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Tag: supply chain

DPD and ASOS launch clothing donations initiative

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DPD, which says it is the UK’s most sustainable delivery company, and ASOS, one of the world’s leading online fashion retailers, has announced a new circular economy initiative that will see DPD collect pre-loved clothing donations from ASOS customers’ doorsteps and deliver them to one of five leading UK charities, free of charge.

DPD’s ReLove service launched on 15th April 2021 to coincide with charity shops reopening in England and Wales. From that date, ASOS customers expecting a DPD delivery are able to use the YourDPD app to select the option to donate pre-loved clothing to one of five charities: Scope, Marie Curie, British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross or The Children’s Society.

DPD will then collect the pre-loved consignment at the same time as making the ASOS delivery.  Customers will be encouraged to re-use DPD or ASOS packaging and can either hand the package to their DPD driver or leave it for collection in their ‘safe place’.

The driver will check the packaging and take it back to the depot, where DPD will label it and deliver it to the selected charity, who can then sell it to raise money for their cause.

Donating garments to charity is currently one of the more responsible ways that consumers can dispose of pre-loved clothing in the UK, as charities sort through products to resell those that are ready for a second home and recycle any that aren’t fit for resale.

With no infrastructure or systems in place in the UK for households to recycle textiles themselves, an estimated 350,000 tonnes of clothing is sent to landfill each year in the UK, potentially worth around £140m. The ReLove initiative will support both customers and charities in diverting clothing from landfill in a simple and convenient way.

Olly Craughan, DPD’s Head of CSR, commented: “DPD leads the way on sustainability in the delivery space and I’m incredibly proud of the team for getting behind initiatives like this. We are continuing to invest in the decarbonisation of our fleet, but the challenge is about much more than just buying electric vehicles. We want to go a lot further. It is about pushing ourselves to look at every aspect of our operation to find the green alternative and the smarter way of doing things.

“ReLove is another way for us to help cut carbon emissions, reduce waste and raise money for charities at the same time.  It is also great to team up with ASOS on another really smart solution for their customers. We’re already delivering to these addresses, so it means one less trip and less miles travelled overall. The DPD app now has over 9 million users, and it has become a really powerful tool for us. It plays a key role in helping us deliver a fantastic service for customers and it is driving innovation like this.”

Patrik Silén, Chief Strategy Officer at ASOS, said: “Our focus has always been on providing our customers with an outstanding retail experience, and a key element of that is giving them opportunities to shop with us more responsibly. We know that our customers are very active in donating their pre-loved clothing and that they see it as a great way of keeping products in use and out of landfill, so partnering with DPD on the ReLove initiative is a natural fit for us. We’re proud to be joining forces with the team to drive sustainable solutions and look forward to seeing our customers’ response over the coming weeks.”

CEVA Logistics launches FORPATIENTS healthcare sub-brand

Posted on by David Priestman

In an expansion of its support for global healthcare and pharmaceutical customers, CEVA Logistics has launched a new sub-brand to support better patient outcomes through the company’s broad range of healthcare logistics services.

CEVA FORPATIENTS now offers healthcare and pharmaceutical companies end-to-end logistics solutions that place the patient at the centre of the supply chain. As part of the suite of solutions, the company is also introducing a new temperature-sensitive logistics product that will begin service in the second quarter of 2021.

The CEVA FORPATIENTS suite of healthcare logistics now encompasses temperature-sensitive solutions, pharma and biopharma, medical devices, consumer health, hospital and home care, as well as diagnostic and laboratory services.

Centralising its global healthcare offerings under the FORPATIENTS umbrella gives greater visibility of CEVA Logistics’ range of services to its customers and assures them of the central position of the patient. The company is also launching an advertising and social media campaign to show how logistics solutions support common medical procedures and healthcare needs.

In view of better patient outcomes, CEVA’s healthcare solutions address quality, privacy and compliance requirements, including being fully GxP and GDP compliant and meeting all national and international regulatory requirements. The company ensures these areas are managed from pick-up to delivery. Specific regulation and compliance information, as well as additional information about CEVA’s healthcare solutions can be found on the dedicated website www.cevalogisticsforpatients.com.

