeod sits down with Brian Kirst, Chief Commercial Officer at SnapFulfil, to explore the surprising findings of a new survey focused on warehouse automation and efficiency. While headlines continue to emphasize labor shortages and high operational costs, this data tells a different story — and it’s one that every warehouse and supply chain professional needs to hear.

The core takeaway? Labor isn’t the biggest barrier anymore. Instead, integration challenges have emerged as the top issue preventing warehouses from operating at full efficiency. From clunky legacy systems to siloed platforms that don’t communicate, the real drag on productivity lies in fragmented digital ecosystems — and many companies are finally waking up to this reality.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Brian and Peter unpack:

  • Why system integration is now seen as the #1 bottleneck in warehouse performance

  • How mid-sized operators are leading the charge toward automation

  • The most in-demand WMS features according to industry professionals

  • What the shift in mindset means for warehouse tech providers

  • How SnapFulfil is helping companies overcome integration hurdles and adopt smarter, more scalable systems

They also explore how customer expectations, digital maturity, and the pace of automation have evolved dramatically in just a few short years — and what that means for the future of the industry. With actionable insights and data-backed trends, this episode is a must-listen for logistics leaders, warehouse managers, and tech vendors alike.

If you’re looking to improve operational performance, evaluate your WMS, or better understand what’s driving change in today’s warehouse landscape, this conversation offers both clarity and direction.

️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/podcasts/ 

[Podcast] Adapting to Industry 4.0: Intralogistics Automation

Posted on by David Priestman

In our most recent episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter Macleod engages in an in-depth discussion with David Hibbett, CEO of TGW Northern Europe, focusing on the transformative role of Logistics Automation in facilitating the transition to Industry 4.0. We discuss the challenges and transformations in the logistics sector, including labor shortages, the increasing demand for flexibility and efficiency, and the importance of cost-effectiveness.

David shares his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut and how he went from the sales department to being the CEO of TGW Northern Europe. The conversation delves into how automation technologies, specifically TGW’s Live Pick system, facilitate improvements in operational flexibility, scalability, and overall efficiency, allowing users to introduce additional bots to increase pick rate or add more racking to increase scale. David emphasises the growing importance of software and algorithms in logistics, as well as the critical considerations surrounding data security in an increasingly digitalized environment, and highlights the benefits of the shared data for users of their standardised system, allowing all operators to learn from each other.

Peter MacLeod and David Hibbett TGW

From discussions around software and algorithms to data security, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in the evolving landscape of logistics. This episode is a much listen for all businesses that value flexibility and need to increase labour efficiency.

Click here to listen to this episode and more

[Podcast] Safety First: How to ensure Safety in Intralogistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Warehouse safety is a growing concern, with thousands of industrial truck accidents reported annually—many happening while reversing. In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, experts Elke Karnarski and Fabian Zimmermann from Linde Material Handling break down the biggest safety risks in warehouses and Intralogistics and what can be done to prevent them.

From AI-powered cameras that detect pedestrians to speed control zones and real-time monitoring, we reveal the latest innovations designed to cut down on injuries and fatalities. Plus, why investing in safety now saves companies thousands in the long run. Tune in to find out what’s really happening behind warehouse doors—and how to stay ahead of the risks.

Fabian and Elke from Linde Material Handling - Intralogistics Safety

One of the most shocking insights? Even food warehouses can be high-risk zones for explosions, requiring specialized, explosion-proof forklifts to prevent disaster. Meanwhile, AI-driven safety tech is making waves, with Reverse Assist Cameras and wearable pedestrian detection helping to reduce collisions in busy warehouse environments. As speed-related accidents rise, smart Speed Control Zones are balancing safety with productivity. And with major players like Nvidia stepping into warehouse safety, the future of logistics is getting smarter—and safer.

Are warehouses doing enough to prevent accidents? Listen now to find out what’s really happening behind the scenes—and how to stay ahead of the risks.

