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Apple Set to Shift to In-House Developed Chips for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity

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Global Trade Daily

Apple Set to Shift to In-House Developed Chips for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity

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Apple Inc. is making strides towards reducing its dependency on external suppliers by transitioning to its own custom-designed chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections in its devices from next year. According to a report by Bloomberg News, the new chip, provisionally named Proxima, is scheduled to be implemented in Apple’s iPhones and smart home devices produced in 2025.

Read also: Apple starts iPad assembly in Vietnam

In a strategic move towards technological self-reliance, Apple plans to manufacture these chips through Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Notably, Taiwan is already a dominant global exporter in the electronic chip market, boasting an export value of 317.5 billion USD in 2023, according to the IndexBox platform. Apple’s in-house innovations extend to their server chips, at which they aimed their development efforts to enhance artificial intelligence features in their offerings, as announced during their annual developer conference in June.

This shift aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to replace components sourced from suppliers like Broadcom and Qualcomm, with whom Apple had significant prior engagements. This includes a substantial multi-billion-dollar agreement with Broadcom for 5G radio frequency components. Despite these advances, Apple, much like other tech giants, continues to grapple with challenges related to substituting Nvidia’s high-cost, low-availability processors, particularly concerning AI processing workloads. In the global context of electronic chip imports, China leads as the top importer with a value of 349.3 billion USD, followed by Hong Kong SAR at 199.5 billion USD and Singapore at 84.5 billion USD, demonstrating the significant scale and demand within the electronics sector. China’s position as both a leading importer and exporter highlights its robust involvement in the global chip industry, reflecting a dynamic market ecosystem.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform  

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

Supply Chain 2025 Predictions

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2024 has served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in global supply chains. Natural disasters, compounded by geopolitical and economic upheavals and persistent inflation, have created a challenging operating environment. Simultaneously, rising cyber threats, have underscored the need for robust digital security in supply chains. These cumulative lessons underscore the importance of resilient supply chains in driving growth and efficiency, while navigating uncertainty. 

Read also: Artificial Intelligence – How it is Shaping and Redefining Logistics

As a result, supply chain leaders are accelerating their shift from reactive approaches to more proactive strategies, aiming to safeguard their operations and drive lasting resilience. One of the most promising tools in this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI). 

AI has already begun to revolutionize supply chains, enabling leaders to better anticipate everything from demand fluctuations to sourcing delays. In 2025, AI will transcend its status as a ‘nice-to-have’ and emerge as an indispensable tool for Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs) seeking to drive growth and resilience in an increasingly volatile world.

Prediction #1: AI will shift from being a “nice-to-have” to “Essential” for Supply Chain Operations.

In recent years, supply chain leaders have increasingly explored AI’s potential. However, skepticism around AI persisted, fueled by complexities such as insufficient data quality, evolving team skillsets, and the need for cultural adaptation. These factors initially raised questions about AI’s readiness to address the intricate demands of modern supply chains.

Despite these obstacles, the perception of AI is shifting rapidly. Leaders are beginning to recognize its transformative potential, with 60% of executives anticipating that AI assistants will soon manage most traditional and transactional tasks. This will free supply chain teams to focus on strategic, higher-value activities. By 2025, AI will transition from being a “nice-to-have” tool to becoming an essential enabler of supply chain operations, providing end-to-end visibility, and enabling faster, data-driven decision-making.

For AI to fully deliver on its promise, organizations must adopt a holistic approach that extends beyond implementing technology. Success requires fostering alignment across departments and building strong support from key stakeholders. Additionally, AI offers a unique advantage: enabling objective, data-driven decisions, which helps ensure organizational priorities take precedence over individual preferences or departmental agendas. This holistic approach drives stronger overall performance and tangible business impact, positioning AI as a cornerstone of resilient, future-ready supply chains.

Prediction #2: Adoption of Agentic AI will increase, driving new levels of agility and resilience in Supply Chain Operations. 

As CSCO’s transition from reactive strategies to proactive, forward-thinking approaches, agentic AI agents is set to become a pivotal enabler of supply chain transformation and accelerate the journey towards “autonomous supply chains”.

Agentic AI—systems capable of autonomously executing tasks on behalf of users or other systems—will increasingly play a central role in driving end-to-end supply chain execution. These intelligent systems hold the potential to optimize critical operations such as inventory management, demand forecasting, and supplier performance analysis, delivering faster, more resilient processes. 

As adoption grows, the role of supply chain leaders will evolve to include collaboration with AI agents, blending human judgment with advanced automation to achieve unparalleled efficiency. This partnership between humans and AI will empower organizations to anticipate and respond to disruptions with agility and precision, enabling new levels of operational excellence in an unpredictable global landscape.

Looking ahead, the successful adoption of agentic AI will hinge on an organization’s strategic priorities, technological maturity, and commitment to ROI-driven innovation. However, achieving this vision will require more than just technological investment. Seamlessly integrating agentic AI with legacy systems, ensuring robust data interoperability, and equipping the workforce with the skills to effectively collaborate with AI will be critical. By addressing these imperatives, organizations can unlock the full potential of agentic AI, driving transformative business outcomes, enhanced resilience, and sustained growth.

