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Goods are Currently Being Transported Via the Port of Helsinki at a Record-Breaking Pace.

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Goods are Currently Being Transported Via the Port of Helsinki at a Record-Breaking Pace.

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The total cargo volume in January – July 2022 was 8.9 million tons, which is 8.4 per cent more than in the same period in the previous year.

Of this amount, 4.2 million tons was in import (up 15.3 per cent), and 4.7 million tons in export (up 2.5 per cent).

Unitized cargo traffic – cargo transported in containers, trucks and trailers – amounted to 7.5 million tons (up 7.2 per cent).

Measured in tons, container traffic increased by 0.4 per cent from the previous year, while rubber-wheeled traffic, i.e. transported in trucks and trailers, increased by 10.2 per cent.

READ: Top 10 Baltic Ports 2021

Despite the positive numbers, increased transportation costs, challenges in cargo traffic delivery chains and the effects of the war in Ukraine on general economic developments are presenting challenges to the Port of Helsinki’s operating environment, the port wrote in its release. However, the development of cargo traffic has remained positive so far despite the darkening general economic outlook.

The route with the highest passenger numbers has been Helsinki-Tallinn with a total of 3.5 million passengers in January to July. The number of passengers recorded on the Stockholm-Helsinki route during the same period was nearly 790,000.

“The recovery of passenger numbers to pre-COVID levels will most likely take a few more years and depends on how quickly international tourism recovers,” commented CEO of the Port of Helsinki Ville Haapasaari.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Future-Proof Your Supply Chain for 2025 and Beyond

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It’s no secret that events like COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have continued to impact and alter the supply chain. Other issues like extreme weather, massive labor shortages, and changing governmental regulations pertaining to issues like environmental and due diligence policies all point to a clear sign of fundamental shifts across all industries and the necessity of being prepared for the unexpected.

The supply chain had been facing significant upheavals long before the pandemic. In 2020, analysts were already forecasting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.2% for the global supply chain market from 2020 to 2027, resulting in a $21.56 billion market value increase. These projections have proven true, even throughout the pandemic. In Q1 of 2022, the value of world merchandise exports increased 16%, according to the World Trade Organization. As more customers shop online and expect goods to arrive at their resident doors faster than ever, the culprit to this fluctuation and variability in trade is simply that supply chains are not keeping up with the latest technology to stay ahead of the curve. While many can blame it on “The Amazon Effect,” where there is an ever-increasing demand for quick fulfillment and deliveries, this market shift was inevitable, and these current issues are simply catalysts to expedited change.

It’s time companies adapt and evolve. Here are some ways to future-proof your supply chain for 2025 and beyond:

Embrace Digitization
It wasn’t too long ago that the process of aggregating and analyzing data took a team of people. They would first have to compile and analyze pages upon pages of spreadsheets–or even place post-it notes on a bulletin board–before a decision could be made weeks later. Technology offers a better way, but for many, there remains a large opportunity to boost digital efforts. In fact, according to Gartner’s 2021 Future of Supply Chain survey, only 1% of supply chain leaders have a digital ecosystem, but 23% of supply chain leaders expect to have one by 2025.

A digital ecosystem is a framework of software and technology that creates a cohesive digital strategy across an organization. When it comes to the supply chain, this could translate to global trade and transportation execution (GTTE) software that provides an adaptive solution to manage global trade, compliance and distribution activities. GTTE digitizes the supply chain and automates processes, providing access to a global trade network and real-time information to control costs, mitigate risk and rapidly adapt to changing regulations.

#1. To future-proof your supply chain, find ways to digitize and transform each process.

For example, perform a time-to-value study to identify areas to automate. This can be easily done by using a timer to track the duration of printing to processing to loading inventory. Even something as simple as the amount of time it takes to print a carrier compliant shipping label can make all the difference. If it takes under a second to print a label, you can process 1,000 labels in less than 17 minutes. If it takes 2 seconds, you’re looking at more than half an hour. That’s not a big deal if you are processing only 1,000 parcels a day. But if you are shipping 10,000, 20,000 or more parcels a day, those extra seconds add up.

In addition, today’s digital supply chain tools have the ability to quickly find the fastest route or cheapest carrier in real-time, allowing for instant decision-making to meet customer expectations. Plus, with the proper software, they’re all located in one platform, with easy-to-read reports. With greater digital connectivity with supply chain partners and without the need for all the extra steps, both shipping and labor costs are cut, while productivity is improved.