Click here to listen to this episode and more

Humans and Robots: How Collaboration is Shaping Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

In this episode of our podcast, Logistics Business Conversations, Peter MacLeod sits down with Damon He from SEER Robotics to discuss the evolving relationship between humans and robots in warehouse operations. As automation reshapes logistics, Damon sheds light on how robotics enhances, rather than replaces, human roles, creating a more efficient and safer working environment. He highlights that robots don’t eliminate jobs but instead restructure them—allowing workers to focus on higher-value tasks such as robot maintenance, programming, and data analysis.

Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Robots as Collaborators, Not Replacements – How automation supports human workers by taking over repetitive, physically demanding, and hazardous tasks.
✅ Job Creation Through Robotics – Why the introduction of mobile robots doesn’t mean job losses, but instead creates opportunities for higher-skilled roles.
✅ Safety & Efficiency Gains – How robotics reduces workplace injuries, improves accuracy, and enhances productivity.
✅ The Role of AI in Future Warehouses – Damon’s insights on AI-driven robotics and its potential to further optimize logistics operations.
✅ Steps to Automation – Practical advice for businesses looking to integrate robotics, starting with small-scale pilot projects before scaling up.

“It’s time to welcome robots, not resist them.” – Damon He

Listen Now – Available on all major podcast platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe to Logistics Business Conversations for the latest insights from industry leaders!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Humans and Robots

March marks a major milestone for SEER Robotics, as the smart logistics company gears up to showcase its latest intelligent robotics solutions at two of the world’s most influential logistics exhibitions—LogiMAT Stuttgart and ProMat Chicago.

As a global supplier of intelligent robotics controllers, SEER Robotics will present a comprehensive line-up of hardware and software solutions built around its industry-leading SRC series controllers, highlighting its cutting-edge automation technologies and innovation-driven capabilities.

With a commitment to localization and adaptability, SEER Robotics tailors its solutions to meet the unique needs of different markets, driving the intelligent transformation of global logistics. Visitors to LogiMAT and ProMat will witness region-specific solutions that have already been deployed by world-renowned enterprises, including Schneider Electric, Philips, Hisense, Haier, Gree, Bosch, Volkswagen, ABB, Walmart, and many more.

Where to Find SEER Robotics
LogiMAT 2025 | March 11-13 | Stuttgart, Germany | Hall 8, Booth 8D77
Showcasing: SRC controllers, intelligent stacker forklifts (SFL-CDD14-CE & SFL-CDD15-CE), pallet trucks (SFL-CBD15-CE), single-arm forklifts (SOF-300EU), RDS resource scheduling system, and visualization products.

ProMat 2025 | March 17-20 | Chicago, USA | Lakeside Hall, Booth E12013
Showcasing: SRC controllers, rotary lifting AMRs (SJV-SW600), single-arm forklifts (SOF-300EU), reach trucks (SSR-1400), RDS resource scheduling system, M4 QuickGo application, and visualization products.

similar news

Podcast: Automation: The Future of Your Warehouse

 

[Podcast] Electric Freightway: Decarbonising the UK’s HGVs

Posted on by David Priestman

In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter McLeod speaks with Colm Gallagher, Chief Data Scientist at Hitachi ZeroCarbon, about the ambitious Electric Freightway initiative. With heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) responsible for 20% of UK transport emissions, Hitachi ZeroCarbon, in collaboration with Gridserve and other key industry players, is spearheading a data-driven transition towards electric HGVs.

Colm explains how this initiative tackles the “chicken-and-egg” dilemma between charging infrastructure and vehicle adoption, ensuring a synchronized rollout of electric HGVs and public/private charging networks. The discussion explores the role of real-world telemetry data in optimizing fleet operations, reducing costs, and informing industry-wide decarbonization strategies.

Key topics include

The economic viability of electric HGVs, the challenges of scaling up infrastructure, and the behavioural shift required within the logistics sector. Colm also shares insights into Hitachi’s role in analysing fleet performance, supporting operators in making data-driven decisions, and driving policy development for the UK’s 2040 diesel ban.

Tune in to discover how Electric Freightway is shaping the future of sustainable logistics, and what it means for fleet operators, policymakers, and the wider supply chain. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from industry leaders tackling today’s most pressing logistics challenges!

Click here to listen to this episode and more…

Podcast: Keep Logistics up and Running with Technical Training

Posted on by David Priestman

In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, we discuss the increasing demand for technical skills in the logistics industry and the training necessary to meet this demand. Host, Peter is joined by Stefan Beke, an expert in technical training from TVH University.