The new CEVA Logistics’ solution requires investment in temperature-controlled facilities around the world. With the support of its parent company, the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics, CEVA has committed to operating a network of more than 40 such airfreight stations by the end of 2021. Some of the stations will also offer other services, such as contract logistics support.

In all, the stations will allow CEVA to not only service major healthcare gateways in regional markets, but also to supply more than 1,450 healthcare trade lanes globally. Through the global network, CEVA will welcome a broad range of customer shipments in conjunction with its temperature-sensitive packaging solutions, including active and passive packaging, as well as solutions for out-of-gauge goods.

As part of its product offerings, CEVA will provide leading visibility and monitoring solutions for real-time decisions through embedded location and temperature IoT devices. Information will flow into the company’s award-winning Matrix supply chain management tool, as well as its global control tower technology for 24/7 shipment monitoring. This multi-layered approach ensures shipments are maintained at required temperatures – a major concern for healthcare customers. With vaccine and medicine transport growing globally, CEVA will focus its efforts on the 2- to 8-degree Celsius spectrum of products, including certain COVID-19 vaccines, though the company is capable of supporting customers with products, including vaccines, requiring lower temperatures throughout transport.

In addition, CEVA’s approach includes lane risk assessment, performance and capability management as well as a fully integrated cold chain transportation and storage management solution. The company also provides insight on the sustainability and carbon impact of various routing, packaging and mode of transport choices.

In healthcare and pharmaceutical markets, CEVA already serves more than 500 healthcare and life science companies globally, more than 50 healthcare contract logistics operations worldwide and 20 of the top 30 medical device supply chains. The company recently hosted a webinar titled “Optimizing Healthcare Supply Chains Beyond 2021” where an expert speaker panel explored the global pharma and healthcare industry, analysing how the sector is changing and what the future may hold.

Says Niels Van Namen, executive vice president of CEVA’s Global Healthcare Sector: “Our customers supply the vaccines, medical devices, medication and other support products on which patients around the world depend. For example, diabetic patients should not have to worry about supply chain reliability for their insulin. At CEVA, we’re expanding our temperature-sensitive solutions to ensure that, no matter the logistics challenges faced, patients’ needs are met. Behind every shipment, we see a patient.”

Says Mathieu Friedberg, CEO, CEVA Logistics: “The global healthcare market has seen enormous change over the last year as a result of the pandemic that continues to affect daily life. The pandemic is also combining with the advance of technology and at-home treatment to usher in a new era of healthcare. As an agile logistics provider, CEVA will continue to offer new healthcare logistics solutions for our customers, and ultimately their patients. Today’s new FORPATIENTS sub-brand confirms our commitment as a responsive and reliable supply chain for better patient outcomes.”

Covid-19: orders down by almost a quarter

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Covid-19 pandemic placed a heavy burden on manufacturers and importers of consumer goods over the past 12 months. On the one hand, sales fell due to temporary store closures. On the other hand, companies suffered from high freight prices, overflowing warehouses, capacity bottlenecks in sea freight and delayed deliveries.

This is the conclusion reached by SCM experts from software company Setlog in an annual review of the Corona pandemic. The company backs up its results with numbers. For the balance sheet, the company evaluated the data from March 2020 to March 2021 of around 100 brands that use Setlog’s SCM software OSCA.

Because of the Covid 19 pandemic, the analysed companies ordered about a quarter fewer goods during the studied timeframe – in some cases, it was even more than 30% less. For the current year, companies ordered another 9% less on average. According to Setlog, the volume of goods delivered fell by around one-fifth in the period analysed.

Companies also struggled with problems in the transport sector. Lead times increased by an average of 10 to 14 days, depending on the industry. Transportation time took almost seven days longer on average, and products were five days late arriving at the warehouse. The most delays were recorded at the end of summer and beginning of autumn 2020 – and then again during Chinese New Year in February 2021.

“Unfortunately, the hoped-for improvements in terms of sea freight capacities and available empty containers in Asia after Chinese New Year did not materialise,” emphasizes Setlog board member Ralf Duester. Unfortunately, the situation has only improved slightly and there is no end in sight. In some Asian and European ports, containers are still in short supply.

