UPS Breaks Ground On New Technology Center

Crowley Maritime Corp. is consolidating its Caribbean logistics services into a single new facility in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. The carrier said the move reinforces its commitment to the Puerto Rico market and enhancing its suite of shipping and logistics solutions for consumers and businesses.

Spotlight

RAK Logistics

Our global organization combines 10 different organizations located in 17 countries with over 1,000 trained logisticians and local entrepreneurs in an expanding worldwide network of locations. We are a group of progressive business owners from all corners of the globe who have come together to create a unique enterprise.

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Warehousing and Distribution

Purchasing vs. Supply Chain Management software

Article | June 27, 2023

Purchasing software and supply chain management software are often mistaken for one another, but both have distinct functionalities. While purchasing software automates the procurement process, supply chain management software executes logistical transactions and manages supplier relationships. This report identifies the similarities and differences between the two software categories to help you understand which one is better suited to your needs. What is purchasing software? Purchasing software is an online tool that allows businesses to automate the process of procuring goods and services. It includes security compliance and reporting features. Purchasing solutions offer integrated tools for invoice approval, inventory control, asset management, customer service, and work order management. They help manage contracts, analyze spending, track sales deliveries, and monitor inventory levels. They also assist in identifying bottlenecks in the purchase process, such as functions that have high expenditure. Purchasing software offers invoice processing capabilities as well. Procurement professionals and accounting teams can use the tool to generate invoices, track invoice status, and monitor expenses via detailed reports. What is supply chain management software? Supply chain management software is a software platform that allows supply chain managers to automate the entire supply chain process—from acquiring raw materials to delivering the finished goods to consumers. The software provides tools for monitoring stock levels, including raw materials, and predicting future requirements based on the current inflow and outflow of inventory. Supply chain management tools manage material handling, order fulfillment, and information tracking for stakeholders such as manufacturers, suppliers, and transport and logistics providers. They also track the returns of damaged goods, process refunds and insurance claims, and provide planning and forecasting tools for supply chain professionals. What do they have in common? Purchasing is a crucial component of supply chain management. Together, these processes significantly contribute to an organization’s procurement cycle. Despite the functionality differences, both the software categories have a few features in common, including supplier management, order management, and forecasting. Which tool is right for you? The answer to this question depends on your use case. If you’re looking for a tool that majorly focuses on acquiring supplies, opt for a purchasing software solution, as it will help you streamline the procurement cycle, maintain purchase order accuracy, and monitor supplier activities. However, if you wish to manage your entire supply chain operations, including supplier, transportation, warehouse, and inventory management, then investing in a supply chain software solution would be the right choice.

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Supply Chain

Autonomous Robots: The Future of Warehousing & Logistics

Article | August 17, 2023

Autonomous robots have transitioned from a futuristic system that only a few enterprises could afford to a sustainable, well-established solution in a wide assortment of warehouse automation projects in recent years. With the flourishing transportation and logistics industry and increasing e-commerce penetration worldwide, innovative technologies are revealing promising opportunities throughout the supply chain. Warehouse Automation: Driving Value in the Supply Chain Historically, autonomous robots have been used to perform tedious and repetitive tasks, necessitating sophisticated programming for setup and incorporation while lacking the dexterity to easily adjust operations. As autonomous robots become more intelligent, their setup times decrease, they need less monitoring, and they are able to work alongside their human counterparts. The benefits for the future supply chain are increasing as autonomous robots become more capable of working day and night with more consistent levels of productivity and quality and performing tasks that individuals should not, cannot, or do not want to do. Autonomous robots drive advancements and add value to the supply chain, primarily by increasing revenue potential and lowering direct and indirect operating costs. Autonomous robots, in particular, can assist: Boost efficiency and productivity. Lower risk, error frequency, and rework rates. Enhance employee safety in high-risk workplaces. Handle low-value, routine tasks so people can work together on strategic projects that can't be done by machines. Raise revenue by optimizing order fulfillment rates, and delivery speed, and, ultimately, increasing customer satisfaction. Sneak Peek into the Future of Autonomous Robot Autonomous robots are expected to witness strong growth in the coming years. These robots will become more common in the future supply chain as technology advances, allowing them to operate with more human-like abilities. Improvements in haptic sensors, for example, will enable these robots to grasp objects varying from multi-surfaced metal assembly parts to fragile eggshells without requiring changes to robotic components or programming. This will encourage companies operating in the industry to increase their research and development activities and introduce innovative and advanced supply chain technologies.