Stefan emphasizes the growing importance of technical expertise as logistics operations become more technology-driven. Key equipment like forklifts are central to efficient logistics, and maintaining them requires specialized skills, especially with the shift toward electric models. This transition has made electrical and electronic skills more essential, areas where many technicians still face challenges.

The conversation also highlights the value of hybrid learning models in technical training. Combining online theoretical content with hands-on practice reduces travel time and costs while providing a comprehensive learning experience. This approach is becoming more popular as it balances flexibility with practical skill development, crucial for career advancement in the logistics field.

Listen to this Logistics Business Conversation by clicking here

[Podcast] Supply Chains: Evolving Risks and the Path to Resilience

Posted on by David Priestman

In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter McLeod speaks with Saul Resnik, CEO of DHL Supply Chain for the UK and Ireland, about evolving risks in the supply chain and strategies for building resilience. Their discussion covers significant current challenges in logistics, including geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity threats, shifting consumer demands, and post-COVID economic adjustments.

Resnik highlights how the logistics landscape has transformed since COVID-19, especially with the rise of e-commerce and the need for companies to adapt to fluctuating consumer behaviors. He notes that many companies expanded their logistics infrastructure during the pandemic, expecting sustained demand that has since leveled off, leading to a surplus of capacity. DHL has been pivotal in offering scalable and flexible solutions to help companies optimise their logistics without overcommitting resources.

The conversation also addresses the logistics industry’s push toward sustainability, a critical issue for businesses today. Resnik shares that DHL has made strides by incorporating eco-friendly vehicle options, including biogas, LNG, and electric trucks, as well as committing to carbon-neutral warehouses. He underscores that while greener solutions often come at a premium, market shifts are making these options more accessible, with costs anticipated to decrease over time.

A key theme in their discussion is the role of digitalisation and AI in logistics. DHL leverages advanced tracking, AI-driven demand forecasting, and automation to enhance visibility across the supply chain, ensuring clients can adapt to disruptions efficiently. Resnik emphasises the importance of thoughtful technology integration, which, when done well, adds significant value and resilience to operations.

In a reader-submitted question, Resnik advises companies facing cost challenges in greening their supply chains to partner with logistics providers capable of scaling sustainable practices, which is increasingly necessary as demand for eco-friendly options grows. Concluding, McLeod and Resnik reflect on the evolving logistics field, noting the importance of customer-centric strategies in maintaining long-term partnerships and a strong market position.

This insightful discussion illustrates the complex, dynamic nature of modern logistics, especially as companies navigate risk, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives.

Click here to listen for Free

 

 

Podcast: How AI is Revolutionising Transport & Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter Macleod is joined by two experts from Aptean—Manog Tseung, Senior VP of Product Strategy, and Martin Parker, Director of Transportation Solutions—to discuss the game-changing role of AI in transport and logistics. They delve into how artificial intelligence is being applied to streamline operations, from advanced route optimization and predictive maintenance to automating warehouses and enhancing supply chain visibility.

With AI driving efficiency, reducing costs, and improving sustainability, this conversation uncovers how businesses can leverage these innovations to stay ahead in the fast-evolving logistics landscape. Whether you’re involved in logistics or just interested in the future of transport, this episode provides practical insights and a look at how AI is shaping the next era of the industry.

Join us for an engaging conversation that explores the cutting-edge trends revolutionizing logistics!

Click Here to Listen for Free

Podcast: Unlocking the Levels: Exploring Mezzanines in Logistics

Posted on by Will Priestman

In this episode, host Peter MacLeod is joined by Geoff Green, Sales Director at MiTek, to explore the impact of mezzanines in the logistics industry. Together, they address common questions and concerns from our audience, such as potential disruptions during mezzanine installation, key health and safety issues, and how to future-proof mezzanine layouts for long-term success. Geoff shares expert insights on how businesses can maximize warehouse space and operational efficiency without compromising safety or workflow.

Whether you’re facing challenges with expansion or looking to optimize your existing space, this episode offers practical advice and solutions for building smarter with mezzanine systems.

Subscribe

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