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Sensitech Unveils TempTale GEO X: Advancing Pharma Cold Chain Visibility and Logistics Management

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Sensitech Unveils TempTale GEO X: Advancing Pharma Cold Chain Visibility and Logistics Management

Sensitech, a renowned provider of supply chain visibility solutions, has introduced TempTale® GEO X, an innovative IoT temperature monitoring solution tailored specifically for the life sciences industry and logistics organizations. This cutting-edge solution is designed to deliver real-time monitoring and analytics for temperature-sensitive medicines and vaccines transported globally across various modes of transportation, including air, ocean, road, and rail. TempTale GEO X represents a significant step forward in enhancing cold chain compliance, supply chain efficiency, and sustainability outcomes in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Key features of TempTale GEO X include real-time location visibility, temperature monitoring capabilities ranging from minus 95 degrees C to 55 degrees C, global connectivity flight compliance, a built-in screen for live product quality information display, and advanced battery management. When combined with the SensiWatch® platform and Lynx Logix™ digital solution, TempTale GEO X provides comprehensive real-time data and analytics for precise shipment visibility, alerting, and automation of critical decision-making processes.

With a focus on user-friendliness and efficiency in a fast-paced distribution environment, TempTale GEO X offers a seamless and intuitive interface. Additionally, Sensitech’s device returns-recycle-reuse program ensures scalability and sustainability benefits, making it a valuable asset for life sciences and logistics organizations.

Key benefits of TempTale GEO X for life sciences and logistics organizations include:
– Actionable insights and alerts for maintaining product quality and compliance through precise temperature monitoring, humidity, light, and location tracking.
– Intelligent automation to streamline manual processes and expedite handling with automatic documentation and alerts, enabling logistics and quality teams to make informed decisions while in-transit.
– Minimized handling, device management, and user errors with fully charged and calibrated devices for a true plug-and-play experience, integrated with Sensitech’s suite of connected cold chain solutions for proactive supply chain intelligence.

TempTale GEO X represents a significant advancement in enhancing visibility, compliance, and efficiency in the pharmaceutical cold chain, offering a comprehensive solution for addressing the evolving needs of the life sciences industry.

logistics software

10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Logistics Management Software

Logistics management is critical in today’s fast-paced corporate setup for streamlining the supply chain and guaranteeing seamless operations. As an organization’s logistical requirements keep rising, it becomes clear that manual methods and legacy systems hamper progress. The solution is to invest in reliable logistics management software (LMS). In this blog, we give you ten critical aspects to consider when choosing the best logistics management solution for your organization.

Q.  Can the logistics management software empower my organization to scale operations effortlessly?

Solution: Check the software’s Scalability and Flexibility: A LMS that can fit your current requirement but has no option to grow, would be a waste of resources. Hence, to accommodate growth,  scalability, and flexibility are key to future-proofing your logistics operations. An ideal logistics management solution should adapt to your evolving requirements, allowing you to add new features, and users, and integrate with other business systems seamlessly.

Q. Can the logistics management system seamlessly bridge gaps between departments, eliminating silos and increasing collaboration?

Solution: Look for Integration Capabilities: The ability of the software to interconnect with multiple departments will ensure smooth data flow between various departments and external vendors. Always look for solutions that can integrate with your existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, warehouse management software, and transportation management systems.

Q. How to make reports to inform top management to make easy decisions to steer the company towards unmatched efficiency?

Solution: Ensure Real-time Visibility: Having real-time visibility into your logistics operations will help top management with decision-making and mitigating potential disruptions. A reliable LMS solution provides comprehensive tracking and reporting features. This will enable you to monitor inventory levels, shipment status, and delivery times at any given moment.

Q.Can logistics management solutions foster quick adoption across departments, bringing the entire organization on board without any hassle?

Solution: Check for a user-friendly Interface: A user-friendly interface is critical for widespread adoption within your organization. Employees who are not trained in handling complex software may become resistant to its use, hampering workforce productivity. Through its user-friendly interface, the right logistics management solution simplifies workflows, minimizes errors, and saves critical time.

