Q&A with Robert Rose, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at The Content Advisory

Media 7 | November 15, 2021

We had the opportunity to interview the data-enthusiast and the former first Chief Data Officer in Sweden, Vanessa Eriksson, SVP, Chief Digital Officer at Zenseact and Board Member at Fidesmo, where she explored the different features of the autonomous vehicle. Read on to find out more about the Zenseact protects critical business and company information.

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Media 7 | April 22, 2020

Cameron Worth, CEO & Founder of SharpEnd leads the company’s mission to help brands move closer than ever to consumers by connecting packaging, retail and experiential activity. He is a regular speaker and writer on how to build brands in a connected world. He has spoken at Cannes, the Festival of Marketing, LuxePack Monaco and New York, Ad:Week Europe and New York, DMA, the Connected Consumer Conference, Mobile World Congress and the IoT World Forum. MEDIA 7: How did the idea of “the agency of things” come to your mind? CAMERON WORTH: SharpEnd was created in 2015 as the world’s first Internet of Things focused agency, so there is a slight play on words when we say we’re the Agency of Things. I think the idea of giving things their own agency is an interesting concept, and the strapline fits our capabilities on multiple levels. M7: In what way does technology drive the association of SharpEnd with global brands? What approaches are followed to enable sustainability? CW: Our simple proposition is to help build brands in a connected world, and to do that you must always start with identified consumer needs or pain points and look at technology as just an enabler to deliver an appropriate solution (when appropriate).  Take the issue of sustainability, which is often a pain point for brands that grapple with issues such as how we can reward sustainable behaviour change. One of our approaches to this could be to look at communicating the recycling credentials of the different products. Whilst the consumer can engage with a product as part of a wider consumer experience, the same technology could also house content that could tell you whether the product is recyclable, which type of bin it goes in etc. SharpEnd’s work with Unilever is a case in point. We built a digital product that incentivised recycling through gamification but also served to educate through informing people how and where to recycle in a clear fashion. All users had to do was simply scan their packaging to have all this information at their disposal.

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Media 7 | April 15, 2020

Tara Ryan, Chief Marketing Officer at Incorta has over 25 years experience and success in global marketing for technology businesses in ERP, mid-market, SMB, security, industry offerings and has driven fast growth for multiple SaaS , IPO and public companies.  Ryan works with executives and board on planning, creation and execution of global branding, communications, sites, field programs, public relations, investor relations and demand generation. MEDIA 7: When did you first start working and what was it? TARA RYAN: My first job for a real paycheck was at 15 when I worked at a deli in Fresno, CA where I grew up. M7: With over 25 years of experience in global marketing for technology companies, how has the demand generation for tech firms evolved, and how do you see it changing in future? TR: Marketing used to be a stand alone, unautomated function and in all honesty, a bit of a mystery. Now marketing is threaded through every single thing we do in business and with technology innovations, there is a real understanding of it, the programs we run, the expected outcomes and even the real time analysis of successes and failures. We used to plan a campaign, process out the creative, media and execution and wait to see effectiveness – now we do all at once. I see the future going back to simplification and less is more. We have added so many tools and ways to analyze.

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TRANSPORTATION

Descartes | January 24, 2023

On January 23, 2023, Descartes Systems Group, which provides solutions for logistics-intensive businesses, announced that Topps Tiles, a UK-based tile retailer, is using Descartes' cloud-based route optimization and planning solution to boost fleet delivery capabilities. Topps Tiles is reducing the average kilometers driven per delivery route by 2% through its collaboration with Descartes. The solution also helps Topps Tiles identify the potential impact of delivery strategy changes. Descartes' route planning and optimization solution is an aspect of its Routing, Mobile, and Telematics suite. It assists in lowering costs with more efficient and agile routing, enhancing fleet resource management by generating increased delivery capacity, and growing sustainability by reducing their CO2 footprint and paper use across the route network. Companies can use strategic route modeling to understand and refine their customer service and delivery strategies before implementing them. Descartes' mobile application aids drivers in completing their daily routes, keeps managers informed of progress, and provides an accurate estimated time of arrival (ETA) to alert customers of their deliveries. In addition, real-time mobile communication allows proof of delivery (POD) functionality support that facilitates excellent customer service and order accuracy. Pól Sweeney, VP of Fleet Sales in Europe at Descartes, said, "Topps Tiles' long-term success is based upon its ability to continually provide customers with a superior shopping experience while offering cost competitive pricing." He added, "We're delighted to help Topps Tiles minimize its operational costs today through our route planning and optimisation solution and in the future with our strategic route modelling capabilities." (Source – GlobeNewswire) About Descartes Systems Group Based in Waterloo (Ontario), Descartes offers software-as-a-service solutions that improve the productivity, security, and performance of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers work with one of the world's largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community to carry out various tasks, including routing, scheduling, tracking, and measuring delivery resources; planning, allocating, and executing shipments; rating, auditing, and paying transportation invoices; and completing many other logistics processes. As a result, the company helps safely and securely get assets, information, inventory, and people where and when needed.