Prediction #3: Cybersecurity and Data governance will become a higher priority for supply chain leaders.

As supply chains evolve from being primarily physical to deeply intertwined with digital technologies, this shift has unlocked significant efficiencies and operational advancements. However, it has also introduced new vulnerabilities, including cyberattacks, data breaches, and operational disruptions. With these threats growing in scale and sophistication, supply chain leaders are placing an increasing emphasis on robust data governance and cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard their operations and secure a competitive edge.

A recent IBM Institute for Business Value report underscores this trend, revealing that 84% of organizations are investing in secure, connected ecosystems. Among these efforts, AI has emerged as a top priority, playing a pivotal role in bolstering both security and operational resilience. Over half (54%) of organizations are leveraging AI and data integration to improve efficiency and responsiveness, while 53% are prioritizing AI-powered security and automation to counter cyber threats and fortify their supply chain defenses.

The integration of AI into governance and cybersecurity strategies is not just about mitigating risks; it’s about enabling supply chain leaders to redefine resilience. AI will empower organizations to reinvent their strategies, transforming vulnerabilities into opportunities for growth and establishing a new standard for secure supply chains.

The Path to Future-Ready, AI-Driven Supply Chains 

The rise of AI is more than just a buzzword; it is the driving force behind the next generation of supply chains. As we look toward 2025, AI will empower supply chain leaders to not only reinvent their strategies but also unlock new pathways to growth and resilience in the face of ongoing disruption.

However, with this transformative potential comes the responsibility to ensure its success. Supply chain leaders must think critically about the governance needed to supply these models with high-quality data, enabling meaningful learning and actionable insights. Equally important are the checks and balances that ensure AI outputs remain aligned with dynamic business needs to help organizations stay competitive and agile.

As AI becomes an integral part of supply chain operations, the focus must also shift to capturing knowledge collaboratively, leveraging the strengths of both human expertise and AI agents. This synergy will be the cornerstone for continuous innovation, helping organizations not only adapt to future challenges but thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

The journey to an AI-powered supply chain brings exciting challenges, paving the way for transformative opportunities and groundbreaking paradigms. For those who approach it with vision and strategy, the rewards will redefine the future—unveiling supply chains that are not only resilient but also powerful enablers of sustainable, long-term growth.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Technology, Warehousing

The Role of AI in Streamlining Operations and Reducing Costs

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AI vs. Traditional Automation

Traditional automation involves rule-based systems for repetitive tasks without human intervention, done through scripts or tools like data entry. While effective for simple tasks, it lacks adaptability and decision-making abilities beyond set scenarios. AI-driven automation, in contrast, uses AI to learn from data over time, handling complex tasks like pattern recognition and predictions. It can analyze large datasets, identify trends, and make real-time adjustments, abilities traditional automation lacks. The key differences lie in flexibility and intelligence, as AI-powered automation can handle unstructured data, evolve through machine learning, and provide insights, making it ideal for dynamic applications like predictive maintenance and demand forecasting.

Read also: The Impact of Automation and AI on Supply Chain Efficiency: Transforming Logistics for the Future

Integration of AI in Business Systems

AI integration across departments involves embedding AI tools in CRM systems for customer behavior insights and ERP systems for inventory management optimization. This enhances efficiency and collaboration. Continuous monitoring and training are essential for AI integration, with models needing regular retraining with fresh data to adapt to changes. Monitoring helps detect issues like data drift that can affect model accuracy. Overall, embedding AI, utilizing cloud-based solutions, and continuous monitoring are key for successful AI integration in businesses.

AI in Streamlining Operational Processes

1. Inventory Control

AI systems monitor stock levels in real-time, triggering reorder alerts when inventory is low. Machine learning predicts demand fluctuations to align inventory with needs, forecasting surges during holidays or events. AI-powered robotics and storage systems organize inventory, manage processes, and reduce errors to enhance warehouse efficiency and order fulfillment.

2. Customer Service and Support

AI chatbots and virtual assistants handle routine inquiries and process orders, reducing the need for human agents. They can also handle complex customer issues, improving response times and satisfaction. Sentiment analysis tools gauge customer feedback to identify areas for improvement. AI routes customer inquiries based on urgency and preferences, improving customer satisfaction.

3. Logistics Optimization

AI development services in logistics improve route optimization by analyzing traffic patterns, delivery windows, and fuel costs for efficient transportation, reducing travel time and operational expenses. 

4. Financial Management and Auditing

AI automates financial reporting by collecting data and compiling real-time analysis, reducing manual work and improving accuracy.

AI in Enhancing Customer Experience and Services

1. Improving Customer Support with AI

AI chatbots powered by AI offer instantaneous customer support, addressing queries and resolving issues 24/7. They handle numerous inquiries at once, allowing human agents to tackle more intricate cases. Sentiment analysis tools assess customer mood and feedback, enabling businesses to respond promptly and improve service quality. AI systems automate issue categorization and resolution, prioritizing urgent matters for swift resolution and heightened customer satisfaction.