Shift to e-Commerce
Digital transformation can lead to entirely new business models that factor in the growing e-commerce sector, whether business-to-consumer or business-to-business. According to the same Gartner survey, 79% of supply chain leaders think that an internet- or platform-based approach is the most critical new business model to support post-pandemic recovery.

#2. Future-proof your supply chain by building scalable capacity.

Now, more than ever, consumers are buying online and the number is only increasing. A good supply chain partner will help assess customer needs and identify the right software to support them. Having a model that supports market shifts like the e-commerce boom and COVID-19 will make sense for the bottom line while improving customer experience.

Go to the Cloud
Without a finger on the pulse of the customer, companies will inevitably lag behind. They have to adapt to the constantly evolving trends. Gartner/Oxford reports that 98% of supply chain leaders believe working from home will increase over the next five years. This will require a completely new strategy to find cohesion among departments to keep the supply chain moving. With so many businesses still reliant on manual processes and legacy technologies, not only is supply slowing down, but collaboration is becoming nearly impossible. In a 2021 Oxford Economics procurement survey, 38% of organizations are still stuck using manual procurement processes (like phone calls and spreadsheets) as their primary method of communication with external supply chain partners, taking up to weeks to make sure everyone is properly looped in.

#3. Future-proof and unify these connections by moving to the cloud.

Platforms that utilize the cloud are able to access real-time visibility into supply chain conditions. Without being solely reliant on the information provided by one facility or one carrier at a time, quick access to all locations’ data across the supply chain’s business network and cloud platform allows organizations, and their supply chain partners, to respond and adapt quickly. Quicker visibility can greatly improve supply chain performance by enabling faster and more cost-efficient delivery of products, enhancing products’ traceability and improving coordination between supply chain partners. Your access to this information and subsequent reaction can be the difference between business resilience and ongoing customer satisfaction or delayed orders, unhappy customers and spiraling costs. Cloud technology brings a company into the future by adopting a collaboration process that is no longer linear, but one that is connected by many branches, ultimately minimizing risks that arise.

Ensure Ongoing Trade Compliance

This future-proof tip simply requires you to be diligent on a global scale. Avoid complications that can cause costly fines or reputational damage by becoming well-versed in trade compliance.

#4. Future-proof your supply chain by putting trade compliance at the forefront to mitigate potential disruptions.

An effective global trade management solution reduces the risk of non-compliance, avoids delays at the border and simplifies import/export processes. For example, knowing the specific requirements of a cross-border transaction or the exact tariff implications helps the company better plan and execute global trade and transportation–at a lower cost and quicker timeframe.

 Localize the Stock

You can even take it a step further by taking advantage of Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs). FTZs, also referred to internationally as “free-trade zones” (and formerly named “free ports”), are areas where goods may be landed, handled, manufactured or reconfigured, and re-exported without the intervention of the customs authorities. The companies that have leveraged these zones drastically reduce or eliminate duty costs, encourage domestic trade and improve supply chain productivity.

Even with an ability to communicate and collaborate instantly on a global scale, the final future-proofing tip is to reassess offshoring strategies and bringing some of the supply closer to the demand. Investing in local sources like FTZs or regional manufacturers will increase the supply chain’s resilience and the agility needed to go to local markets or meet global regulations.

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, the future is now for supply chain professionals to boost digital efforts and connect more tightly with partners. It’s important to assess the potential of digitalization on current processes and the deployment of a connected ecosystem with other firms. Yes, this requires a resource commitment but the investment results in improved supply chain performance and competitive advantages. Following these 4 tips not only gives companies a competitive edge, they will help shield from future unplanned disruptions.

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 9 Benefits of Trading Forex

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Forex is setting a high trend among millennials. It has been always recognized as a high-potential investment instrument. In fact, 46% of younger investors traded derivatives more than the average. With the entry of AI into trade, it has been a true game changer.

Trading strategy software gives you a competitive edge in the market like a trading pro. When it comes to forex trading, it’s not only about making the right trade, but also about making it at the right time and place. With trading automation software, you can shape your strategies based on real-time information.

Trading forex is unpredictable, but it can be a profitable way to make money. If you’re here, then you’re interested in what you can get from trading forex. This article will tackle some of its benefits, but first, let’s understand what it means.

What is Forex Trading?

The essence of forex trading is the act of buying and selling currencies for financial gain. As a forex trader, you will predict whether the value of a currency pair will rise or fall. The decision to buy or sell the pair depends on this choice.

