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Softeon to provide software solutions for third-party logistics providers

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Softeon to provide software solutions for third-party logistics providers. Image: Pixabay
Softeon to provide software solutions for third-party logistics providers. Image: Pixabay
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Softeon, a global supply chain software provider with the industry’s best record of customer success, continues to add new capabilities to its market-leading software solutions for third-party logistics providers, leading to continued new customer partnerships.

Softeon 3PL customers include Allen Distribution, CEVA Logistics, DB Schenker, Federation Logistics, G3 Enterprises, KSP Fulfilment, OIA Global, PSS Distribution, Saddle Creek Logistics, Sony DADC, Technicolor, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, and more.

Softeon’s advantage for 3PLs starts with a solution portfolio architected specifically for multi-client 3PL environments, with nearly every attribute configurable at the individual client level, supporting unlimited client-specific workflows in the same building.

Softeon also provides robust retail e-commerce and brand company direct-to-consumer fulfillment capabilities, combined with B2B distribution process models in a single solution. This provides 3PLs maximum flexibility to on-board new clients easily and successfully execute across multiple client business models, enhancing revenue opportunities.

That flexibility extends to scalability as well, with the Softeon WMS, for example, able to manage smaller, basic facilities up to large, very complex environments using a single solution – not multiple products as some others in the industry require.

Key Softeon solution components for 3PLs include:

Warehouse Management System: Supports the basics from receiving to shipping in a powerful, highly-configurable Cloud-based solution built for 3PLs. Includes flexible “pick route” configuration, a built-in parcel management system, labeling and document printing tools, and many other unique features.

Warehouse Execution System: This is an add-on to the WMS that enables additional order fulfillment orchestration and optimization, including advanced labor planning, material handling system synchronization, and direct control and optimization of picking sub-systems such as Voice, put walls, smart carts, pick-to-light and mobile robots.

Advanced 3PL Billing System: Includes a highly flexible rate card definition; national, regional and local rates; a robust array of methods for charging for storage; pre-built integration with the Softeon WMS; the ability to bring in non-WMS data for invoicing; direct invoicing or data sent to a 3PL’s accounting system, profitability analysis, and more – the best in the industry.

Client Portal: Highly secure web tool for clients to view inventory levels, receipts, in-transit inventory, shipped orders, order status and more, tailored to each client’s needs.

Labor Resource and Management: Plans and tracks human and equipment resources, with a unique statistical approach to standards setting, and support for full discrete engineered standards as desired.

Multiple Order Management Options: Basic order management capabilities are built into the WMS and used by many Softeon 3PL customers. Softeon also offers traditional Order Management System capabilities suitable for call center applications.

Of special interest to many 3PLs is Softeon’s Distributed Order Management solution. Softeon’s robust DOM provides granular, real-time inventory visibility to inventory across the extended network, enabling 3PLs to offer clients a powerful capability for optimal order sourcing; the ability to manage complex sourcing rules; strong support for subscription services and much more. 3PLs can add more value in ecommerce beyond pick, pack and ship.

Configuration Wizard: Softeon’s unique Configuration Wizard enables rapid on-boarding of new clients and the ability for a 3PL to become fully self-sufficient in rolling-out the Softeon WMS to additional sites.

“Softeon has architected a solution for 3PLs that delivers powerful capabilities with maximum flexibility,” says Dan Gilmore, chief marketing officer at Softeon, adding “Those technical capabilities are matched by a partnership-oriented approach that drives joint success.”

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Logistics & Supply Chain

Ryder establishes Baton, a Ryder Technology Lab, based in Silicon Valley

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Ryder establishes Baton, a Ryder Technology Lab, based in Silicon Valley. Image: Ryder
Ryder establishes Baton, a Ryder Technology Lab, based in Silicon Valley. Image: Ryder
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Ryder System, Inc., a leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, announces the establishment of Baton, A Ryder Technology Lab, based in Silicon Valley. Baton’s mission is to pioneer a suite of groundbreaking customer-facing technologies designed to revolutionize how Ryder’s customers interact with their transportation and supply chain networks. These technologies will digitize and optimize networks at a level not currently available in the industry and will prepare Ryder for the coming artificial intelligence wave.

“The establishment of a Silicon Valley-based technology lab is a natural evolution for Ryder, as we build on the $1.3 billion in strategic investments we’ve made over the past five years to develop, acquire, and invest in innovative technologies, products, and services that help make our customers’ logistics networks more efficient and resilient,” says Karen Jones, CMO and head of new product development for Ryder. “To build on that success, it’s paramount we continue to invest in recruiting the brightest technology minds out there and provide them with a startup environment where they have the space and freedom to create, along with the resources of a $12 billion company.”

Leading Ryder’s innovation lab are Andrew Berberick and Nate Robert, co-chief product and technology officers for Ryder. The two founded San Francisco-based startup Baton, which was known for the development of a proprietary logistics technology focused on optimizing transportation networks. Ryder initially invested in Baton’s Series A funding round and then acquired the startup last year.

“What piqued our interest in Ryder then, and what keeps us excited today, is the fact that it’s the only fully integrated port-to-door logistics provider in North America managing the complex supply chains of many of the world’s biggest and best-known brands. That gives Ryder tremendous perspective and reach, and as engineers, it provides us with the unique opportunity to tackle some of the largest and most daunting problems in the industry today, while preparing Ryder and its customers for the coming AI wave,” says Berberick.