2. Enhanced Customer Data Analysis

AI-driven data integration gathers customer data from multiple sources to provide a complete view of behaviors. Advanced analytics tools powered by AI can identify patterns in customer behavior. AI also helps in mapping the customer journey and analyzing touchpoints that impact satisfaction. This enables businesses to enhance their strategies, product development, and customer engagement for an improved overall experience.

3. Real-Time Customer Engagement

AI enables proactive communication through personalized messages and notifications. It can send follow-ups when customers abandon their shopping carts or offer incentives to complete purchases. AI-powered live chat support allows instant engagement and escalates issues to human agents when needed. Social media monitoring tools monitor brand mentions, enabling real-time customer engagement addressing concerns and building brand loyalty. Overall, AI enhances customer satisfaction through timely and personalized interactions across different channels.

AI in Financial Management and Decision-Making

1. Enhanced Financial Analysis and Reporting

AI empowers real-time processing and analysis of extensive financial data, aiding in timely report generation. It automates financial report creation, saving time and ensuring accuracy. AI improves forecasting accuracy and data interpretation.

2. Fraud Detection and Prevention

AI builds profiles of consumer behavior to identify anomalous activity, such as significant withdrawals from unfamiliar locales. To secure sensitive financial data and reduce the chance of data breaches, enhanced security methods using AI include encryption, machine learning development, and biometric identification.

3. Risk Assessment and Management
Risk analysis using AI models To assist firms assess risk exposure and put mitigation plans into place, historical data is analyzed to find patterns of credit, market, and operational risks. Businesses may prepare for unfavorable events by using AI technologies to stress test financial models and simulate economic scenarios. By evaluating different data sources to create more precise credit scoring models, AI improves credit assessment, improves lending choices, and lowers default rates.

Challenges and Considerations in Implementing AI

1. Integration with Existing Systems

Many organizations use outdated legacy systems that may not be compatible with AI technologies, posing integration challenges. Interoperability is key for maximizing AI benefits, requiring planning and resource allocation for integration. Implementing AI involves changes in workflows, necessitating effective change management to ensure employee understanding and acceptance, minimizing resistance to change.

2. Skill Gaps and Training

Organizations must invest in training programs to prepare current personnel for successful AI use. Cross-department collaboration between IT, data science, and business operations can help bridge skill gaps and drive innovation in AI implementation.

3. Cost and ROI Considerations

Organizations must carefully assess AI deployment costs, which include technology, infrastructure, and talent charges. Balancing costs and advantages is critical to ensure that the investment in AI is consistent with the entire company plan.

Authors Bio

Ankit Patel is the CEO of Wappnet Systems, a leading software development company specializing in AI, Web3, blockchain, and mobile app development. His years of experience in the IT industry drive innovation and deliver cutting-edge solutions for businesses worldwide. He is dedicated to empowering businesses with advanced technological solutions, and his strategic vision continues to shape the future of digital transformation across industries. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

The Impact of Automation and AI on Supply Chain Efficiency: Transforming Logistics for the Future

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The supply chain industry is in the midst of a significantly different transformation due to automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s rapidly evolving global market. The advanced technology enables companies to automate their supply chains, which helps them deliver their services more efficiently, cut costs, and increase the overall availability of the products. The automation and AI adoption that took place during the pandemic also facilitated further cost reduction and increased overall product availability, as companies were seeking different ways to maintain operations in the face of labor shortages, shifting consumer demands, and logistical disruptions. The use of automation and AI in this article is termed as the means that are effecting change in the supply chain and creating new logistics trails and the future of world trade. According to the Consegic Business Intelligence, the Industrial Automation and Control Systems Market size is estimated to reach over USD 864.94 Billion by 2031 from a value of USD 379.47 Billion in 2023 and is projected to grow by USD 413.87 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 10.8% from 2024 to 2031.

Read also: Artificial Intelligence – How it is Shaping and Redefining Logistics

1. Automation: Reducing Human Intervention and Enhancing Accuracy

Automation technologies contributed to redefining supply chain management greatly by reducing human impact, securing an error-free supply chain, and thus improving operational efficiency. Key areas where automation is making an impact include Retail warehouses that are now fully-automated (having robotic systems) and can undertake tasks like picking, packing, sorting, & palletizing with super-precision and -speed. A state-of-the-art warehouse is incomplete without cool little things like Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which are the engines of the modern warehouse, zeroing the man/labor input and zeroing human errors at the same time. To optimize warehouse operations, big players like Amazon and Walmart have already integrated robots into warehouses, to facilitate fast and accurate order fulfillment. Modernized and hi-tech conveyor systems and robots are being used to sort and package goods most efficiently. Automation technologies can identify and categorize items based on size, weight, and destination, ensuring the right products are packaged and labeled correctly. This reduces bottlenecks and allows businesses to process a larger volume of orders in a shorter amount of time. Inventory automation that includes the AI-enhanced deployment of RFID sensors and the like does away with manual stock checks. By using AI technologies, RFID tags, and barcodes, the companies can track inventory levels in real-time, ensuring that they will not need to stock either too much or, conversely, too few items. In this way, automatic controls are set in such a way that the stock is re-ordered without the manager’s intervention, which means that the warehouse manager does not need to spend time on manual inventory counting. Automation has reached the transportation part of the supply chain too. Some first-mile autonomous trucks, drones, and delivery robots are in progress to be the pathfinders of inclusive logistics, as they are reducing the dependency on human drivers and helping logistics operations to be faster and more efficient. Major shippers like UPS and FedEx are poking at these concepts to smarten the delivery circuits and cut down expenses.