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PROCUREMENT AND SOURCING, LOGISTICS

Wagner Logistics | January 27, 2023

On January 26, 2023, Wagner Logistics, a warehousing and logistics management provider, announced that it is expanding its distribution space into Portland, Oregon, bringing its total distribution space in the United States to over 7 million square feet across 24 markets. The most recent warehouse has 82,556 sq. ft. of dedicated distribution space and can be converted into a multi-customer facility. Wagner Logistics collaborated with Newmark Zimmer, one of the Midwest's leading commercial real estate firms, to obtain the warehouse lease for the Portland space. This distribution space serves as a vital distribution point for the customer Bridge Industrial/Modlo to manage the supply chain overflow of finished household products. As global economic uncertainty persists, the need for efficient distribution is increasing. As a result, Wagner is taking warehouse cost optimization to a new level by sharing facilities, equipment, and personnel to address the distribution and storage needs of multiple shippers and manufacturers. Brian Smith, President and CEO of Wagner Logistics, said, "From handling lightbulbs to ten-thousand pound roles of paper, Wagner's warehouse and management expansion into more U.S. cities is evidence that our trained and experienced team is safely handling a variety of products successfully at lower costs and at faster work rates." He added, "Finding and securing the one available warehouse space in the market to serve as an overflow facility for our client is testament that our team consistently has a finger on the pulse of the industry and is committed to solving distribution challenges using a lean manufacturing team, the accompanying innovative equipment and automation." (Source – GlobeNewswire) More than 550 team members work for the supply chain management company in major cities such as Kansas City, Indianapolis, Dallas, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Detroit, and others. The company's top priorities remain exceptional customer service and employee morale, and the latest warehouse is close to several employees' homes and includes bike storage. About Wagner Logistics Based in North Kansas City (Missouri), Wagner Logistics operates an extensive network of warehousing facilities in the U.S. It is recognized as a leading provider of third-party logistics services, including warehousing, distribution, contract packaging, and transportation. The company's clients include Fortune 500 companies as well as small and medium-sized businesses. Wagner uses exceptional technology, offering visibility and execution, and a team of highly skilled associates provides clients with unrivaled service.

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SOFTWARE AND TECHNOLOGY, SUPPLY CHAIN

Relay Payments | January 19, 2023

Fintech firm, Relay Payments, primarily providing payment solutions to the supply chain, logistics and trucking sectors, recently announced the testing of its lumper payment solution by Schneider. The pilot testing program undertaken by Schneider, a multimodal transportation, intermodal and logistics provider, earlier this year resulted in immediate advantages including billing accuracy, fraud detection and driver benefits. As a result, Schneider will now implement Relay’s payment solution for its entire fleet of 12,000+ drivers and 10,000+ power units. Relay’s solution has already shown improvements for Schneider’s customer service and operations teams. Drivers started paying directly from their cabs the warehouse fees, reducing time authorizing cash payments or fleet checks from their phones. This contactless, digital payment process saved significant time for every delivery, while the finance team received instant e-receipts resulting in improved customer billing and guaranteed reimbursements. Ryan Droege, Co-founder and CEO at Relay, said, "Relay Payments is rapidly growing, but we remain laser focused on developing products that solve real problems our customers face every day.” He further added, "Schneider is a known innovator that sets the tone for best practices, so working with them is a huge step toward digitally transforming the logistics industry. We couldn't be more excited to partner with them." (Source: CISION) Relay’s payment solutions are used by more than 300,000 carriers and drivers today, including businesses throughout logistics, transportation supply chain. From large carriers like Schneider to truck stops, warehouses and freight brokers use Relay for easier over-the-road expense payments. About Relay Payments Founded in 2019,Relay Payments, a venture-backed fintech firm, provides instant digital payments through Relay to replace the extended payment authorization process, which frequently caused delays in cargo unloading and other issues including missing receipts and fraudToday, the company collaborates with the biggest carriers, freight brokers, and 3PLs in North America as well as smaller fleets and independent owner operators to automate over-the-road payments and guarantee that goods reach store shelves as soon as possible.

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