In addition, the punctuality of the ships leaves more and more to be desired: “The value of 35% for schedule adherence is as miserable as it has ever been,” reports Duester. Currently, delays across all shipping companies amount to about seven days. In order to transport goods from Asia to the North Sea ports without major delays, many shipping companies demand surcharges – such as the Equipment Imbalance Surcharge due to missing empty containers.

“The extent to which sea freight rates are burdening shippers in the pandemic is shown by individual examples that have come to our attention. Including surcharges, companies had to pay up to $10,000 for a 40-foot container at certain times on high-demand routes,” says SCM expert Duester.

For some shippers, the accident of the “Ever Given” in the Suez Canal could also become a burden. The consequences here are also higher transport costs and delivery delays. Duester expects delays to continue well into May – until the round trips are back on track.

  • Transportation costs are also dropping slower than shippers hope. Users of the SCM software OSCA found it much easier to manage day-to-day business during the pandemic than companies trying to manage their supply chains with e-mails, mailed Excel lists or the telephone. OSCA users particularly benefited from the tool when it came to:
    planning capacities,
    changing production quantities and times,
    shifting orders according to new priorities
    early booking of transport units,
    the optimal loading of transport units
    and the good use of data and rapid transfer of information in home-office arrangements.
  • One company that has been using OSCA to manage its supply chain for years is Marc O’Polo: “At the beginning of the Corona crisis, we had to make new decisions every day and, for example, change the transport mode because ports were suddenly closed,” reports Dr. Patric Spethmann, COO of the fashion brand from Bavaria.

“That’s when it was very useful that we had OSCA as software and could thus react quickly and specifically to changes in the supply chain.”

Julius Lo, Head of Procurement at Ospig from Bremen, Germany, reports a similar story. Changes in the transportation of goods from Asia, which were necessary due to capacity constraints, could be communicated in real time to all partners in the supply chain thanks to OSCA. “A few months ago, we moved air freight from China to rail. With a few clicks, all supply chain partners were informed.”

Nils Buecker, Director Purchasing, Buying, Production at the Rabe Fashion Group in Hilter, emphasises: “Regardless of whether it’s a strike, an accident, or a pandemic, anyone managing global supply chains must expect disruptions at any time. Those who can communicate with all parties in the chain via a central SCM software have a clear advantage over those companies that still manage changes via e-mail or the telephone.”

Report highlights impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on supply chains

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Descartes Systems Group, a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, has announced the findings of its latest Brexit research report: Beyond Brexit: The Realities of Brexit for UK-EU Cross Border Trade.

Following its 2020 research on Brexit preparedness of UK companies, this latest report analyses how business has been affected by both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of uncertainty around the future. Undertaken by SAPIO Research during March 2021, the interviews with supply chain managers assessed the specific elements of EU trade that have been affected, the resulting disruption and the expected performance of supply chains in 2021.

Key findings include:

  • Mixed performance: 43% of businesses have been impacted negatively by Brexit in 2021 – but 19% of businesses are thriving in a post-Brexit world
  • Disruption reality: 90% of businesses have faced disruption since the end of the Brexit transition period
  • Economic impact of Brexit: 53% expect their 2021 turnover to be lower than if the UK had remained in the EU – and the average reduction is 29%
  • Pandemic impact: 76% had their Brexit response disrupted by COVID-19
  • Early preparation has proven key to success, with those businesses that started their customs filing preparations in 2019 (24%) and early 2020 (33%) thriving most

As predicted in Descartes’ 2020 research, Brexit has had a negative impact on both business and the economy. Of the companies surveyed, 90% have experienced disruption in their ability to trade in and out of the EU in 2021 – with 20% experiencing significant disruption since the transition period ended. Despite the high level of concern revealed in the 2020 survey, 40% of companies have actually experienced worse-than-expected EU supply chain performance, according to Descartes’ latest report.

Additional key findings include:  

  • 80% of businesses reported disruption to their cross-border trade with the EU or Northern Ireland (NI), rising to 93% for medium and large enterprises
  • 40% have experienced delays in their supply chains
  • 37% have experienced increased cost of imports
  • 36% have had to manage customs declarations

The combination of COVID-19 on top of Brexit created unprecedented challenges for businesses of every size, in every market. Confidence has been affected. Three quarters (76%) of companies confirm that COVID-19 disrupted their Brexit response.