2. Artificial Intelligence: Enabling Smarter Decision-Making

The application of artificial intelligence is evolving the automation of the supply chain, by introducing more data-driven decision-making through the use of AI technology. It is the transportation sector of the supply chain where AI technologies have been witnessed most prominently. Companies are now able to comprehend the demand more correctly, schedule smart routes, and monitor risk levels in the decision-making processes through the introduction of AI in the supply chain.

AI in the form of a forecasted sale machine tool is starting to be used by companies to detect demand fluctuations more accurately. Machine learning algorithms are capable of data forecasting from historical sales, consumer behavior patterns, and other external factors such as weather and economic trends, which they then use to estimate the demand and optimize the production schedules and distribution strategies. This, in turn, pushes the likelihood of stock-out and values of inventory down thus affecting the supply chain as a whole in a more positive way.

Artificial Intelligence algorithms are still in the phase of being tested on real-time data that is derived from traffic patterns, weather forecasts, and even the location of delivery for transportation and delivery purposes. Such algorithms are a good solution for logistic companies as they can bring down fuel use, increase speeds of delivery, and fulfill delivery time. The AI-based rout mapping is very important for companies in the industry with challenging networks or where their distributors are the last mile of delivery to the customers.

Another area of AI use is the inclusion of intelligence features in the sourcing departments to simplify supplier selection, contract management, and risk assessment. This is done by the application of machine learning algorithms that first scrutinize the supplier’s performance before they go to the market, or the algorithm uses a combination of them to assess geological and political risks. The algorithms then suggest a way to source faster, reduce the vulnerability of the supply chain, and decrease the risk of crises caused by supplier disruptions.

AI-controlled inventory systems can automatically initiate the purchase of the missing inventory from the real-time information about the demand of the consumers and the levels of that inventory in the store at any time. Consequently, the operations are assured of having a specific stock all the time which directly lowers stock-carrying costs and cuts the stock which is no longer needed.

3. The Role of AI in Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility and Transparency

Ideally, transparency and visibility are the major challenges in supply chain management that must be addressed. AI technologies are doing this by giving the users a full view of the operations and insight into the best recipes from the beginning to the end without any visual or network capacity issues:

AI-based platforms can supervise

of the supply chain, from the procurement of raw materials to finished delivery, fast and makes it possible to keep the last status of shipments&, inventory levels, and production timelines in the time zone. In short, these are platforms that collect data from various sources, including IoT devices, sensors, and logistics management systems, to equip companies with such an outlook of their supply chain operations as can be practically mastered.

AI and blockchain technology are both powerful. Their junction is an endnote that is both beneficial and yet seen not enough in the logistics realm. The coupling of AI and blockchain is a reward for the unified supply chain. Blockchain provides a distributed ledger that can only undergo the transactions of inputs that can be done on it and AI can analyze this information and records to discover the misconceptions and confirm the products’ credibility, and regulations. This mix applies mainly to manufacturing sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry, food and beverage, and luxury items where the detection of tampered or faulty products is of critical importance.

 Risk prevention is an area in which AI is revolutionizing data from many varied sources being analyzed together to come up with predictions of impending disruptions and the required actions for mitigation. To specify, AI algorithms can appraise threats like supplier insolvency, natural calamities, or political unrest, so that companies can make the needed adjustments to their sourcing strategies to lessen the effects. Businesses with insight tend to build flexible and fortified supply chains that can tolerate catastrophic incidences.

4. Collaborative Robots (Cobots) and AI in Human-Augmented Operations

The lack of visibility and transparency that covers the logistical network is one of the most critical challenges in supply chain management. AI technologies are addressing these issues by providing end-to-end visibility and real-time insights into supply chain operations:  One of the major issues in the field evaluated by the experts covers the lack of visibility and transparency that the whole logistics network faces. AI technologies are solving the problem of lack of visibility and real-time insights into supply chains with their end-to-end supply chain technologies. 

AI-enabled platforms can monitor each step of the supply chain model, such as from the acquisition of the raw material to the delivery to the last consumer, and provide super-fast tracking of all the shipment updates, inventory levels, and production timelines. Company data, in the form of IoT devices, sensors, and logistics management systems gives the current owners of companies the ability to see their whole supply chain operating in real-time by aggregating that. The interfacing of AI with blockchain technology massively improves the traceability and transparency of the supply chain. Blockchain provides a set of unchangeable records, which are called blocks. However, using AI, companies can analyze this data and be able to rapidly detect abnormalities, confirm the authenticity of the product, and at the same time comply with the regulatory requirements. Particularly, this combination is very good for businesses like the pharmaceutical industry, food and beverage industry, and luxury goods where the product’s credibility and safety are of priority. 