Q. Does logistics management software have ironclad security measures to protect my valuable logistics data from cyber risks?

Solution: Check for Security and Compliance: The sensitive nature of logistical data demands stringent security measures. Ensure that the software meets industry-leading security and compliance standards. Role-based access control and data encryption protect your data from potential attacks.

Q. Can a logistics management system offer power analytics to make data-driven decisions, leading to continuous process improvements and competitive advantages?

Solution: Test Analytics and Reporting: Data-driven insights are critical for identifying areas for improvement and optimizing logistical procedures. Look for software with powerful analytics and reporting capabilities that will enable you to acquire useful business intelligence from your logistics operations.

Q. Will the logistics management software provider offer employees a dedicated support team  through the software’s implementation and usage

Solution: Check for Customer Support and Training: Implementing new software presents obstacles and strong customer support may make or break the process. Choose a logistics management solution vendor that provides comprehensive training and continuous assistance to enable a smooth transition and full use of the system’s capabilities.

Q. How good is the logistics management system with flexibility requirements based on data-on-the-go?

Solution: Ensure Mobile Accessibility: In a mobile-first environment, the ability to access logistical data on the fly can have a substantial impact on decision-making and responsiveness. Logistics management software that includes a mobile application allows your team to stay connected and make key decisions from any location at any time will be crucial for business success. 

Q. The investment cost of a logistics management solution is high, how to convince the top management to bring about the change (digitize operations)?

Solution: Measure cost-effectiveness: While investing in a logistics management system is a vital step toward optimization, the return on investment (ROI) must also be considered. Look for a solution that strikes the perfect combination of price and features, resulting in long-term savings and increased productivity.

Q. How to choose the right logistics management software?

Solution: Check Industry Reputation and References: Finally, before making a selection, look into the software provider’s reputation and get recommendations from other companies that have used the same solution. Positive feedback and success stories from other firms instill trust in the software’s capabilities. This will ensure you embark on your transformative journey with the utmost confidence.

Conclusion

Choosing the best logistics management software is an important decision that affects the performance and effectiveness of your supply chain operations. Whether you want to convince the top management or at the top level, you must invest in a solution that optimizes logistical processes, streamlines operations and boosts the organization’s competitiveness. By taking these ten crucial factors into account, you can be assured to find your ideal logistics management solution. Remember that the right software is more than a simple tool; it is a driver of progress and growth in the fast-paced world of logistics management.

Author Bio

Matt Murdock works for a leading SAAS-based platform called LogiNext Solutions. Where he helps businesses optimize their logistics operations and improve their delivery performance. With a passion for innovation and technology, Matt is always looking for new ways to streamline logistics processes and enhance customer experiences. In his free time, he enjoys writing blogs based on his experience in the logistics industry. Happy reading!

logistics company

4 Strategies Every Logistics Company Must Start Doing

On the consumer level, logistics companies are seen as couriers who deliver their most-awaited packages. But for business owners, the logistics industry is an extension of their service cycle. As such, logistics companies have a ton of responsibilities on their shoulders. 

As a logistics company, what practical steps must be done to maximize your clientele’s satisfaction? 

We can look into it in this manner. The primary goals of a logistics company can be broken down into three segments: warehousing, distribution, and transportation. For each goal, there must be actionable steps that your logistic company should do immediately. And if you are practicing it already, maybe it’s time for an upgrade. 

Here are some of our tips. Let’s go! 

Tip #1: Listen to Customers 

We know this is the oldest trick in the book. But, that only goes to show how effective this one is. The question now is how to listen to them effectively, considering that logistics companies cater to two different sets of customers. 

Client satisfaction surveys will never go out of style. You just need to upgrade the method to acquire them. 

To effectively collect data through surveys, make sure that the survey form is accessible. Most survey data now are collected through the internet. On top of that, most of them are composed of 5-7 close-ended questions only. 

Everyone wants it fast and instant nowadays, and you need to take advantage of that. Pose questions such as, “Which of our services are you most satisfied with?” and present them with choices. As much as you can, always provide choices to make the process easier for everyone. 