Most forex transactions have a forex broker. With the advent of online trading, you can now use software for trading. To put it another way, when you use trading tool software, you can let the program handle your trade.

AI in Forex Trading

Does AI trade actually work? Trading automation software makes trading easier and stress-free. The majority of AI trading uses “trading robots.” They can do market research and execute transactions on a user’s behalf.

The AI trading system software has no emotions or psychological biases. As a result, applying AI makes transactions far more effective. When combined with fast execution, the outcomes are better profits.

If you are a beginner, AI trading platforms can help you develop and earn more money. The trading robots use machine learning and artificial intelligence in their trading strategies. It enables them to predict eventualities in real-time, resulting in the best trades.

The AI forex trading program places a trade after seeing a trading opportunity. It also uses the best stop loss and takes profit settings. You can use the entire method to trade the FX market with no manual input.

What Are the Benefits of Forex Trading? 

Forex trading has benefits that make the market appealing to traders. You should understand all that it has to offer before jumping in. Here are nine of its most significant benefits.

1. High Volatility

You can’t completely avoid currency volatility. But, you can prepare for how you handle unstable markets. To do this, you need to use different risk-management measures, including:

  • Trade ideas charting software. Earning a profit during a market slump is a good opportunity to take advantage of. Some trading analysis software offers charting software to members at no extra cost. You can check the charts for any period or view the current price fluctuations. This makes it simpler to see everything at once.

 

  • One-click trade. It recommends the position size to match your risk management rules based on the stop loss. It is a practical way to increase the efficiency of your order entry. You can place trades with a one-click transaction right away, so you don’t miss out on market prices.

 

Prices for some currencies vary because of the large volume of daily currency trades. And sometimes, it amounts to billions of dollars each minute. Speculating on price changes has the potential to result in significant rewards.

2. Fast Liquidity

Most forex traders use AI trading platforms, which improves the efficiency of order fulfillment. With these trading platforms, you can easily find a buyer or seller. Using one means you won’t have to worry about price manipulation and anomalies any longer.

3. No Regulator

Regulating foreign exchange is a difficult task since it takes place in a global and digital environment. Fortunately, this benefits traders like you. Without a centralized exchange system, independent organizations regulate each nation.

These consumer protection organizations make sure that brokers have valid licenses. They also have strict regulations for brokers to safeguard the interests of traders who use their services. Licensed forex brokers assure you that they are fair, transparent, and strictly monitored.

4. Works for all Trading Styles

Your trading approach will depend on your goals and resources for FX trading. There are many trading approaches you can try, including:

  • Swing trading
  • Scalping
  • Day trading
  • Price action method

Short selling (exchanging one currency for another) is a necessary component of forex trading. Earning or losing money will depend on your forecast. As a result, it is possible to make money regardless of how the market performs.

5. Large and Global Market

If you don’t know already, the foreign currency market is large. These merchants come from all around the world, connected through trading automation software. This market has a daily average currency transaction of more than $6.6 trillion. This makes it an even more profitable trading venue.

6. Round the Clock Market Hours

The currency market is always open 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. Plus, it is not based on what the market demands. That means you won’t have to wait for the opening bell. You can trade as long as a market is open somewhere in the world.

But to make the most of it, you should know the weekend forex trading hours. Consider putting stops and limits in place to mitigate gaping risks. Using AI trading software can help you manage your different trading systems.

7. Easily Accessible

One of the main benefits of forex trading is accessibility. It’s really simple to start trading forex, even with a small amount of money. This makes it a great avenue if you’re just starting on your journey with trading.

In short, money will not be an issue if you want to invest in forex trading. While that is the case, successful trading requires you to have enough trading knowledge and skills.

Luckily, you can practice forex trading with free demo accounts without taking any risks. Demo accounts let you practice using a trading platform. This will, then, help you become familiar with market movements.

Aside from this, some practice trading platforms work like real trading platforms. This way, you can create a risk management strategy without putting any money on the line.

8. The Use of Leverage

The best part of FX trading is that you can use margin trading with a large leverage factor. Leverage, or multiplier, allows you to open large trading positions with little capital. It works by borrowing money from a broker so that you can trade large positions in the currency. 

If you want to use leverage, maximizing your prospective rewards is your best strategy. And by using trading analysis software, you can better manage the risks that come with this. It offers running balances, stop losses, guaranteed stops, and price alerts.