Baton’s first challenge is to create a first-of-its-kind, AI-powered digital platform and optimization engine that facilitates a new, integrated approach to managing transportation networks for customers where seasonality and fluctuating demand inhibit the continuous use of resources.

“There is a massive amount of waste when supply chains do not communicate. We believe we can change that and bring deep transformation to an entire sector,” says Robert. “That’s why we’re now actively recruiting talented technologists from some of Silicon Valley’s most respected technology firms to help solve some of the most complex problems plaguing the nearly $2.5 trillion North American transportation and logistics industry. We’re looking for engineers excited by the challenge and who want the autonomy and nimbleness of a startup environment but with the power, reach, and stability of a highly respected industry titan.”

Berberick holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Stanford University and worked for Google, Accenture, and Mindtribe; Robert holds a bachelor’s degree from MIT and master’s degree from Stanford University and worked for BuildZoom and Bain & Company, prior to cofounding Baton. Other key members of the Baton technology lab bring experience from Apple, Meta, OpenAI, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Tesla, Loadsmart, Kinema Systems (acquired by Boston Dynamics), PlayStation, Zynga, and LinkedIn.

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Logistics & Supply Chain

Rail freight on track for record volumes at APM Terminals

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Rail freight on track for record volumes at APM Terminals. Image: APM Terminals
Rail freight on track for record volumes at APM Terminals. Image: APM Terminals
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Rail is acknowledged as the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over land, with a gallon of fuel stretching an average of 500 miles, according to the Association of American Railroads. In July this year the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endorsed the push for freight railroads, stating that the transport mode can play a key role in the solution to climate change.

That assessment is something that APM Terminals has been fully on board with for some time. We’re committed to raising the standards of responsibility by offering low or zero carbon solutions for customers and consumers through our decarbonisation efforts and increasing rail transport options.

Record loads in India

Take for example APM Terminals Pipavav, which has taken nearly 50,000 containers off the road to substantially reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Just last month the port handled 206 trains – the highest number this year so far, pulling significantly ahead of its previous loading record of 157 double stack trains in a month in 2020.

Carbon-conscious in the US

Pipavav is not an exception. A few months ago, our operations in Mobile Alabama announced a bumper $60 million rail expansion in response to demand from increasingly carbon-conscious customers.

According to EPA data, freight railroads account for just 0.5% of total US emissions and only 1.7% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Added to this, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) states: “Moving freight by rail instead of truck lowers GHG emissions by up to 75%, on average”.

Sustainability with speed

The benefits of rail extend even beyond important net zero targets, as APM Terminals Americas Head, Leo Huisman acknowledges: “Our customers are looking for expanded options for their supply chains so we are focusing on faster connections to rail providers into inland markets.” The APM Terminals Mobile rail facility will therefore enable faster rail loading and departures.

Eyes trained on the future

Customer demand for sustainable and fast transport in the US and India is mirrored in Europe, where our colleague Homam Mansour is keeping his sights on the future of intermodal transport in his role as Rail Planner in our Gothenburg terminal, Sweden. Under his watch, Gothenburg has set an ambition to never refuse extra trains. Says Mansour: “We kept this promise throughout 2022, receiving and handling 84 extra trains requested by our customers at short notice”.

The commitment to rail has seen the volume of containers transported by rail via APM Terminals Gothenburg increase by 13% this year compared to 2021. More than 55% of all goods now reach the port by rail.

At APM Terminals globally, we train our sights on customer-focused, environment-friendly, and speedy supply chain solutions, and those priorities will continue to gain momentum.

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Environment

Hapag-Lloyd partners with DB Schenker to decarbonise supply chains

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Hapag-Lloyd partners with DB Schenker to decarbonise supply chains. Image: Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd partners with DB Schenker to decarbonise supply chains. Image: Hapag-Lloyd
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Hapag-Lloyd has entered into a partnership with DB Schenker for the purpose of decarbonising supply chains. Following the launch of “Ship Green” in May, the renowned logistics provider has selected Hapag-Lloyd’s sustainable transport solution as part of its sustainability initiatives.

DB Schenker and Hapag-Lloyd have signed an agreement for emission-reduced container transports with a waste- and residue-based biofuel. By end of 2023, DB Schenker plans to claim approximately 3,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions avoidance. This is based on at least 1,000 tonnes of pure biofuel.

“We are excited about this new partnership with DB Schenker as we share the common goal of making logistics more sustainable. Collaborations like these set a clear signal in the industry and are another example of a step-by-step approach to further decarbonise supply chains”, said Henrik Schilling, Managing Director Global Commercial Development at Hapag-Lloyd.

“I am very pleased that together with Hapag-Lloyd we are setting another example for sustainability in our industry. This partnership further enlarges our global biofuel offer in ocean freight. With this commitment we are one step closer to our goal of becoming carbon-neutral”, said Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air & Ocean Freight at DB Schenker.

Hapag-Lloyd has launched the Ship Green product to offer its customers emission-reduced ocean transports. Based on biofuel, customers of Hapag-Lloyd can add Ship Green as an additional service to their existing bookings – thereby avoiding CO2e emissions. Using the so-called “Book & Claim” chain of custody, Hapag-Lloyd can attribute avoided emissions to all ocean-leg transports, regardless of the vessel and route used. Ship Green is available for all shipments containing standard, hardtop or tank equipment. By offering Ship Green, Hapag-Lloyd is continuing along its path towards achieving climate-neutral fleet operations by 2045.

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