AI with its analytics technology which through multi-source data foretells potential crises and advises the ways of coping with them brings the risk management practice to a nearly new level. For example, the use of AI algorithms can evaluate the risks like the bankruptcy of suppliers, natural calamities, or political disarray then companies can make timely decisions to minimize or prevent the danger to supply chains and hence continue operations. It is a high level of insight that expedites the process of business conduct, which can spontaneously cope with undesirable events. Despite automation, while it is decreasing the need for manual labor in some particular areas cobots also are working with AI-enhanced applications from a human point of view which can be considered second to manned operation in the safety of the human workforce:

Cobots are tailor-made to be part of the workforce whereas robots are not capable of full automation. These robots can load or unload heavy equipment, as well as assemble products, or perform matching operations using human workers who are primarily involved with more complex and value-added tasks. Cobots are powered with AI-based vision sensors that enable them to self-adjust to different settings and truly collaborate with humans. Artificial Intelligence safety-sensor systems are being integrated into supply chain operations to monitor the conditions under which employees are working and to determine if there are any dangers actual or potential. Security cameras and sensors are AI-powered thus capable of identifying any unsafe behavior or environmental conditions that might cause danger and taking the necessary measures like alerting the workers or taking automated actions to stop the accidents. This way companies can provide safe working conditions and minimize the risks of workplace injuries.

5. The Future of Supply Chain with Automation and AI 

The revolution in supply chain management will be heavily influenced by widespread advancements regarding automation as well as the AI technologies that accompany it. They will be the biggest changes in the upcoming years: Hyper-automation concept, which is the coexistence of AI, robotic process automation (RPA), and machine learning, has become the main asset in enterprise supply chains, making them realize “zero human touches”. These solutions will allow the enterprises to adapt to still ever-changing market conditions and scale up their operations, respectively. The end vision for the future is a completely autonomous supply network using AI. These systems will be so intelligent that they can configure, cure, and govern by themselves, thus, there will be no need for manual oversight. 

Autonomous supply chains will be adaptive and can inform production schedules based on the number of pending orders, ongoing production, warehouse occupation as well as demand. In the same way, they automatically find the requisites to be put out of business. AI is the golden tool that needs to be applied in transforming supply chains into more sustainable ones through such methods as optimizing resource usage, reducing waste, and cutting greenhouse emissions. AI contributed to the simulations that would help to develop more eco-friendly transportation, reusing, and recycling products, reducing net carbon emissions along the entire supply chain.

Conclusion

Sometimes industry is disproportionally revolutionized by greater proficiency, lower costs, and better decision-making through the use of automation and AI. Integration of these artificial intelligence and computer technology solutions is allowing firms to make better decisions via building more intelligent enough, resilient enough supply chains than the global market requires. AI and robotics will also help in the course of the development of fully automated, transparent supply chains that are the backbone of new logistics.

Source: Industrial Automation and Control Systems Market

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

The Future of Autonomous Shipping: From Coastal Routes to Urban Logistics

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The concept of crewless ships navigating coastlines, inland waterways, and even the high seas is no longer confined to science fiction. At a recent CONNECTING PORTS talk show hosted by HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), experts gathered to discuss the emerging reality of autonomous shipping, highlighting how this technology is gradually becoming part of modern logistics.

Read also: Eventual Autonomous Shipping Faces Considerable Hurdles 

Moderated by Christina Prieser, Associate Partner at HPC, the forum featured insights from three industry leaders: Ørnulf Jan Rødseth, General Manager of the Norwegian Forum for Autonomous Ships (NFAS); Marc Holstein, Head of the Remote Operation Center at SEAFAR in Antwerp; and Antoon van Collie, CEO of ZULU Associates.

Rødseth shared Norway’s pioneering steps in semi-autonomous shipping, including the world’s first semi-autonomous container ship, which has been transporting goods since spring 2022. This vessel operates with minimal crew and is remotely controlled, showcasing the practical application of autonomous technology in coastal services.

Holstein highlighted the deployment of SEAFAR’s technology on over forty vessels, primarily in inland shipping. He emphasized the seamless integration of crew-reduced and remotely controlled ships into existing infrastructure, particularly in Belgium. Meanwhile, van Collie discussed France’s progress in allowing autonomous ships in its waters, with plans to operate unmanned vessels by next year.

The discussion also touched on the potential for autonomous vessels in urban logistics. In cities like New York and Paris, small autonomous ships are already being used to transport goods, with some vessels even powered by hydrogen. Van Collie sees this model expanding to other cities, such as Hamburg and Berlin.

Looking ahead, Norway’s ASKO plans to replace road transport with two battery-powered, semi-autonomous ro-ro ships by 2026, reducing road traffic and infrastructure needs. The experts agreed that remote control increases operational safety, with shorter, more manageable shifts for captains onshore compared to traditional seafaring roles.