9. Low Transactional Charges

For deals with high volume, there are sometimes no fees, or if there are any, you can still afford them. And you can thank forex brokers for that. If you want to know how they can do that, they use the spread to make money. This makes forex trading a cost-effective investment method.

AI Trading Platforms Makes Trading Forex a Rewarding Experience

Trading in the forex market is an exciting and rewarding practice. Remember that Forex is not a simple game that you can play with a few simple tricks. The most lucrative strategy for forex traders is to let money ride.

In the forex markets, volatility is the name of the game. Prices swing, and trends can turn on a dime. Trading needs a healthy amount of patience and discipline.

With that said, it’s hard to go wrong with a reliable AI trading platform. Research your options and ask the experts. With the right platform, you’ll see all that forex trading has to offer.

 

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Lineage Logistics Announces Acquisition of Spanish Transport and Cold-Store Operator Grupo Fuentes

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Lineage Logistics, LLC (“Lineage” or the “Company”), one of the world’s leading temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions providers, today announced its intention to acquire Grupo Fuentes, a major operator of transport and cold storage facilities, headquartered in Murcia, Spain.

Grupo Fuentes operates a fleet of over 500 vehicles and trailers, 6 logistics centers, a cold storage warehouse, and services supporting those facilities. It is also a founding member of Reefer Terminal, a strategic partnership to create an intermodal transportation platform combining road and rail cold-storage transport services.

Grupo Fuentes is headquartered in Murcia, with offices in Galicia, Madrid, Navarra, Valencia, and the Netherlands. The company counts some of Spain’s major food and retail companies as customers, with a significant share of the business providing cold storage, transport, and international transport services covering Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and the UK.

Grupo Fuentes has a cold-storage warehouse in Murcia with 60,000 pallet positions and plans to expand the site with an additional 40,000 pallet positions.

Lineage first entered Spain in May 2021, with the acquisition of Frigoríficos de Navarra warehouses in Navarra and Asturias. The acquisition of Grupo Fuentes and its transport fleet is a complement to Lineage’s recent expansion of its European warehouse facilities.

Deloitte acts as financial advisor and legal counsel to the Fuentes family. Rabobank and Seven Lakes Partners act as Lineage’s financial advisors and Latham & Watkins and Garrigues serve as its legal counsels.

About Lineage Logistics

Lineage Logistics is one of the world’s leading temperature-controlled industrial REITs and logistics solutions providers. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totaling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity which spans 20 countries across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Lineage’s industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its real estate network, and development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the company’s leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was a 2022 U.S. Best Managed Company, No. 3 in the 2022 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Company’s 2019 list of The World’s Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortune’s Change The World list in 2020.

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Maersk to Adopt New Container Firefighting System Fleet-Wide

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A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) will install VIKING’s HydroPen system across its entire fleet – a system designed for direct firefighting in stacked shipping containers.

VIKING is a provider in maritime, offshore and fire safety solutions. This contract represents the single largest HydroPen order for VIKING Life-Saving Equipment.

According to the company, the HydroPen system is driven purely by water pressure through an attached deck fire hose. When water pressure is activated, a turbine will drive the HydroPen drilling unit until it penetrates the container door, whereupon the system will spray water into the container to extinguish the fire directly at the source.

In the case of a fire at height in the container stack, the HydroPen system can be deployed using a telescopic device. Beyond water, the system is compatible with foam or CO2.

READ: Virtual Reality Training for Industrial Firefighting

“From having been involved in the early development phases to fully implementing the HydroPen system, Maersk has once again shown its uncompromising commitment to go beyond industry standards, to protect both its crews and its clients’ cargo and assets,” said Anders Nørgaard Lauridsen, VIKING’s Senior Country Director, Baltic Sea.

Besides the system itself, the company also offers digital training through its VIKING Safety Academy platform.

This online HydroPen training option has obtained the TT Club’s ‘Innovation in Safety’ award earlier this year.

Earlier this week, Singaporean furniture retailer Castlery and Maersk signed a multi-year global integrated logistics and fulfilment partnership.

The partnership will enable Castlery to offer delivery for customers, reducing wait times for orders to one to two months, approximately three times faster than the industry average of three to six months.

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More Brands Are Choosing Air Cargo to Reduce Shipping Costs

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Shipping items by air is not the least expensive option. Still, air freight popularity has recently been rising because company representatives realize it’s sometimes the most economical option in the long run to reduce shipping costs. Other methods are more expensive than before, and delays are more likely to occur due to port congestion. Here’s a closer look at why many decision-makers realize air cargo is the way to go. 