However, a significant finding is that almost one fifth (19%) are actually thriving in a post-Brexit economy, with 35% of electronics, computer and telecommunications companies enjoying a positive outcome. Preparing early proved essential, allowing these companies to take a holistic approach by working closely with experts who understand the complexities of global trade and by putting solutions in place for customs declarations.

The research findings underline that with the next phase of Brexit changes – an end to deferred import declarations from July 2021, and safety and security filings required from 1st January 2022 – there are lessons to learn about the value of preparation and acting ahead of deadlines. When it comes to successful global trade, planning is not just essential for compliance – it makes a tangible difference to successful business operations.

“Brexit has thrown many businesses into a spin, but the companies that prioritised Brexit preparation are thriving and provide a best practice blueprint that the rest of the market can now follow,” said Pol Sweeney, VP Sales and Business Manager UK, Descartes. “Our research highlights that with the changes due from July through to January 2022, early preparation is, once again, crucial to avoiding expensive disruption.”

For the full research findings, see Descartes’ Brexit Realities Report and for additional Brexit resources visit Descartes’ Brexit Resource Centre.

Jack Wolfskin achieves greater supply chain transparency

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Outdoor clothing specialist Jack Wolfskin recently completed a milestone in the digitalisation of its value chain. At the end of January 2021, “Forwarder Booking API” from Setlog’s SCM software OSCA was successfully integrated into the transport process. Suppliers of the outdoor brand can now transfer new transport bookings directly via the interface to the booking system of a globally active carrier based in the USA.

The shipping and consignment information is then also imported into OSCA via an interface from the carrier’s Transport Management System (TMS) – and is thus centrally visible in the system for Jack Wolfskin. An additional facilitation is that documents are also transmitted via the interface.

The introduction of Setlog’s Forwarder Booking API is a first for the carrier. In February 2021 alone, transport bookings or shipments of around 500,000 goods were due. The carrier will use direct data exchange in future relations.

The commissioning of the interface brings advantages for all parties involved: Manual work in the system is no longer necessary. Employees of the carrier no longer have to manually summarise transport bookings from suppliers located in China, Vietnam and Thailand, among other countries, and then store the data in OSCA’s shipment mask.

“Thanks to the digital data exchange via OSCA, the carrier receives the booking information of the consignments more quickly and can make both transport data and documents directly available to the partners,” explains Setlog board member Ralf Duester.

For Jack Wolfskin, the use of the interface is a significant step in the digitalisation of the supply chain. “Thanks to the interface, not only will the processes for the logistics service provider be simpler and faster, but it will also make our supply chain more transparent. When we introduced OSCA, our goal was already to break down data silos and reduce e-mail traffic, Excel lists and telephone calls,” emphasises Sabine Engelmann, Senior Manager IT PLM Solutions & P2P Consulting at Jack Wolfskin.

“In principle, companies from the consumer goods industry can only successfully master current challenges such as the change from push to pull markets, the acceleration of ordering processes, and the increasing complexity in procurement and sales if they optimise their processes, collaborate with partners in the value chain, and use digital tools,” reports Setlog board member Duester. “The direct connection of all partners with real-time data exchange along the entire supply chain is becoming increasingly important!”

 

 

Logistics and Supply Chain Training and Research Centre Opening

Posted on by David Priestman

The logistics and supply chain sector is set to benefit from a dedicated new training and research facility that has been developed through a partnership between industry and education based at the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’ at GLP’s Magna Park development in Lutterworth. The Centre for Logistics Education and Research (CLEAR) will help the sector to address key challenges as the UK moves towards economic recovery and renewed growth following the coronavirus pandemic.

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is working in collaboration with Aston University, Wincanton, supply chain partner, and leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, GLP to provide skills training and professional development at all levels across the spectrum of logistics and supply chain roles, to enable the sector to become increasingly agile, flexible and resilient. CLEAR is due to launch in the summer of 2021 and will initially be based Bittesby House within the Magna Park Northern extension within the broader Magna Park Lutterworth development, eventually moving to a bespoke, state of the art facility.