As the possibilities for autonomous shipping continue to take shape, it is clear that this technology is set to revolutionize the logistics and transportation industries, offering safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions.

The full session Connecting Ports #08 is available on YouTube Connecting Ports | Session #8 | Navigating Next: The Path to Autonomous Maritime Transport (youtube.com)

The next session of Connecting Ports will take place on 5 September 2024. It will focus on an urgent industry topic: cybersecurity challenges in ports. Secure your seats now, as registration is still open: Connecting Ports – HPC Hamburg Port Consulting GmbH

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Technology

Securing the Digital Frontier: Cybersecurity in Trade and Logistics Infrastructure 

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Headlines litter online landscapes, detailing the rising threat of cyberattacks on supply chains. Logistics and trade work forces must combat criminal outfits with revolutionary defense tactics. Critical societal systems will fall without preparation, damaging economies and corporate stability. Everyone — from exporters to manufacturers — has a long list of techniques to employ for protection.

Read also: Chinese Crane Manufacturer Denies Cybersecurity Concerns Raised by US Officials

Encryption of Data in Transit and at Rest

Many understand data as a constantly mobile concept. However, logistics and supply chain experts know a lot of it remains at rest or inactive in hard drives or cloud storage until it has utility. Encrypting moving and at-rest information within immutable storage adds defensive layers to critical infrastructure.

Smart ports and trade hubs are becoming the norm, so information is on the move every second. This is why a massive Japanese port suffered a ransomware attack in 2023, shutting down operations.

The strategy prevents unwanted access without a decryption key, increasing the sector’s compliance adherence. While it safeguards information, it makes cybersecurity analysts’ lives easier. Reduced access means it is easier to identify who or what is potentially responsible for a breach. A short list of authorized individuals makes risk assessment more straightforward.

Regular Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing

Countless supply chains use code assembly-based software. This implies the program has prebuilt assets, saving developers time to create what they need, even if it is proprietary. However, many third-party codes and open-source libraries contain oversights receiving infrequent patches.

Issues like this hit companies like SolarWinds in 2023, leading to cyberattacks in poorly managed software. Penetration testers and vulnerability assessments find concerns like this and many more with a little help.

These service professionals dig into the infrastructure of a supply chain to note the most prominent concerns and what high-value tools companies can implement to increase protection. The tests discover:

  • Misconfigurations
  • Unsupported software
  • Weak passwords
  • Unprotected servers and networks
  • API failures
  • Data center oversights

Adopting Blockchain Technology for Secure Transactions

The blockchain is one of the most promising cybersecurity tools of Industry 5.0. It keeps logistical communications, procurement transactions and more in a protected digital ledger. It is tamper-proof, requiring verifiable authentication with hashes or digital fingerprints. Every exchange is transparent and traceable, validating the trustworthiness of each contract.

Supply chain professionals need infrastructure like the blockchain to give stakeholders peace of mind. Proving security and streamlining trading deals has never been safer. A case study proved its usefulness in the food industry with the strawberry supply chain. The blockchain improved the efficiency and security of customer shipping notifications and vendor interactions.

Secure Remote Access Protocols

Supply chains have a seemingly unending list of people who contribute to operations. There are vendors, internal staff, contractors and more. Too many individuals may have credentials to access critical logistics systems, and this habit expands the surface area for cyberattacks.

This includes on-site and remote access, which expanded as more people shifted to hybrid schedules. It also applies to logistics equipment and machinery like security cameras, servers and vehicles.

Digital transformation has encouraged supply chains to adopt assets like intelligent transportation and remote power management systems to expand oversight and improve safety response times. Virtual private networks and secure employee devices are several pieces of this puzzle.

Incident Response Planning and Regular Drills

Wholesalers, exporters, retailers and every sector in-between must construct a cybersecurity plan. Incident response is vital to business continuity, and corporations must issue regular drills to make sure it is effective. Doing so will reduce the adverse impacts of a cybersecurity incident on supply chain infrastructure because every moving part knows how to respond. These are some of the details logistics workers need to know if an attack occurs in the systems:

  • Emergency contacts
  • Government bodies to send reports for investigation
  • Personal safety protocol
  • What not to do during an attack
  • Guidance for IT professionals and analysts to detect, contain and eradicate the source
  • Recovery strategies 
  • Post-incident analysis tools

Follow the guidelines of notable cybersecurity compliance frameworks like NIST to discover curated solutions for supply chains. Frequent reviews will increase the confidence of all workers and partners if the response plan needs to be used.

Continuous Monitoring and Threat Intelligence Sharing

No factory load dock or smart city is safe without regulators and logistics professionals monitoring digital activity. Many leverage tools like artificial intelligence and machine learning to delegate and expand responsibilities.

Every insight must not remain a trade secret. Threat intelligence sharing is critical, as it could protect others in trade and logistics infrastructure from a destructive incident.