Apart from surveys, make sure to keep your social media presence known. Be active on social media platforms. 

Some might have hesitations thinking that logistics companies don’t need Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages. But, best believe, you do. 

Having one is one of the easiest and most open forms of communication between your clients. It’s akin to practicing an open-door policy in your company

You can easily look for customer feedback and provide them with easy solutions without them needing to go through customer reps. It’s a win-win situation for both sides. 

Tip #2: Reduce Waiting Time

Time is an essential aspect of any logistics business. And in the entire process from pick up to delivery, there are several points where you can reduce waiting time. 

First and foremost, ensure that your communication lines are always open and available. Establishing a comprehensive company website is essential in this day and age, regardless of what industry you belong in. 

If you are yet to create one, tap the services of an established web design company. They will handle everything from inputting the essential details of your company down to the overall design of the site. Make sure to partner with a company that prioritizes web design and development. 

Work hand-in-hand with these web design companies so that you’ll come up with a website that best caters and depicts your company’s needs and services. 

This published website will then become the go-to portal of all your clients, new and recurring. With a few clicks, they can check out your services and rates. And if your site also comes with round-the-clock chatbots, then the website also becomes the easiest and most efficient way to reach you. 

Aside from those mentioned above, the website will also serve as your company’s personal tracker. Instead of updating your clients manually about their shipment’s whereabouts, you can just update them through the site by sending them automated emails or chats. On the flip side, your customers can also use the site in the same manner. 

Some logistics companies often disregard the importance of well-designed websites because the services offered are all “offline”, but most of the clients today are almost always “online”. There is a need to bridge this disconnect. 

Tip #3: Understand and Deliver Customer Expectations

As much as goal-setting is fundamental for building businesses, expectations-setting also holds the same weight of importance. A large chunk of customer satisfaction relies on whether their expectations of your services are met or grossly missed. 

Regular and properly-crafted surveys and social media presence can help with this tip as well. But, an even more practical method to achieve this goal is to set the expectations yourself proactively. 

Say, for example, you are a logistics company that specializes in the transportation of goods. Even before a client can demand when they want their goods to arrive, make the first move. Tell them what is expected from your services. 

Provide the details on how you carry out your services. Most importantly, uphold transparency when it comes to dates. When you can pick up orders, when you can deliver, and when you can drop them off. These details are essential for your customers and they should be held as your company’s top priority too. 

Another method to meet your customers’ expectations is to do timely tool upgrades. Something as simple as bill printers can decrease your usual service time. Automatic tape machines also do the same. If you have the capacity to automate more than half of your process, then invest in it.

Tip #4: Research!

Lastly, research will always be your most valuable strategy. The demand in the logistics company started as seasonal, but that doesn’t seem to be the case now. To cope with this shift, full-blown market research is an effective tool to come up with solutions. 

But, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, simple research, such as looking into new trends or new delivery technologies, can catalyze further improvement for your company. 

Final Words

Even if logistics companies handle rough or brunt work every day, that doesn’t mean that you can forego other aspects of the company. Publishing company websites, social media profiles, and regular research should go together with the labor that gets done every day. These strategies keep your company running. 

If you are yet to start these practices, make sure to conceptualize how you can effectively translate your offline presence to the online domain.

lead times CMA

7 Ways to Reduce Supply Chain Lead Times

No one enjoys waiting forever for their items to arrive. However, this is not simply an issue of annoyance for companies and stores which rely on their inventory to turn a profit. So, how can you beat this problem, reduce the time it takes for your inventory to arrive, and be free to engage your customers without worries? To answer this question, we have compiled a guide. We offer you 7 ways to reduce supply chain lead times for your perusal.

1. Use local suppliers

One of the principal causes of long supply chain lead times is the sheer distance your merchandise needs to travel. So, to combat this issue, one of the simplest ways is to find local suppliers who can provide you with what you need. Now, it is only natural that companies look for the best balance between quality and cost. But you must take into account the cost of transporting your merchandise over long distances. Even cheap maritime shipping has drawbacks, so don’t be afraid to buy slightly more expensive local products.

