Tag Archives: Global

Global Logistics: A View From Above

World Trade Magazine | A View From Above

Global Trade Magazine featured an article in the November/December 2012 issue about cloud-based supply chain software and how exporters are enabled with the latest technology to track shipments. This is an excerpt of the article, read the full story here >>

There are places in Africa where it is generally expected that up to 20 percent of shipments could go missing. A ship arrives at port, cargo gets unloaded onto one of several trucks which then motors off and never arrives at its destination, yet presumably comes back for more. The trucks operate in a round-the-clock continuous loop from port to factory in an effort to clear the ship and have it on its way as fast as possible, though no one knows when one of those trucks goes off route and goods are stolen. Consider this the extreme example of why tracking cargo is so important in today’s supply-chains, but knowing where your cargo is—whether it be a supplier’s inbound shipment or your own product en route to a distributor or end user—isn’t just a valuable tool, it’s a necessity for any company committed to being competitive.

In today’s world of collaborating in the cloud, there are many options for end-to-end supply-chain management software that will handle everything but spending your profits. Massive networks of suppliers, warehousers, 3PLs and transportation companies, buyers, brokers, distributors and more all converge in a hub—or in some cases, a “platform”—each adding to the tens of thousands of data points which create a visualization of the supply-chain. Variations on the software abound, but the gist remains the same: Cut down lead times by giving shippers a visualization of each link of their supply-chain, enabling them to react in real time to exception events.

And yet, at what point do you know when your latest shipment to Africa has been appropriated by undesirables? As powerful as most of the existing supply-chain management software is in providing just about every necessary service from one end to the other, widespread, true real-time tracking in-context that can actually be pinpointed on a map still represents the future…[FULL ARTICLE]

SaaS-Based TMS Empowers Global Freight Management

Jon Kuerschner oversees sales, marketing and partner channels at LeanLogistics and provides valuable insights for companies interested in implementing differentiated logistics solutions.

 

Jon Kuerschner, SVP Sales & Marketing, featured in the July 2012 Inbound Logistics Thought Leaders section.

Q: What are the biggest challenges facing shippers in today’s economic environment?

A: In today’s volatile market, managing transportation domestically and globally is a key factor for a more efficient and cohesive supply chain. Many businesses still use manual methods to manage freight, with no way to measure service or performance. Other companies are bound to installed/hosted legacy transportation management systems (TMS), which limit the flexibility and visibility necessary for end-to-end supply chain management. With limited metrics and no best practices, companies struggle to improve services and reduce transportation costs.

Additionally, as more companies expand overseas and offshore, multi-country compliance is quickly becoming a challenging factor of transportation management.

Q: How can today’s shippers effectively manage domestic and global freight?

A: To support global initiatives, shippers should consider leveraging a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) TMS with domestic and global functionality. True global logistics technology enables companies to successfully manage all modes of transportation—domestic and global—under a common umbrella while providing complete visibility and direct collaboration between shippers and carriers.

By leveraging a global TMS, shippers are empowered with a comprehensive solution for managing domestic and cross-border freight that directly impacts the bottom line. Automated communications, processes, and workflow between supply chain partners allow companies to improve efficiencies while gaining visibility into freight payment and discrepancies before they impact the company’s finances.

Global transportation technology bridges the gap for multi-divisional enterprises, enabling domestic and global logistics management in a centralized system that delivers significant value for shippers and carriers.

Q: How can companies looking to expand internationally leverage a TMS?

A: A TMS with both domestic and global functionality provides scalability for those companies that are currently handling domestic freight while looking to expand into international territories, or even those companies that are currently managing international freight outside of their domestic processes but need one flexible platform for domestic and global transportation.

Furthermore, with a true SaaS TMS solution, companies have visibility to true total landed costs and lead-times to make better sourcing decisions while monitoring and managing supplier performance all over the globe.

A true SaaS solution for stransportation management enables companies to reduce overall transportation spend; gain visibility into domestic and global transportation processes; improve collaboration between all global partners of the supply chain; and scale and quickly adapt technology based on domestic and global needs.

Webinar Replay: TMS Tips To Create A Seamless Global Supply Chain

This webinar showcases a real-world example of a global company, MTD Products, that supports the findings of a recently released Aberdeen study, “Spend Management Trends under Globalization”. The report outlines tips & tactics companies should consider to improve transportation spend in a global organization. Access the free webinar replay to learn how MTD Products is able to create a seamless global suppy chain with the help of transportation technology.

In this webinar, MTD Products and Aberdeen Group discuss how companies can:

•    Ensure visibility across all regions on a single, common platform
•    Provide visibility to inbound & outbound freight
•    Integrate collaboratively with supply chain partners
•    Complete the spend management loop
•    Automate & optimize international business processes

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. Don’t forget to download the free Aberdeen Report, “Transportation Procure to Pay: Spend Management Trends under Globalization”

On-Demand TMS® v.12.1.0

leanlogistics-news-ticker

The upcoming release of On-Demand TMS® version 12.1.0 offers enhanced global logistics management, advanced shipment optimization features and sustainable reporting.

The new version builds upon the existing global functionalities of On-Demand TMS, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) transportation management system, with enhanced multi-modal planning, embedded ocean sailing schedules, booking management as well as online storage of trade documentation.

Today, many companies are looking for a single platform to optimize and effectively orchestrate both domestic and global supply chains. Our team continues to extend the functional footprint of On-Demand TMS so customers can effectively manage the complexities of a global, multi-modal network.
– Chris Johnson, Vice President of Research & Development, LeanLogistics

Additional features of On-Demand TMS v.12.1.0 include tools to calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions, in line with government and industry standards, providing a comprehensive view of a company’s overall emission performance. Advanced shipment optimization offers enhanced flexibility around real-world logistics constraints to provide clients with greater flexibility and problem solving techniques.

Read the full press announcement here >>

[NEWS] LeanLogistics and Air Canada to Host Global Transportation Webinar

By utilizing a SaaS TMS for global collaboration, we are able to improve carrier relations by gaining transportation visibility. Additionally, we now have the ability to streamline the payment process for efficiency gains. -Chris Brodeur, Global Surface Transport Manager, Air Canada Cargo

LeanLogistics and Air Canada Cargo will present a webinar entitled “Flying to New Heights with Global TMS” on Thursday, Mar. 15 at 2 PM EST, produced by Logistics Management magazine. Free registration is now open >>

The webinar will be in a roundtable format with Michael Levin, Group Editorial Director of Logistics Management, Steve Banker, Supply Chain Management Service Director of ARC Advisory Group and Chris Brodeur, Global Surface Transport Manager of Air Canada Cargo. The group will examine globalization issues in today’s supply chain market and discuss how companies solve these challenges. Furthermore, Mr. Brodeur will share how Air Canada’s global trucking network continues to expand by leveraging a SaaS TMS solution to manage worldwide transportation.

The “Flying to New Heights with Global TMS” webinar is free to attend. Registrants will receive presentation materials following the completion of the webinar. Register now >>