Enter the Digital Age With Secure Supply Chains

Supply chain infrastructure is crucial to a balanced society, and threat actors are getting more clever annually. Instilling it with more robust digital walls is the key to staying operational. Doing so is an industry-wide effort where collaboration and knowledge-sharing are necessary to overcome breaches and hackers.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports, Technology, U.S. Ports, United states news

Navigating Global Trade Trends: Port of Hueneme Showcases Supply Chain Innovations and AI Advancements during World Trade Week

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In honor of World Trade Week, the Port of Hueneme recently hosted a trade-focused event spotlighting current industry trends and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Attended by a diverse group including Department of Commerce officials, consuls, industry leaders, and businesses, the event provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of international trade and its intersection with technology.

Read also: Setting Cargo Records At Port Hueneme

11th World Trade Week Event hosted at the Port of Hueneme

Taking place on May 2, 2024, at the FATHOMWERX lab within the Port of Hueneme, the 11th annual World Trade Week event attracted nearly 100 participants from around the world with vested interests in global trade.

Drew Rodriguez, serving as this year’s emcee, guided the proceedings, while Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District, emphasized the significance of international trade to both the port and the broader region. Zacarias highlighted the Port of Hueneme’s pivotal role in facilitating global trade and its commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced efficiency and sustainability.

Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District, Board of Harbor Comissioners giving welcoming remarks.

Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director, provided a comprehensive overview of port operations, emphasizing recent developments and strategic partnerships aimed at fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship. Notably, Decas underscored the importance of international collaboration, citing recent initiatives focused on green corridors and decarbonization.

Kristin Decas, Port of Hueneme CEO/Port Director providing port update.

Representatives from global trade partners, including Mexico, Lithuania, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, shared insights into their respective trade ecosystems and opportunities for investment and collaboration. Ambassador Ricardo Santana highlighted the growing trade partnership between Mexico and California, while Mantas Zamzickas emphasized the burgeoning collaboration between the Port of Hueneme and the Port of Klaipeda in Lithuania.

Keynote speaker Caroline Kaufman, Industries Team Lead at the International Trade Administration, highlighted the Department of Commerce’s commitment to strengthening supply chains and promoting economic competitiveness. Kaufman emphasized the crucial role of ports like the Port of Hueneme in facilitating seamless trade operations.

A panel discussion moderated by Simona Racek focused on the integration of AI in international trade operations. Panelists, including Todd Smith, Vincent Iacopella, and Ray Bowman, shared insights into how AI technologies are transforming trade practices and enhancing efficiency.

The event concluded with the presentation of special awards by the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners, recognizing companies that have made significant contributions to exports through the Port of Hueneme.

Overall, the Port of Hueneme’s World Trade Week event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, underscoring the importance of embracing innovation and technology in navigating the complexities of global trade.

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3pls, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

Net Feasa Revolutionizes Supply Chain Visibility with Expanded Vessel Control Tower

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Net Feasa, renowned for its groundbreaking vessel-based wireless connectivity solutions for shipping containers, has unveiled an expanded Vessel Control Tower aimed at revolutionizing supply chain visibility. The upgraded platform now supports all IoT-enabled cargo, catering to both reefer manufacturers and dry box tracking providers on a single platform.

This advancement ensures seamless connectivity across various vendors for all IoT-enabled reefer and dry containers, offering crucial early notifications of temperature anomalies and potential fire threats. The Vessel Control Tower also facilitates visibility and alerts from strategically positioned IoT sensors on the vessel, including heat sensors on car decks, enabling early detection of heat anomalies, especially pertinent amid the rising incidents of fires aboard car-carrying ships due to the EV export boom.

Access to comprehensive reefer and dry container information on a unified platform onboard enhances monitoring efficiency and early threat detection, thereby bolstering crew safety measures. By consolidating data from diverse IoT-enabled cargo sources, the platform empowers crews to proactively address issues, minimize risks, and ensure smooth operations throughout voyages.

Mike Fitzgerald, Chairman of Net Feasa, expressed pride in this milestone achievement, emphasizing the platform’s role in enhancing safety, security, quality control, and operational efficiency in maritime transportation. Leveraging advanced wireless IoT networks and security expertise, the platform offers unparalleled insights and control over cargo conditions, enabling proactive threat detection and swift response to mitigate risks and optimize operations.

Key features of the Vessel Control Tower include real-time asset monitoring of multi-vendor reefers, proactive threat detection from smart containers, seamless integration with existing visualization platforms, customizable dashboards, and robust cyber-secure wireless networks.

With a commitment to crew and cargo safety, Net Feasa aims to reduce costs associated with damage and loss at sea while delivering exceptional value and service to the shipping industry. By amalgamating cutting-edge IoT technology with extensive industry experience, Net Feasa is setting a new standard for maritime visibility, security, quality control, and efficiency.

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3pls, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

New Descartes MacroPoint™ Capabilities Help Combat Fraud in Transportation and Logistics

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Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced the availability of Descartes MacroPoint™ FraudGuard to help freight brokers, third-party logistics companies (3PLs) and shippers identify and prevent fraudulent activities related to carrier information, load tracking, and shipment status. The new capabilities are now included as part of the subscription for the Descartes MacroPoint service.