2. Have backup suppliers available

It is all well and good to trust and rely on suppliers you have worked with for years. However, it is helpful to know who could replace missing shipments if your regular suppliers are facing some issues. Take the chance when you do not need to find a replacement in a hurry to plan ahead and maybe even draft contracts ensuring that you can count on them when you need to. This way, your business will always have something to fall back on. You do not want to face a situation where you cannot follow through with already placed orders and leave your customers waiting for weeks.

3. Always have extra inventory

It might seem like a risk to have more merchandise than you think you will need. Your product might not sell and end up just sitting in some warehouse. However, we must consider the alternative: If you are facing any issue with your chain of supply, you could be looking at considerably increased chain lead times. In such a case, you would actually be losing money. Of course, we are not saying you should stock up on absolutely everything. Taking on an extra amount of unpopular articles is just asking for trouble. Analyze the current trends and check which of your merchandise is currently popular.

4. Communicate with your suppliers

This one is simple. If there are any problems with your suppliers, you want to know immediately. Some suppliers might not take the initiative to inform you if there is an issue on their end. This could lead to sudden increases in supply chain lead times for no apparent reason. To combat this, always make sure to stay in touch with your suppliers. Prompt them to inform you of accidents. Check in advance if they can handle an increase in demand, and always let them know if you anticipate a decrease in the demand for their product. This way, you can encourage friendly cooperation and ensure you are kept informed of any sudden developments.

5. Hire a good logistics manager

No one can do everything by themselves, and good employees are always valuable. That is why you should try your best to find and hire a logistics manager who excels at their job. They can help you smooth out wrinkles such as delivery routes, the best places for your warehouses, and streamline contact with suppliers. They might even be able to help you cut down on unnecessary expenses. These things will directly be reflected in the efficiency of your company’s work as a whole, thereby reducing chain lead times and allowing you to turn a better profit.

6. Anticipate customer demand

You might not feel confident enough to make predictions about future customer demand. This is quite normal. So, you will need to hire a professional to analyze the consumer data you have access to. This way, you can preemptively place certain orders so that, even if you do face unavoidable delays, you can stay ahead and be ready to offer your merchandise on the market. You might hesitate when faced with the additional expenses of hiring a good analyst, but if things work out, you stand to increase your profits considerably. Staying ahead of the market and leading trends is always profitable.

7. Change your shipping methods

If you notice consistent problems with your supply chain lead times, yet can’t find any issues with your suppliers, then you should consider looking into the shipping methods you are currently using. Favoring slower but cheaper methods when starting out is okay. However, once your business expands and there is more interest in your product, you might find such a system flagging. So, consider switching to a more modern solution. This can also help increase the safety of your shipments. Alternatively, you can try to place your orders more frequently in smaller batches instead of delaying them to order in bulk.

Conclusion

This marks the end of our guide on 7 ways to reduce supply chain lead times. We hope you have found it helpful and informative. Just remember: always have alternatives for your suppliers, communicate with them properly, look to the future to anticipate customer demands, and do not hesitate to modernize your shipping methods.

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John Davis has worked for Heart Moving, NYC for the last five years, and has extensive knowledge of moving and transporting goods. He also works as a freelance blogger, and loves sharing his knowledge on the subjects he is familiar with. He always feels inspired by the thought that his advice can help someone else.

innovations

Emerging Transportation Innovations to Watch out for in 2021

As technology continues to develop, new trends emerge. While driving AI is still not advanced enough to give us fully automated vehicles, there are other trends that stand to change the transportation industry as we know it. So, to get a better understanding of where the industry is now, let’s take a look at some of the more notable trends. Here are emerging transportation innovations to watch out for in 2021.

Emerging transportation innovations

While the pandemic has impacted the transportation industry in general, the development of new technologies hasn’t slowed down at all. People have recognized that the setbacks were temporary. Some areas of transport, like medical equipment shipping, even grew due to increased needs. So, it is fair to assume that the transportation industry as a whole will continue to develop. Seeing how there are numerous innovations in electronic vehicles, eco-friendly fuels, logistic systems, and automation still in development, we cannot cover all of them. To keep a certain sense of scale, we will focus primarily on the innovations on the rise in 2021.