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Warehousing and Distribution

Cloud Technology: A Game Changer in the Logistics Sector

Article | June 16, 2023

The logistics sector is experiencing a significant technological shift similar to that of all other industries due to the growing need for remote work solutions. Social networking, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud-based logistics, and other technological advancements are reshaping the logistics industry and moving it in a new direction. Additionally, the supply chain and logistics as a whole are greatly influenced by factors like transportation and digital transformation. Modern digital technology is fundamentally altering how various sectors function. Increased connectivity amongst the people has also increased the needs of customers, created new purchasing habits, and gave birth to an entirely new industry as a whole, e-commerce. The Shift Towards the Could Technology Over the past few years, the transportation and logistics industry has witnessed a shift towards digitization as more and more people have access to the internet and computer for day-to-day work. From online grocery stores to local delivery apps and even on-demand airport shuttle services, the adoption of cloud technologies has given a viable solution to customers and businesses at a lower cost than before. As a growing number of businesses reevaluate their use of innovative technologies, cloud computing is becoming an increasingly serious and practical choice. The cloud is of significant use in the world of freight transportation and logistics, as it stores crucial shipping information that can be accessed at any time via transportation management systems from anywhere. The technology is emerging as a game changer for the businesses operating in the logistics industry. Here is a list of benefits cloud technologies offer: Logistical space planning Real-time package updates Leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) Vehicle health monitoring E-ticketing management Final Thought Cloud-based solutions have enormous potential to improve operational and financial efficiency in the transportation and logistics industry. Some facets of cloud-based solutions also have the ability to transform the overall shipping experience altogether. Assessing the merits of this technology, a large number of leading businesses are incorporating it for applications such as fleet-specific planning, shipment optimization, faster delivery, and others. In the coming years, cloud-based solutions are likely to become very popular in the supply chain industry as they keep getting better.

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Ultimate guide to warehouse logistics: Enhance organization, movement, and management

Article | October 19, 2020

Warehouse logistics is the heart of any supply chain operation, assimilating and dispatching goods to ensure availability and timely delivery. With more consumers turning to e-commerce, it’s important for businesses of all sizes to bolster the supply chain to handle the e-commerce business model. According to research conducted by BigCommerce, the top three factors that influence consumers’ online purchasing decisions are convenience, cost and free shipping. In fact, the National Retail Federation (NRF) found that 75% of consumers expect delivery to be free even for orders under $50.

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Spotlight

RAK Logistics

Our global organization combines 10 different organizations located in 17 countries with over 1,000 trained logisticians and local entrepreneurs in an expanding worldwide network of locations. We are a group of progressive business owners from all corners of the globe who have come together to create a unique enterprise.

Related News

Supply Chain

MicroStar Logistics Integrates Kegstar, Invests to Expand Globally

MicroStar Logistics | March 10, 2023

MicroStar Logistics, one of the global leaders in outsourced keg management solutions, announced the expansion into new international markets through its Kegstar Division. MicroStar maintains a total float of more than 6 million kegs and is the sole player to offer seamless global solutions to large international brewers. Since MicroStar's 2021 acquisition of Kegstar, its international fleet of premium European-made kegs has increased to over one million, with global reach in North America, the UK, Western Europe, and Australia/New Zealand, MicroStar is the only pay-per-fill supplier to support international partners it continues to support its expansion of significant keg float. As a result, UK and European breweries can now take advantage of Kegstar's growing network of export markets, which opens up growth opportunities and lets breweries avoid inefficient empty keg returns and less-than-ideal single-use plastic options. Kegstar customers can now access MicroStar's TAP keg management system. This eliminates the unnecessary need to scan or keep track of kegs. In addition, Doug Mellem, who formerly oversaw MicroStar's commercial activities in North America, will relocate to Sydney and assume the position of General Manager for Kegstar in Australia/New Zealand. Doug's leadership in the United States and in-depth knowledge of its model will further enable Kegstar to provide breweries with the benefits they value. President, Kegstar Division, and Microstar’s longtime CFO, Bryan Place, said, “In North America, MicroStar serves some of the largest and most sophisticated brewers in the industry by providing them proven keg supply chain solutions that increase operational efficiency and quality while delivering the lowest total cost of ownership." He also added, "I am personally excited to leverage this market-leading expertise outside of the U.S.” (Source – GlobeNewswire) About MicroStar Logistics MicroStar Logistics offers circular, outsourced supply chain solutions for the beer industry. The company was founded in 1996 and delivers highly efficient and sustainable shared keg programs, with over 6 million stainless steel kegs, including MicroStar-branded kegs in the US and Kegstar-branded kegs globally. In addition, its Network Services Division manages reusable assets such as returnable plastic pallets. At the same time, its Quality Services division ensures maximum utilization of finite resources by extending the life of reusable assets.