“Fraud is a serious and growing problem in the industry. The costs associated with, for example, stolen loads, double brokering and mode switching, can be significant. Worse, it’s extremely challenging for stakeholders to find effective and timely resolutions when incidents do occur,” said Omer Ramušević, Director of Business Development, Swick Logistics. “With Descartes MacroPoint, we will have a new way to automate the early detection of potential fraud, which will be crucial to preventing disruptions for our customers, mitigating financial risk, and building trust with our shipper and carrier communities.”

Descartes MacroPoint FraudGuard uses advanced technology to proactively assess and flag certain potential instances of carrier or driver fraud by evaluating billions of data points on freight location and status for accuracy. It helps to combat fraud by verifying the location of the freight and driver, blocking location tracking points that are determined to be false and managing the interaction with the customer when fraud is detected. The new capabilities help freight brokers, third-party logistics companies (3PLs) and shippers detect fraud early, save costs associated with the repercussions of fraud, improve carrier scorecards and carrier network performance, enhance trust with customers and carriers, and improve collaboration with carriers and partners when addressing concerns or disputes.

Descartes MacroPoint is a multimodal visibility platform designed to help freight brokers, 3PLs and shippers gain better visibility to their freight operations and shipments. Carriers can easily connect with the solution via GPS-based electronic logging device (ELD), transportation management systems (TMS), or mobile app-based tracking methods. The platform allows for increased control and management of the supply chain—with more efficient and high-quality data to improve communication and decision-making. Using Descartes MacroPoint, companies can enhance customer service, increase distribution efficiency, better collaborate with customers, suppliers and carriers, and minimize the impact of disruptions and late delivery penalties.

“Given the increasingly sophisticated tactics of bad actors combined with the sheer volume of data in transportation and logistics, it’s essential to have advanced capabilities to help monitor and minimize the impact of fraudulent activities,” said Dan Cicerchi, General Manager, Transportation Management at Descartes. “This is an industry-wide issue, and our capabilities help address these challenges, making Descartes MacroPoint an even more valuable freight visibility tool by facilitating a more secure logistics ecosystem.”

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Technology, Warehousing

Future Proofing Tracking Links for Drone and Robotic Deliveries

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In today’s dynamic world, the logistics and parcel delivery landscape is undergoing a transformative shift driven by technological innovations. Drone deliveries and robotic deliveries through autonomous vehicles are reshaping the way goods are transported and delivered to consumers. One notable aspect of this change is the significant improvement in speed and efficiency. Drones and autonomous vehicles offer faster delivery options by bypassing traffic congestion and optimizing routes, resulting in quicker turnaround times.

With these exciting changes come new challenges, especially when it comes to tracking packages and thus the need for future-proof tracking links has never been more pressing.

Traditionally, tracking packages was as simple as scanning a barcode or typing in a tracking number. But now, with drones zipping through the sky and autonomous vehicles navigating the roads, we need smarter tracking systems. The advanced tracking links use technologies like GPS, RFID, and sensors to keep tabs on packages every step of the way. This means we can see where your package is in real-time, from the moment it leaves the warehouse to when it arrives at your door.

But these tracking systems are about more than just keeping an eye on packages. They’re also about making deliveries more efficient and cost-effective. By using artificial intelligence and data analytics, companies can optimize delivery routes, predict demand, and make sure packages are delivered on time, every time. These future-proof tracking links are engineered to adapt seamlessly to the evolving demands of the delivery landscape.

Did you know these tracking links can also serve as a powerful marketing tool?
They enable businesses to engage customers through targeted promotions and advertisements. With features such as highly customizable URLs and delivery time slot preferences, customers have more control over their deliveries than ever before. They can choose the delivery options that best suit their needs and preferences, resulting in a more personalized and satisfying experience overall.

By leveraging customer data and preferences, businesses can deliver tailored offers directly through the tracking link, driving sales and enhancing the overall customer experience.

The Way Forward

The future of logistics is marked by innovation and adaptability. Drone deliveries and robotic deliveries through autonomous vehicles are revolutionizing the delivery landscape, offering faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional delivery methods. However, their widespread adoption depends on overcoming regulatory challenges and ensuring safety and reliability in their operation.

By embracing next-generation tracking links, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional experiences in an increasingly digital world. As we navigate the evolving landscape of logistics, one thing is clear: the future is bright, and the possibilities are limitless.

The article was written by Dhaval Thanki, EVP – LogiNext.
LogiNext is a global technology firm that offers a SaaS-based Delivery Automation Platform. The software helps brands across Food & Beverage, Courier, Express and Parcel, eCommerce & Retail, and Transportation (3PLs, 4PLs, etc.) to digitize, optimize, and automate deliveries across the supply chain. Growing at an average rate of 120% YoY, LogiNext has 200+ enterprise clients in 50+ countries. With headquarters in New York and regional offices in Mumbai, Jakarta, Delhi, and Dubai.