The ambitions of the centre were revealed to industry at a webinar last month with speakers hosted by Richard Atkinson CBE, Teaching Fellow, Leadership, Strategy, Engagement at Aston University and including NWSLC’s Principal and Chief Executive, Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Professor Edward Sweeney from Aston University, and Dean Clamp, who is Group HSEQ Director for Wincanton and a board member of the Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport (CILT).

Outlining the challenges currently faced by the sector, Professor Edward Sweeney commented on the central role of skills development within logistics and supply chain in helping the UK to retain its leading role in the sector. He said, “Operating within a highly competitive environment with the challenges of harnessing new technology and ‘big data’ across businesses of all sizes in a changing political and environmental context requires a highly skilled and professional workforce. The aim is that working closely with industry, CLEAR will be ideally positioned to address its needs and provide skills training and development opportunities that are tailor-made for the sector.”

Marion Plant said, “Our ambitions for CLEAR are based on offering a holistic one-stop-shop training service both from its base at Magna Park and also remotely online, enabling a flexible skills pathway tailored to meet the needs of specific businesses and providing individuals with well-defined opportunities to progress their careers.

Intermodal Terminal Pushes Boundaries

Posted on by David Priestman

KTL Kombi-Terminal Ludwigshafen GmbH relies on optimization solutions from Inform as part of its digitalization strategy. Operating the intermodal full-service terminal within the world’s largest integrated chemical complex of BASF, requires precise planning and coordination. To best utilize a terminal of this size, the choice fell on a Terminal Operating System (TOS) with optimization capabilities based on AI algorithms.

KTL’s terminal is responsible for transshipment services of common European containers, swap bodies and semi-trailers, with particular expertise in the transport and transshipment of hazardous goods. INFORM’s TOS is a key element of KTL’s future strategy, serving as a central solution for managing and optimizing terminal operations. “In the past, we had to check up to four different systems to track a single container,” recalls Kai Rauprich, operations manager at KTL. “Now, it’s all in one system, providing 360° visibility into our business.”

With the help of INFORM’s optimization modules, complex and time-critical decisions can be made in real time. Work orders can be converted into shift orders either manually or now also by the integrated optimization systems and assigned to the most suitable resource (crane, terminal vehicle, reach truck). In practice, this means an optimized sequence of pick-up/drop-off points within the terminal for each individual truck. All containers and trailers are assigned the most efficient storing position and equipment operators receive the most precise instructions about their upcoming routes.

Pushing the Button

“Incredibly fast,” said Rauprich, as he described the speed of INFORM’s Train Load Optimizer (TLO), which now automates manual load planning. In the past, planning was significantly more time-consuming, required considerably more human resources and offered little space to react to disruptions or delays. “Today, we just push a button, and INFORM’s TLO generates an optimized train-load plan, plus an optimized sequence of move jobs for all terminal tractors and cranes,” says Rauprich.

Yard space is a valuable and scarce resource at the terminal and should be used as efficiently as possible to remain profitable in the long term. With INFORM’s Yard Optimizer, containers are optimally positioned right from the start and only moved when absolutely necessary. At the same time, with the help of INFORM’s Truck Sheduler and Vehicle Optimizer, KTL can reduce truck turnaround times to a minimum and maintain a high level of service quality at the same time.

Integrated Interfaces

The TOS combines all interfaces to other third-party systems along the intermodal supply chain in one central system. All information on incoming and outgoing train bookings from participating companies such as Hupac and Kombiverkehr is automatically uploaded. Updates in Visy’s rail crane positioning system and gate operating system (GOS) can also be retrieved. Even invoicing and reporting is automated using a Qlik-based BI tool from INFORM, permanently reducing manual effort and associated errors. INFORM’s solution offers sufficient flexibility to scale with KTL’s future growth.

The 6 Biggest Challenges Faced by Shippers

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Challenges faced by shippers in today’s rapidly changing supply chain landscape are increasingly complex, with many different options for shippers to choose from. To make problems worse, many organizations are still using multiple systems for shipping. This is highly inefficient. On the contrary, having a single unified system for your shipping needs helps save time and money. Here are the six biggest challenges that shippers face in the shipping industry .Pavan Telluru considers some of the challenges faced by shippers.