Efforts to Reduce Shipping Costs Align With Other Goals

A vital factor to remember is that logistics leaders have more in mind than shipping costs when they outline their priorities. They understandably want to get goods to their destinations as efficiently as possible but recognize that might mean paying more for air cargo. 

A July 2022 article from Financial Times mentioned Levi Strauss, Lululemon Athletica and Gap as some of the fashion brands that have recently relied on air cargo. Some of those businesses spent several million on it, cutting into their profit margins. However, some company leaders deemed the expense worthwhile, especially since other transportation methods are often slower and less reliable. 

Those downsides are particularly problematic for industries such as fast fashion, which depend on getting the latest styles quickly and keeping them in stock for eager buyers. The air freight popularity is also easier to justify when the products shipped are essential for business. Brady, a manufacturer of technical and safety equipment, was another company reported to have recently sent some of its critical components by air. 

Examples like these illustrate why logistics leaders must weigh shipping prices alongside all other aspects. Going with a lower-priced option might keep things within budget in one regard, but it could make costs balloon elsewhere. 

That could happen if the items are delayed too long and are hotly anticipated products that must arrive by specific deadlines. Amazon has guaranteed delivery dates for some products and will refund all shipping costs if they don’t come on time. It’s easy to imagine how much such mishaps would cost if they involve products purchased by thousands of consumers. In those cases, the expenses span beyond the financial into the reputational. 

Fewer Unknown Variables Bolster Air Freight Popularity

The people who work hard to ensure items arrive on time have no choice but to remain calm and adaptable when faced with factors outside their control. There’s no way to eliminate those things. However, one advantage of air freight is that it usually enables more predictability than other shipping methods. That’s because there are generally fewer prolonged uncontrollable variables defining what happens to goods sent by air. 

Road construction can last for months, resulting in long-term traffic congestion. However, most air cargo-related delays only last for a few hours at most. Even if they occur, the overall impact is less disruptive. 

Pilots often have more options for how they handle bad weather, too. Some can fly above storms, mitigating most of the adverse effects. That’s not always the case with sea cargo, where wave swells could result in lost containers. Similarly, truck drivers must often pull over and wait until storms pass. 

That said, logistics leaders still must plan for what happens once the flown goods leave the planes that carried them. One expert in the logistics-as-a-service industry said 5 million packages cannot be delivered per day due to a lack of capacity. 

Route planning apps, micro-distribution centers and drones are some of the avenues company leaders pursue to get parcels to their destinations. Such solutions will have to help fill in the gaps for now because building more warehouses takes time and financial resources. 

Logistics Professionals Can Reduce Shipping Costs With Air Cargo’s Increased Flexibility

A World Bank report examined the potential for air cargo options to help landlocked and developing nations achieve a competitive advantage. It clarified that sending things by air typically costs 12-16 times that of ocean freight. Similarly, the prices are usually four to five times costlier than moving products over land.

However, the analysis cautioned that some things must happen first for the nations in question to maximize the benefits they experience from an increase in air freight. For example, they must enhance airport operations and make it easier for foreign planes to arrive and depart. If that happens, these countries could open new shipping opportunities. 

The report explained how some manufacturers will make deals for shorter production timelines if air freight is a transportation option. Air freight also allows supply chain diversification. In some cases, initial orders of products arrive by sea. Then, once it becomes clear the items are in higher-than-expected demand, the replenishments can come by air. Such arrangements can reduce shipping costs by giving logistics professionals more options and flexibility. 

Amazon Banking on the Air Cargo Boom

Amazon is among the companies where getting products to customers on time is a top priority. That’s likely one of the reasons for the company’s increased investments in its air cargo division. DePaul University researchers investigated the matter. They confirmed the e-commerce giant has stepped up its flight activity by 14.3% since August 2021. 

The company has centered much of its expansion in the European market, thanks in part to its Irish partner, ASL. The collaboration, along with a larger network of planes used by but not registered to the company, allowed Amazon to have at least 38 flights daily in that part of the world. That number was up from eight flights daily in August 2021. 

However, there’s good news for the United States market, too, the DePaul University team found. Their data indicated Amazon’s air cargo network is now within 100 miles of where 73% of the U.S. population lives. 