V2X communication

One of vehicle technology goals is that all vehicles have constant, seamless data change with their HQ. Ideally, this will include not only things like location and speed but also vehicle state, health, and fuel. While we have not yet achieved such a high level of communication, we have made significant steps toward its development.

One of those steps is the FCC ruling in November 2020 regarding V2X (vehicle-to-everything communication). To put it simply, it requires the 5.9 gigahertz band to allocate 75 megahertz for cellular V2X communication and Wi-Fi. Initially, the FCC used this band exclusively for DSRC (dedicated short-range communication) since 1999. Cellular V2X (C-V2X) is just like V2X. The only difference is that it contains two transition modes. Vehicles use the first one to communicate with other vehicles, as well as pedestrians and infrastructures. The second one enables them to connect to the cloud network. This allows drivers to get information about available parking, potential traffic issues, etc. If you want to research it more, know that the development of the 5G internet is closely connected to C-V2X.

Federal transport funding

While the private sector knows that the effects of COVID-19 are temporary, the federal government doesn’t hold such views. Due to lack of travel in 2020 and 2021, the government has decreased funding to the transportation industry. How big of an impact this will have on the overall trading industry is hard to say. After all, commercial transport is still in high demand. Still, it is hard not to notice the substantial cut to funding.

Touchless activation

Once the COVID-19 pandemic started, one of the first things we’ve learned is that the virus can spread through physical contact. Apart from people disinfecting their hands and avoiding touching, this has also motivated the transportation industry to find as many touchless alternatives as possible. As a result, we have iDetect activation, where people can wave their hand in front of a sensor instead of pressing a button.

Furthermore, FLIR and TAPCO have partnered up to provide FLIR thermal activators for all pedestrian crosswalk systems. As the name suggests, this system uses thermal activation instead of physical contact to activate crosswalk signaling. Finally, we also have infrared bollards to help those that cannot reach the alert systems with such ease. These bollards automatically scan for vulnerable road users and set the necessary systems in motion.

License plate recognition

The final notable advancement in transportation (more specifically vehicle) technology is license plate recognition. Law enforcement especially has made great use of emerging license plate technologies in 2021. AI systems can load and check a license plate within seconds. This makes checking up on suspicious vehicles, both during the drive and while stopped, much safer, faster, and efficient. Even parking fines have become automated in certain countries as police vehicles simply drive through the city and gather info via video. Once these technologies become more available, we are sure that the logistics companies will find a good use for them. But, for now, they are more than useful for law enforcement.

What the future holds for transportation

While the emerging transportation innovations show much promise, they are only a glimpse of what’s to come. Before long, we won’t be surprised that there are individual vehicles and entire fleets of fully automated transports. We will probably first see these automated vehicles in trains and ships, as there are fewer variables to keep track of there. But, as the self-driving AI progresses, we are bound to see self-driving trucks, cars, and planes. Keep in mind that it’s in AI’s nature to develop exponentially. So, once it starts advancing, it is only going to speed up over time. Therefore, if we get rudimental self-driving AI within ten years, fully automated vehicles two years after that shouldn’t be surprising.

Logistics

Another trend to keep close track of is the development of logistics. More and more, logistics is becoming automated. After all, gathering and processing all necessary info for logistics far surpasses the capabilities of any human. While logistics managers simply use these systems to plan their routes, we won’t be surprised if logistics systems become better at planning. Remember, most logistics decisions are based on prior learning and predictions. So, the better a model we can create for logistics, the sooner the AI can start learning. And once it does, keep in mind the exponential development.

Fuel alternatives

When talking about emerging transportation innovations, it’s important to mention innovations in fuel and energy. While electric vehicles seemed impossible just a decade ago, Elon Musk proved everyone wrong with his Tesla company. While there are no huge updates in the industry, it is essential to note that it is growing. Eco-friendliness is, as it should be, a major concern for developed countries. With luck, we should see a general decrease in fossil fuels and an increase in greener options.