Having too many Manual Processes

Many companies have a warehouse with multiple shipping workstations and no integration with an ERP system. This outdated setup results in each shipper having to manually enter data into a carrier’s shipping systems. Having to switch between multiple systems to print shipping labels, documents, and carry out other tasks is inefficient and places a lot of burden on shippers. With Multi-Carrier Shipping Software, shippers can use a single screen to process all of their domestic and international shipments. The same screen also provides them with the ability to carry out other standard shipping functions and review analytics. Managing shipping from a single interface doubles shipper productivity.

Not Having Access to the Right Shipping Options

Packages can be shipped from point A to point B in a number of different ways. Many shippers are simply unaware of the many different shipping options that are available to them. From small packages to full truckloads, shippers need to have access to multiple options and be able to choose the most efficient one. A multi-carrier shipping software lets you see all the different possible shipping options for any given shipment. You can browse the options to choose the best carrier, speed, etc. or the software can automatically choose the best option for you.

Getting the Best Price

Finding the best shipping rates and transit times can be very time consuming as it requires shippers having to navigate through multiple sites in order to compare shipping options. Sometimes, shippers may select an expensive express service instead of a cheaper ground service even though shipping via the ground service would be enough to meet their customer requirements. This happens when the right tools aren’t in place for rate shopping. Using a Multi-Carrier shipping software will help ensure that you are getting the best rates on every shipment.

Having Issues with Packaging Dimensions

The changes to dimensional weight shipping that were implemented in 2015 has made packaging correctly more important than ever before. Shippers must be more conscious about the size of their packages. Organizations are increasingly making use of technology to automate the packaging selection process.

Adhering to Constantly Changing Regulations

It’s difficult for shippers to keep up with constantly changing regulations. In many instances, one misstep can result in surcharges, delivery delays or customs holds for international shipments. Incorrect shipping labels and inaccurate documentation impacts on-time deliveries, which in turn increases shipping costs and reduces customer satisfaction. Having the right multi-carrier shipping software will ensure that shippers are made aware of the latest regulations and do not incur penalties.

Having Reliable and Accessible Shipment Tracking

Shippers often struggle to track shipments due to the fact that they need to visit multiple carrier portals in order to do so. Multi-Carrier Shipping Software empowers shippers by giving them the tools to track shipments in real time all from one screen. This eliminates the time-consuming process of logging in to multiple carrier portals to gain visibility on shipments.

Shippers face many challenges that impact the cost, complexity, and overall customer experience of their shipping process. Having the right software for shipping needs helps organizations overcome these challenges with ease. Many organizations are implementing Multi-Carrier shipping solutions like ShipConsole to automate their entire shipping process. This results in lower costs and increased efficiency.

Adoption of Hyperautomation by Gen Z will Drive Supply Chain Autonomy

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The evolution towards an autonomous supply chain has already begun, and this transformation coincides and is driven by members of Generation Z (Gen Z), that have just started to enter the workforce, according to Gartner, Inc.

“Born between 1997 and 2012, the oldest Gen Zers have just started their careers. In 10 years, they’ll be supply chain managers,” said Pierfrancesco Manenti, vice president analyst with the Gartner Supply Chain practice. “This generation has grown up with digital technologies, so today’s supply chain leaders expect them to be innovators that accelerate supply chain digitalization and pave the way towards hyperautomation.”

Gartner defines business-driven hyperautomation as the approach that organizations use to rapidly identify, vet, and automate business processes that originally required some form of human judgement or action. Hyperautomation involves a combination of technologies that include robotic process automation (RPA), machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI) and many others.

Supply chain leaders should take the opportunity to attract and hire Gen Z and maximize their effect on supply chain digitalization. They should consider the following three steps when designing their strategy and roadmap for the supply chain of the future.

Automation

The first step will be to identify and automate all repetitive, non-value-added human activity. There’s a great number of tasks and processes such as procure-to-pay and customer claim management that can be automated. RPA is considered the primary technology for those initiatives.

“Over the next five years, supply chain leaders will roll out more coordinated and impactful RPA initiatives, as the technology is maturing very rapidly, and we’ll see mainstream adoption,” Mr. Manenti said. “This is also the phase where more members of Gen Z enter the supply chain workforce, changing the employees’ mindset and preparing the ground for the next level.”