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Logistics

Inspectorio Expands an All-in-one Supply Chain Solution, Inspectorio Rise

Inspectorio | March 09, 2023

Inspectorio, a cloud-based SaaS solution provider and a supplier performance management platform powered by AI, has recently expanded its all-in-one supply chain sustainability and compliance solution, Inspectorio Rise. The solution provides suppliers, retailers and brands with a centralized platform to make production transparent, efficient and beneficial for people and the planet. Inspectorio Rise facilitates the management and streamlining of due diligence and reporting processes and offers insights for making evidence-based decisions in response to new business challenges. With an increase in environmental and social regulations worldwide, such as the European Due Diligence Directive and the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, global companies must adapt to the new context by ensuring compliance and expanding sustainability throughout the supply chain. Inspectorio Rise enables retailers, brands, and suppliers to manage their end-to-end compliance, sustainability, and responsible sourcing activities. The platform allows collaboration with more than 8,000 supply chain partners on a single platform, simplifying data collection and sharing by eliminating manual work. In addition, it facilitates supply chain mapping to increase visibility and transparency and identify potential risks. Additionally, the solution provider centralizes supply chain communications and collaboration to manage sustainability, and compliance documentation, data collection, analytics, reporting, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plans across teams, departments, and partners, creating a sustainable ecosystem. It lets customers set standards for document control, environmental data collection, and GHG emissions calculation. Automated workflows enable digital collaboration while securing and governing data. About Inspectorio Founded in 2015, Inspectorio is a cloud-based SaaS solution provider that helps brands, manufacturers, retailers and suppliers manage risk through digitalized compliance, quality, and production tracking programs. It aims to build an interconnected, sustainable and transparent supply chain. The company is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is used by more than 7000 customers, including the top brands and retailers worldwide. In addition, it provides brands, retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers with the means to predict high-risk areas and automate risk-based interventions throughout the supply chain.

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Freight

FourKites Survey Highlights Challenges on Ocean Freight Stakeholders

Fourkites, Inc. | March 08, 2023

FourKites, one of the leading supply chain visibility platforms globally, recently released in its new survey that ocean freight stakeholders are under pressure in 2023 from geopolitical influences, changing economic conditions and labor challenges after a turbulent three years for global supply chains. The survey polled more than 350 supply chain professionals to illuminate the most critical issues confronting the ocean shipping industry. The last few years of supply chain disruptions, including market volatility, COVID-19, global political conflict, material shortages, and extreme weather events, have prompted 73% of respondents to invest in supply chain visibility, with 46% planning to increase investment in 2023. Additionally, the survey finding includes over 20% of respondents rely on manual track-and-trace processes to track their ocean freight, while 50% have no visibility into their ocean freight. Over half of the respondents were concerned about labor issues, high shipping costs, and customer service, with 35% found to be also concerned about port congestion, and 73% had visibility into their over-the-road shipping. The survey results have been compiled in a report titled The Great Reset: Ocean Shipping in a Post-Pandemic World. The report contains an expert analysis of the current state of ocean shipping, forecasts for 2023, and strategies for shippers to fortify their supply chains to build future resilience. About Fourkites, Inc. FourKites, Inc. based in Chicago (Illinois), is the leading supply chain visibility platform worldwide, extending visibility beyond transportation into yards, warehouses, stores and more. The company tracks more than 3 million daily shipments across the road, rail, ocean, air, parcel, and last mile and reaches over 200 countries and territories. It combines real-time data and powerful machine learning to assist businesses in digitizing their end-to-end supply chains. Additionally, over 1200 world’s top brands, including 9 out of the top 10 CPG and 18 of the top 20 food and beverage companies, have been trusting FourKites as a platform to transform their business and create swifter, sustainable and more efficient supply chains.

Read More

Supply Chain

MicroStar Logistics Integrates Kegstar, Invests to Expand Globally

MicroStar Logistics | March 10, 2023

MicroStar Logistics, one of the global leaders in outsourced keg management solutions, announced the expansion into new international markets through its Kegstar Division. MicroStar maintains a total float of more than 6 million kegs and is the sole player to offer seamless global solutions to large international brewers. Since MicroStar's 2021 acquisition of Kegstar, its international fleet of premium European-made kegs has increased to over one million, with global reach in North America, the UK, Western Europe, and Australia/New Zealand, MicroStar is the only pay-per-fill supplier to support international partners it continues to support its expansion of significant keg float. As a result, UK and European breweries can now take advantage of Kegstar's growing network of export markets, which opens up growth opportunities and lets breweries avoid inefficient empty keg returns and less-than-ideal single-use plastic options. Kegstar customers can now access MicroStar's TAP keg management system. This eliminates the unnecessary need to scan or keep track of kegs. In addition, Doug Mellem, who formerly oversaw MicroStar's commercial activities in North America, will relocate to Sydney and assume the position of General Manager for Kegstar in Australia/New Zealand. Doug's leadership in the United States and in-depth knowledge of its model will further enable Kegstar to provide breweries with the benefits they value. President, Kegstar Division, and Microstar’s longtime CFO, Bryan Place, said, “In North America, MicroStar serves some of the largest and most sophisticated brewers in the industry by providing them proven keg supply chain solutions that increase operational efficiency and quality while delivering the lowest total cost of ownership." He also added, "I am personally excited to leverage this market-leading expertise outside of the U.S.” (Source – GlobeNewswire) About MicroStar Logistics MicroStar Logistics offers circular, outsourced supply chain solutions for the beer industry. The company was founded in 1996 and delivers highly efficient and sustainable shared keg programs, with over 6 million stainless steel kegs, including MicroStar-branded kegs in the US and Kegstar-branded kegs globally. In addition, its Network Services Division manages reusable assets such as returnable plastic pallets. At the same time, its Quality Services division ensures maximum utilization of finite resources by extending the life of reusable assets.