The researchers also clarified that the e-commerce giant primarily uses air cargo to move goods between its warehouses and distribution centers. It still needs road transportation to get products to people’s doorsteps. However, Amazon’s increased investments mean company leaders need not worry if the overall air freight popularity wanes. They can control more factors in-house, which could reduce shipping costs. 

Even so, Amazon does not yet have an airline operating certificate and still relies heavily on contractors. However, it purchased minority equity stakes in Atlas Air and ATGS, signaling its ongoing commitment to moving products by air when possible. 

Will the Air Freight Popularity Last?

It’s too early to say whether the current air freight popularity in the industry will persist in the long term. Much depends on whether prices remain relatively affordable or trend upward. Plus, the extent that people can reduce shipping costs by sending things by air largely depends on the particular items transported and any relevant aspects surrounding those goods. 

However, logistics experts should take those things into account. After evaluating such factors, they’ll be in a good position to decide the most appropriate ways to ship products.

About Author

Emily Newton is an industrial journalist. As Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized, she regularly covers how technology is changing the industry.

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Nine Areas Where Manufacturers Should Consider Business Process Outsourcing

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As a manufacturer, your intent and hope is to bring all of your operations in-house — but the reality is that’s not always a practical solution. Why? Maybe your staff isn’t adequately trained or qualified to do so. Or, perhaps it doesn’t make financial sense to build a full-time team capable of bringing that vision to life.

Guess what? You’re not alone. According to a 2019 study, more than a third of small businesses outsourced some element of their business practices. A business process outsourcing (BPO) service empowers you and your team to focus on more high-level core business functions and let outside experts handle those other mission-critical organizational needs.

Best of all, outsourcing can boost your company’s profitability and productivity. Here are some areas in which BPO can best serve you:

  • Accounting

While a user-friendly software like QuickBooks can help oversee your company’s finances, accounting is still a specialized skill that takes time to learn. Devoting too much time to it without the necessary know-how can take you and your employees away from other urgent core duties. If you’re not a financial expert, it may make sense to forego having a full-time CFO and instead contract a person or firm to work through it all for you.

  • Customer Service

You likely already deal with most of your customers online or over the phone. Still, why have your employees spend time in the office dealing with them when outsourcers can do the same? A call center or chat service based in the U.S. or overseas can handle all customer inquiries to your specifications.

  • Sales

To close deals, your team needs to spend significant time making sales calls and setting up funnels and processes. Some outsourced professional salespeople can do all that and bring in more dollars for you. Sales outsourcing companies will run the entire process for your company, including contacting prospects, order and product fulfillment, and customer relationship management.

  • IT Management

Outsourced IT services reached $85.6 billion in 2019. Many companies can use BPO services that offer on-demand assistance for any tech issues that materialize.

  • Administrative Tasks

Do you need full-time employees handling in-office administrative duties? For a small office, a virtual assistant can run everything from managing your inbox to making travel arrangements and purchasing supplies, often for as little as $5 an hour.

  • Marketing

You don’t need to take time to manage every aspect of your website, social media accounts, and advertising. An outside marketing firm can focus exclusively on building buzz for your business and offer creative options and strategies you may not have even considered.

  • Research

Are you launching a product or expanding the scope of your services? Instead of spending months learning about your industry, customers, or competitors, outsource all of that to a research firm. These companies often have vast resources to give you the insights you need.

  • Overhead

As a business owner, you know that the most significant chunk of your expenses often includes overhead like rent, utilities, phone bills, security, and equipment. But what if you split these costs with other companies and had someone else handle them? An executive suite can get you space in multiple locations for a fraction of the cost of maintaining your own.

  • Human Resources

A small company doesn’t need an expansive HR department. Naturally, you can hire an outside recruiter to help you find the best talent. Still, you can also work with professional employee organizations that can handle benefits management, compliance, and payroll. With the money you save, you’ll get better benefits for your most valued employees and retain them longer.

For most companies, outsourcing just makes more sense. With so many options available, you can focus on your core business, ideas, and growth, making the best use of your limited resources and giving your company the best chance to reach its potential.

About Author

Dr. Anthony Decoste is the President and CEO of Global Virtuoso, an outsourcing company that specializes in the delivery of business process outsourcing (BPO) services for businesses of all sizes. He has over 20 years of international management experience and has a proven track record of helping companies cut costs and improve efficiencies

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Social Media: How Secure Are Our Data

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Social media plays a vital role in our lives. It keeps us connected to our friends and family, helps us stay up-to-date on current events, and allows us to express ourselves creatively. 