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Jacob Sherman has worked in the transport industry for over 20 years, mainly helping moving companies like Zippy Shell Louisiana with logistics and planning. Now, he uses his experience to write insightful articles about the transportation industry. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking for his family and going on long hikes.

management

5 Important Tips for Effective Logistics Management

Logistics management can be an uphill task that could get frustrating and expensive if not handled well. It is essential to ensure that transit and other logistics remain cheap and straightforward. Different mechanisms have been put in place to ensure an efficient flow of service. Transportation management systems top the list of inventions that have reduced the stress for transportation managers. Below are five important tips that will ensure a smooth run of the supply chain.

1. Proper Planning

Having a good plan that includes contingency plans ensures all possible outcomes are covered and prepared for. The plan should consider the time taken for goods to move from each point, transportation required, and cost. A schedule should be put in place for all logistics segments. Since things tend to take a wrong turn, unnecessary panic and emergency board meetings can be avoided by having a contingency plan in place. 

2.  Smart Staffing

Staffing in a logistics company is a process that should be treated with importance. The manager and team handling clients should possess excellent interpersonal skills. Whenever things go off-plan, clients tend to panic and cause havoc if they are not given proper updates. Therefore, the logistics team should be able to calm the clients down as the contingency plan continues to salvage the situation.

Also, warehouse managers need to be tough and fast to ensure operations are moving fast. Good warehouse employees avoid cases of perishable goods going bad, goods getting lost, or even time-sensitive items losing value.

3.  Automation

The logistics business depends on quick services to reduce time wasted. Doing most of the activities manually will only waste time and increase costs. It is therefore important to embrace automation and all its elements. Not only does it smooth out the supply chain process, but it also makes it easier to track and monitor inventory in real-time. Investing in updated transportation systems and tracking devices could save the business a lot of time and money. Monthly system reports allow the managers to identify potential areas of improvement hence implementing necessary changes. 

An example of a standard way logistics companies have embraced automation is implementing transportation management software in the transport sector.

4.  Efficient Transportation

Delivery of goods to the customer shows a lot about the company. The plan is to safely deliver goods within the stipulated timelines using a safe and cost-friendly route. Also, goods should be packaged in methods that will decrease weight and save space hence reducing costs. It is crucial to use good transportation management software that will show key information to be used by managers. A good TMS should show the details of goods, estimated time of delivery, and the transit vehicle’s real-time location. 

5. Embrace Changes

Where growth is expected, change is inevitable. It is important always to identify areas of improvement to apply the necessary changes. Frequent meetings with stakeholders are required for the business to address all issues that can be avoided moving forward. 

Conclusion

These tips will ensure that the supply chain is smooth and effective, saving money and satisfying clients through the process. Logistics is a co-dependent process where all stakeholders must work hand-in-hand for optimal results.

edi deployment

EDI Deployment: What are the Obstacles and How to Overcome them?

Sending commercial documents physically, by fax, or even by email is over. Since the late 1990s, these exchanges have been gradually replaced by electronic messages (order or delivery vouchers, invoices, etc.), which allow the automation of processes. To do this, companies are now using EDI, an acronym for Electronic Data Interchange. EDI is the exchange of commercial documents from one computer to another, in a standardized and automated manner. Despite offering many advantages such as speed, reliability and traceability of exchanges, EDI is still not used by all companies. How to explain this situation? What are the obstacles to implementing EDI? Focus on the main obstacles to making EDI the norm in companies, and how to overcome them.

 

Implementation costs

Developing an EDI solution is a substantial process for a company. It is a two-pronged project involving:

-Full-fledged IT project management, with its classic phases of analyzing existing information, choosing a solution, configuring it, then deploying and maintaining it;

-an impact study related to the digitalization of manual processes in the company and its business environment

In fact, the ROI – Return On Investment is faster and more substantial when exchanges between partners are regular and recurring, regarding significant volumes. This is why small organizations rarely benefit.

To reduce these costs, there are many ready-to-use services available on the cloud. Offered by experts like Generix Group with Generix EDI Services, they allow for a quick start-up at a lower cost. Additionally, their use is charged per use, which favors small and medium-sized companies.