Read More

Logistics

Inspectorio Expands an All-in-one Supply Chain Solution, Inspectorio Rise

Inspectorio | March 09, 2023

Inspectorio, a cloud-based SaaS solution provider and a supplier performance management platform powered by AI, has recently expanded its all-in-one supply chain sustainability and compliance solution, Inspectorio Rise. The solution provides suppliers, retailers and brands with a centralized platform to make production transparent, efficient and beneficial for people and the planet. Inspectorio Rise facilitates the management and streamlining of due diligence and reporting processes and offers insights for making evidence-based decisions in response to new business challenges. With an increase in environmental and social regulations worldwide, such as the European Due Diligence Directive and the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, global companies must adapt to the new context by ensuring compliance and expanding sustainability throughout the supply chain. Inspectorio Rise enables retailers, brands, and suppliers to manage their end-to-end compliance, sustainability, and responsible sourcing activities. The platform allows collaboration with more than 8,000 supply chain partners on a single platform, simplifying data collection and sharing by eliminating manual work. In addition, it facilitates supply chain mapping to increase visibility and transparency and identify potential risks. Additionally, the solution provider centralizes supply chain communications and collaboration to manage sustainability, and compliance documentation, data collection, analytics, reporting, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plans across teams, departments, and partners, creating a sustainable ecosystem. It lets customers set standards for document control, environmental data collection, and GHG emissions calculation. Automated workflows enable digital collaboration while securing and governing data. About Inspectorio Founded in 2015, Inspectorio is a cloud-based SaaS solution provider that helps brands, manufacturers, retailers and suppliers manage risk through digitalized compliance, quality, and production tracking programs. It aims to build an interconnected, sustainable and transparent supply chain. The company is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is used by more than 7000 customers, including the top brands and retailers worldwide. In addition, it provides brands, retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers with the means to predict high-risk areas and automate risk-based interventions throughout the supply chain.

Read More

Freight

FourKites Survey Highlights Challenges on Ocean Freight Stakeholders

Fourkites, Inc. | March 08, 2023

FourKites, one of the leading supply chain visibility platforms globally, recently released in its new survey that ocean freight stakeholders are under pressure in 2023 from geopolitical influences, changing economic conditions and labor challenges after a turbulent three years for global supply chains. The survey polled more than 350 supply chain professionals to illuminate the most critical issues confronting the ocean shipping industry. The last few years of supply chain disruptions, including market volatility, COVID-19, global political conflict, material shortages, and extreme weather events, have prompted 73% of respondents to invest in supply chain visibility, with 46% planning to increase investment in 2023. Additionally, the survey finding includes over 20% of respondents rely on manual track-and-trace processes to track their ocean freight, while 50% have no visibility into their ocean freight. Over half of the respondents were concerned about labor issues, high shipping costs, and customer service, with 35% found to be also concerned about port congestion, and 73% had visibility into their over-the-road shipping. The survey results have been compiled in a report titled The Great Reset: Ocean Shipping in a Post-Pandemic World. The report contains an expert analysis of the current state of ocean shipping, forecasts for 2023, and strategies for shippers to fortify their supply chains to build future resilience. About Fourkites, Inc. FourKites, Inc. based in Chicago (Illinois), is the leading supply chain visibility platform worldwide, extending visibility beyond transportation into yards, warehouses, stores and more. The company tracks more than 3 million daily shipments across the road, rail, ocean, air, parcel, and last mile and reaches over 200 countries and territories. It combines real-time data and powerful machine learning to assist businesses in digitizing their end-to-end supply chains. Additionally, over 1200 world’s top brands, including 9 out of the top 10 CPG and 18 of the top 20 food and beverage companies, have been trusting FourKites as a platform to transform their business and create swifter, sustainable and more efficient supply chains.

Read More

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