As more and more social media platforms store data, securing our accounts and protecting our information is increasingly important. Managed IT Services Alpharetta can help you do just that. 

Securing your data and backing up your account information can help you avoid the headache of having your account hacked or compromised. In addition, they can also help you monitor your account activity and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. 

So don’t wait until it’s too late – make sure to secure your social media data today.

How Secure Are Our Data In Social Media

As we share more and more personal information online, the question of data security is becoming increasingly important.

Many high-profile data breaches in recent years have involved some of the biggest social media platforms. As a result, many people are concerned about the safety of their data when using social media. 

While it is impossible to guarantee that your data will never be breached, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk. For example, you can choose to only share information with trusted friends and family members, and you can be careful about the amount of information you share online. 

You can also regularly check the privacy settings on your social media accounts to ensure that only people you trust can access your data.

Is Social Media Bad For Your Data Security?

Information shared on social media platforms is often not secure, and unauthorized individuals can access it. Additionally, social media companies often collect user activity data and use it for marketing purposes. 

This information can include sensitive personal details that could be used to exploit users. As a result, it is important to be aware of the risks of using social media and take steps to protect your data. 

You can do several things to secure your data when using social media, such as limiting the amount of information you share, being careful about what you click on, and only sharing information with trusted contacts. Taking these precautions can help keep your data secure and minimize the risk of identity theft or other cyber crimes.

Is Social Media Good For Your Data Security?

Though it may seem counterintuitive, social media can be good for your data security. By sharing information on social media, you can create what is known as a “digital fingerprint.” 

This fingerprint can help to secure your data by providing a record of who has accessed it and when. In addition, you can use social media to monitor for potential security breaches. 

By tracking the activity of your account, you can quickly spot any suspicious activity and take steps to secure your data. In short, social media can be an essential tool for protecting your information.

It would be best if you got in the habit of protecting security and privacy because both are linked. 

Will deleting your social media account help prevent your data from getting compromised?

In the wake of recent data breaches, many people are wondering if deleting their social media accounts is the best way to secure their data. 

While it is true that social media companies have been careless with user data in the past, it is important to consider the benefits that social media can provide before making a decision. 

For example, people use social media to stay in touch with friends and family, share important news, or join online communities. In addition, social media can be a valuable tool for networking and career building. 

Deleting your social media account is not the best way to secure your data. Instead, it is important to be selective about what information you share on social media and ensure that your privacy settings are up to date. 

By taking these precautions, you can help to ensure that your data remains secure.

Secure Your Browsing

Protecting your web browsing is more important than ever in today’s digital world. Your data is under constant attack from hackers and cybercriminals, and you could easily become a victim if you’re not careful. 

One way to protect yourself is to use a secure web browser. A secure web browser uses encryption to protect your data from prying eyes. 

Additionally, secure web browsers often have built-in security features that can help to prevent you from accidentally sharing your data with third-party websites. Social media is another big reason to protect your web browsing. 

If you’re not careful, sharing too much information on social media is easy, leading to identity theft or other problems. By using a secure web browser, you can help to keep your data safe and secure.

 

hutchison
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports

Hutchison Ports bags $700 million container terminal deal in Egypt

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Hutchison Ports has inked two concession agreements with the Egyptian Government to operate the container terminals in Ain Sokhna Port and El Dekheila Port.

Total investment for the initial operations of the two projects is approximately $700 million, bringing Hutchison Ports’ total investment in Egypt to over $1.5 billion, according to the company.

Hutchison Ports will work together with co-investors CMA CGM and COSCO SHIPPING Ports for the project in Sokhna and with Terminal Investment Limited for the project in El Dekheila.

READ: AD Ports to supervise operations in Ain Sokhna Port

The initial ceremony to mark the event was hosted by His Excellency Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt and His Excellency Kamel Al-Wazir, Minister of Transport. Other attendance included representatives from CMA CGM, COSCO SHIPPING Ports and Terminal Investment Limited, and Clemence Cheng, Managing Director, Europe of Hutchison Ports.

“We have been operating in Egypt for almost 20 years, and it has always been an extremely important market to us, not only because it is located at the crossroads of one of the busiest east-west trade lanes, but also the young and very energetic population of the country will result in increasing demand for international trade,” commented Eric Ip, Group Managing Director of Hutchison Ports.

“We look forward to working closely with the Egyptian Government to develop these port projects to their full potential to provide first class service to all the stakeholders.”