Difficult implementation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Beyond the financial investment required, small businesses often lack the expertise to begin an IT project like this. If they can call upon an EDI supplier to handle such considerations, the process undeniably requires time to acutely understand the offers and analyze their needs.

This is a necessary step to find the pricing model that best meets the business needs of the company. Choosing an offer and an EDI supplier requires a preliminary analysis of the commercial transactions to be processed, and thus the volumes of data involved. Without this initial review, the company may face significant additional costs.

Several alternative solutions are offered to SMEs or very small companies that do not wish to invest in a fully automated EDI solution. They have the advantage of being inexpensive to both buy and use. They are mainly offered in SaaS mode, but are also compatible with EDI solutions used by client partners. These solutions include WEB-EDI, SmartPDF and online OCR.

Diversity of technologies and rules of standardization

EDI is even more interesting for a company as its entire ecosystem can use it. When deployed among different players in the same sector, it generally encourages partners and competitors to do the same. Thus, EDI has a strong presence in:

-Mass distribution

-The Agri-food industry

-Automobiles

-Electronics

-Aeronautics

-Pharmaceuticals

This dynamic therefore most often depends on the main contractors in the sector. If Airbus and Boeing adopt EDI with their suppliers, the entire aviation ecosystem moves in this direction. Indirectly, this impact can extend to nearby sectors with common suppliers, such as the naval or automotive sectors.

For an industrial company at the crossroads of several industries, it is complex to master the different standards and technologies of each sector.

In this case, the ideal scenario is to use EDI services in SaaS mode offered by mature players who have already deployed their solution in several sectors. By sharing processes, it is then possible to reuse at lower cost connectors and technologies that are already proven and financed.

Implementation and deployment time frame within each entity

Faced with relatively long implementation times, companies sometimes turn to alternatives to EDI to digitize their data exchanges more quickly. This may be a document entry and collection portal, or an OCR solution. Keep in mind that they do not offer the same automation capabilities, so these intermediate solutions will never bring the same quality benefits as EDI.

Again, the best way to bypass delays and implementation difficulties for an EDI system is to retain a service in SaaS mode. Hardware and/or software costs are eliminated, and configuration costs are significantly reduced due to the pooling of technologies between network members.

Synchronous trade dynamics

With the development of internet and e-commerce technologies, integrations between application components increasingly require real-time interactions. It involves knowing, for example, the position of stock, obtaining updated prices, or the status of a completed process.

During its start-up period, EDI relied on asynchronous file-sharing technologies. This still corresponds to the need to exchange certain commercial transactions. Additionally, it is necessary to associate it with API management, usually with REST and JSON technologies.

Be attentive, however, not to oppose EDI and API. Digital data exchange can be based on all forms of syntax or language such as XML or JSON. Data transport can also be carried out by protocols close to web services such as EDIINT AS2, SOAP, or REST.

In summary, it becomes necessary to combine the management of EDI and APIs. Fortunately for businesses, most EDI services offered in the cloud are actually open to most B2B integration technologies including MFT, EDI, API, MOM, etc.

Deploying EDI brings about several obstacles: limited adoption in small businesses, diversity of technologies and standards, and sometimes long deployment times. However, the emergency of technologies such as APIs and blockchains alleviates these challenges, thereby ensuring a bright future for EDI. Want to know more about EDI’s benefits and its development prospects?

VIEW THE GENERIX EDI SERVICES SOLUTION

This article originally appeared on GenerixGroup.com. Republished with permission.

6 Important Tips for Effective Logistic Management

The larger your operation, the more steps you will have in your logistics plan and the harder it is to manage. A supply chain has to be very efficient to supply different materials to varying locations at specific times.

It’s also important to be able to respond speedily when there’s a problem. Here are six tips to help you manage logistics effectively.

1. Define your goals

The business sector uses the term logistics to describe the efficient flow and storage of goods from where they originate to where they’re consumed. The supply chain includes transportation, shipping, receiving, storage and management of all these areas.
 