Augmentation

Between 2025 and 2030, many hyperautomation technologies, such as machine learning, are expected to mature and enter mainstream adoption. They will help automate supply chain decision-making by augmenting human judgment. Hyperautomation technologies will be available to increase the accuracy and speed of decision making, for example by scanning terabytes of real-time supply chain data and providing insights, which is impossible to do by humans alone.

This is the time when Gen Z employees progress into leadership positions. As this happens, the process of adopting hyperautomation will speed up, as will awareness and acceptance for those technologies.

Autonomy

The final destination is supply chain autonomy, when all human low-value activities in the supply chain will be largely automated. This future supply chain will have minimal direct human involvement and interference from a traditional work perspective, which will suit the expectations of Gen Z employees. Supply chain employees will focus their efforts on tasks such as defining the supply chain strategy, driving innovation, taking care of customer service and experience, and controlling AI data from being biased.

“All of the supply chain leaders we interviewed agree that, at some point beyond 2030, a large majority of their supply chain activities will most likely become autonomous and self-healing. However, they don’t expect a lights-off supply chain, with no people at all. They agree that hyperautomation is the opportunity to free up people’s time for the value-added work that only humans can perform. The ingenuity and empathy of the human brain can’t easily be replicated,” Mr. Manenti concluded.

New Year, New Customs Provider?

Posted on by David Priestman

3PL specialists Gefco explain why it could be vital to review your customs partners for 2021. 2020 was a year like no other for many manufacturers and their supply chains. It posed challenges that will continue to test even the most resilient of manufacturing businesses as we steadily move towards a global recovery. Of course, all this also comes at a time when we’re witnessing some of the biggest shifts in international trade for over two decades.

Making the transition from free and open trade between the EU and UK to the current regulations has been especially difficult in this climate and indeed, many have struggled to cope or adequately prepare in time. Now that we’re into the New Year and beyond the initial adjustment period it is vital that your business is working with an overland logistics partner that is going to deliver for your business.

At Gefco, we’re helping numerous businesses navigate this tricky period. With 17 Authorised Economic Operator certifications to our name, customs operations in 118 countries and over 50 years of experience in the trade and customs sector, our specialists facilitate the customs services that manufacturers need to ensure operations run smoothly.

Even during simpler times, efficient and cost-effective logistics planning can be a challenge. The new wave of rules and regulations which have come into force now that the UK-EU border is reinstated will aggravate that challenge, creating original and complex demands on UK manufacturers, who will often need to re-engineer their processes and reallocate their already overstretched
time, teams and budgets.

The process of ensuring products are customs-compliant can often be complicated by fragmented information, confused communications and poor visibility. When it comes to ensuring better control of crossborder operations, Gefco focuses on three pillars, which it calls the three Cs: Consolidation, Connectivity and Collaboration. The ideal 2021 logistics partner will help you achieve these through a full audit of processes and flows, and through the use of technology to connect remote operations, enable your teams to store and access all important documentation in one place, and give you complete visibility of your cross-border operations.

In manufacturing businesses, adaptability is crucial; whether it’s responding to changing circumstances or customer demands, the ability to adapt has a direct impact on profitability and business success. To ensure this, manufacturers need experts who are approachable, responsive and well-equipped. The ideal customer partner will have every post-Brexit eventuality covered. In Gefco’s case, we can lean on an integrated network of national and international hubs, and services that cover the full range of over-land freight options, including full load (FTL), less than load (LTL) and groupage.

Similarly vital to the success of manufacturers in 2021 will be the steady and reliable flow of raw materials into the UK. Assessing how Brexit might have affected the flow of the materials businesses need to manufacture their goods is a business imperative. Amongst the options to consider, are the utilisation of new Smart Borders in France – an IT solution based on anticipated customs formalities which can help deliver compliance, as well as time and cost efficiencies. Gefco’s experts can help manufacturers navigate this new frontier to help ensure manufacturers are maintaining that all-important steady flow of raw materials.

It’s difficult to overstate the value of having an expert logistics partner to lean on during challenging times. And with trade negotiations having gone right down to the wire and creating so much uncertainty and confusion, it’s more important than ever that manufacturers have a dependable and capable supply chain partner: one that will help facilitate getting goods to where they need to be, safely and securely, regardless of the new levels of complexity that Brexit has brought.

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