Earlier this month, Hutchison Ports signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AD Ports Group to extend the companies’ business reach globally.

The two organisations will form a partnership to operate within Tanzania, where they will work closely together to explore opportunities to further enhance the capabilities and market competitiveness of port operations across the East African country, including Dar Es Salaam Port.

relocate
Archives, Education, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

How to Successfully Relocate Your Warehouse Facility

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Warehouses are often the core of any business that uses them. So, it should come as no surprise that the process of relocating one is trying and stressful. Still, if you know how to approach the task the right way, it can be made a lot easier than it would otherwise be. So, let’s discuss how to successfully relocate your warehouse facility!

Go over your inventory

You can’t say you’ve managed to successfully relocate your warehouse facility if you end up losing some of your inventory somewhere along the way. This is why you need to sit down and double then triple check your inventory. You might be surprised by some of the stuff you still have in your warehouse. Therefore, this can also be an excellent opportunity to declutter and rid yourself of excess items. Returned or damaged goods often get overlooked for a while, and if you notice this problem here, you need to work more on how to optimize waste management in your warehouse once you’ve moved. Naturally, it is just as important to check that everything made it through the move once you’ve settled in at your new address!

Make sure safety and maintenance are up to standard

You cannot successfully relocate your warehouse facility until you are sure the new premises are safe. Sometimes, even a warehouse’s previous owner or tenant misses specific issues. Minor roof leaks, for example, can go unnoticed for a while. And yet completely ruin some of your goods by the time they get severe enough to catch your eye. That’s without mentioning all the safety and health hazards you can find in old warehouses. If you are ‘inheriting’ shelving from old owners, ensure it is sturdy and not about to collapse and hurt your workers.

Compare layouts

Once you’ve gotten used to working in a warehouse, you’ll probably follow some rather strict routines. If the layout of the new warehouse is different from what you are used to, this can mess with daily operations. For example, the loading bay may be situated in a completely different way than before. Some warehouses have ample space between shelving and the loading area, while some open up for immediate access to your inventory. To successfully relocate your warehouse facility, you need to be able to overcome such differences and work through them quickly. Of course, this also gives you a chance to try out some of your organization ideas to improve efficiency in your warehouse.

Settle on your preferred shelving solution

If the warehouse didn’t come with shelving, or if you’ve decided it needs to be replaced, you need to settle this problem well before the move date. Thankfully, it is not all stress when it comes to this matter! You get to pick precisely the kind of shelves you want in your warehouse, which can positively impact work efficiency and safety. Typically speaking, shelving as tall as your warehouse can handle has been overwhelmingly popular because of how well it utilizes all available space. Remember that it also necessitates the appropriate machinery and training to handle it!

Account for shipment and delivery problems

Naturally, these changes will likely seriously impact your normal flow of accepting and sending out goods, especially while you are still setting up. You might very well encounter a situation where you need to accept a shipment or part with something in your inventory while you are still setting up. Naturally, this would make you incapable of doing your job. This is why you need to either temporarily reroute your flow of goods to other warehouses in the city or immediately unpack part of your machines and inventory so you can start working the moment you hit the ground. However, this will slow down your process of moving.

Communicate the changes to all partners

Of course, one thing you need to understand about doing business is that everything is connected. Your sudden change of warehouse address affects more than just you. Think about all the deliveries and shipment problems we’ve already gone over. They were just from your perspective! What happens when someone needs to pick up or deliver a shipment in your warehouse? If you don’t inform your partners of the changes on time, they will probably end up at the wrong address. This would seriously mess with their delivery schedules. It is not a good way to start work in a new warehouse!

Consider getting professional help

The final question you need to tackle is whether you want to make the move on your own. To successfully relocate your warehouse facility, there is no shame in looking for professional help. Professional movers know exactly how best to handle every aspect of the move. This allows them to avoid damage to your equipment and goods. And they would likely be able to complete the job faster and more efficiently than your personnel. There is simply a difference in experience that cannot be made up for quickly. 

Final word

Knowing how to successfully relocate your warehouse facility will make a huge difference when you go through the process. Ensuring the safety of everyone involved and the efficient completion of the task is paramount. So, even armed with our knowledge, make sure to be careful!

Author Bio

Allison Grange has worked as a warehouse manager for years, closely cooperating with Centennial Moving for most of her career. She knows a lot about how best to run a warehouse efficiently and loves to share her experienced through her blog posts.