Some of the key goals for all businesses are increased efficiency, more sales, and greater customer satisfaction at the lowest cost. However, for every business there are different logistic/supply chain needs and they must support the goals of the business.

For example, if one of your goals is to make your supply chain as lean and efficient as possible, you will continuously strive to identify opportunities to streamline work processes and minimize waste.

In order to implement a logistics management strategy, business owners need to take a thorough look at every part of the chain, define how it should work and how it contributes to the overall supply chain management goals i.e. are the distribution centers in the right locations and are there enough of them?

2. It’s all in the planning

Logistics can be very stressful without good planning. The entire operation should be able to progress smoothly with minimal interruptions and this requires planning ahead.  Of course, there are always unexpected hiccups but the fewer off-the-cuff decisions that have to be made the better.

Shawn Michaels who works for paper writing services has spent a decade motivating business owners across various industries. He suggests logistics managers should devise flow charts for the entire operation. It needs to include factors such as goods procurement, storage facilities and delivery of products to an exact location.   

3. Have a contingency plan

Logistic managers need to have a contingency plan for every aspect of the logistics. No matter how good the original plan, covering every eventuality is impossible. Managers have to follow the supply chain at every point and be ready to switch to a backup plan if necessary.

Inventory management is often one of the main culprits that can adversely affect business goals. Being able to track and manage inventory in real-time helps with smooth and efficient functioning and increase sales.

If there isn’t the capability to give the alert about potential shortages and relay information about bottlenecks, costly delays can be expected that can significantly affect the company’s bottom line.

Logistics managers need to know that they can’t depend on one supplier or vendor and usually have an extensive network of sources for products and services. Michael Osborne who works as a writer for rush essay stresses the importance of having a network of contacts to rely on in event of an emergency. 

4. Hire the right logistics manager

Your company needs a good logistics manager who knows how to sort out issues and keep things moving. He must be able to keep a cool head and think on the fly. 

He needs to be good with people and have the interpersonal skills to communicate with employees and make alternative arrangements when necessary. It helps if he has a network of industry contacts he can rely on when he needs to sort out problems. 

Richard Alderman, manager of My-Assignment.Help, says that apart from good interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, good logistics managers also need strong leadership skills and good financial acumen.

5. Adopt automation

Technology can play a major role in increasing еру efficiency of the supply chain. Today’s software is able to measure and analyze just about anything, improving the chances of success in any logistics venture. Valuable software saves time and maximizes performance.

Potential problems in the supply chain such as inadequately tracked fleets, scattered inventory or mismanaged warehouse processes can be improved by automating systems.

For example, using fleet and inventory management software and HR software can help refine processes taking into account factors that have the most impact on the bottom line. Tracking a truck in transit not only provides valuable data but helps to make sure delivery is on time as a driver may have questions about the freight and problems could occur.   

Kenneth Novak who heads up a writing service has found that using systems to centralize information and automate provides access to real-time information. This can help a business to reach its maximum potential with a minimum investment in planning and implementing solutions.

6. Learn from your mistakes

Poor logistics management can undermine a company’s future. In order to optimize your supply chain, you have to learn from your mistakes. This means regularly sitting down as a team, being open about mistakes and discussing how to put systems in place to prevent them from happening again. 

According to John Abrahams who writes easyessay, learning from mistakes is vital when it comes to conducting logistics-related activities in an economic and efficient way. Team meetings need to be held frequently that include all the primary functions of the business in order to review and discuss problems and solutions.

The aim of effective logistics management is to improve operations, ensure customer satisfaction, and increase productivity.  Using the best logistics practices can help your company to gain a competitive advantage. The supply chain environment is continually shifting and so logistics strategies need to be constantly reassessed. If you keep these tips in mind, you can make sure your supply chain is as effective as possible.

This guest post is contributed by Kurt Walker who is a blogger and college paper writer. In the course of his studies he developed an interest in innovative technology and likes to keep business owners informed about the latest technology to use to transform their operations. He writes for companies such as Edu Birdie, XpertWriters and uk.bestessays.com on various academic and business topics.