GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN FEBRUARY 2022 ISSUE

February 2022 Issue 88

ENHANCING THE BUSINESS OF LOGISTICS

LOGISEYE:

Eyeing a Potent, Cloud-enabled Logistics Procurement Platform Powering the Customer-LSP Partnership with Advanced Analytics, AI and ML NAFL

Celebration time for the Association on its 34th Anniversary

EPG Rocket Club

Promoting LSP Startups

UD Trucks

Extraordinary 2021 Performance in MEENA Region

ADD SPEED AND FLEXIBILITY TO YOUR E-COMMERCE SHIPMENTS WITH TK COURIER! Visit to learn more: turkishcargo.com.tr

DRIVE THE NEW WAY

NEW IVECO T-WAY: HIGH PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY ON OFF-ROAD TERRAINS With a complete line-up of AWD and PWD versions and the the 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, the IVECO T-WAY features a host of functionalities such as Rocking Mode, Off-road Mode, Creeping Mode and 4 reverse gears to tackle with ease the toughest off-road conditions.

The new architecture of the EBS system, combined with disc brakes on all wheels, greatly improves the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s safety in the most demanding applications.

NEW IVECO S-WAY: HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENCY FOR ON-ROAD MISSIONS The new IVECO S-WAY, with a completely redesigned and reinforced cab, offers a wide choice of Euro III/V diesel engines, a delivering class-leading power from 360 HP to 560 HP Euro III / 570 HP Euro V and superior fuel-saving devices, such as anti-idling feature, Ecoswitch, Ecoroll and Smart Alternator. 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated transmission with the most advanced technology in its category, electronic clutch and best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio.

Harnessing Technology to empower the Logistics sector

SIGNATURE MEDIA FZ LLE P. O. Box 49784, Dubai, UAE Tel: 04 3795678 Email: info@signaturemediame.com Exclusive Sales Agent Signature Media LLC P.O. Box 49784, Dubai, UAE Publisher: Jason Verhoven jason@signaturemediame.com Editor: Malcolm Dias malcolm@signaturemediame.com Art Director: Johnson Machado johnson@signaturemediame.com Production Manager: Roy Varghese roy@signaturemediame.com

Printed by United Printing Press (UPP) – Abu Dhabi Distributed by Tawseel Distribution & Logistics – Dubai

Contributor’s opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editor and while every precaution has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate and timely, no liability is accepted by them for errors or omissions, however caused.

Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Signature Media FZ LLE & SIGNATURE MEDIA LLC and cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission.

There is now no turning back for increasing use of technology for the regional and global logistics and supply chain industry.

Then by the same token, a strong case can always be made for businesses to go entirely digital and that is now the growing trend as technology ushers in new and increased capabilities, speed and cost efficiencies. Technology is not only necessary, it is indispensable.

So it is in this context that adoption and embrace of trends and innovations such as the Internet of Things; Artificial Intelligence; Robotics; Last-Mile Delivery; Warehouse Automation; Blockchain; Big Data & Data Analytics and Cloud Computing among others is becoming the norm.

It is against this backdrop that we decided on Dubai-based LogisEye Solutions for our Cover Story where CM Mathew, CEO and Founder, is playing a key role enabling digital transformation in logistics.

In a one-on-one exclusive, Mathew explained the genesis of his company and how LogisEye is driving change and in a nutshell providing instant freight & cargo insurance rates from multiple suppliers globally.

There was cause of celebrations and optimism as the National Association for Freight & Logistics (NAFL) as it commemorated its 34th Anniversary with a lavish gala dinner and reception. In her address to over 250 assembled attendees, Nadia Abdul Aziz, President, lauded the industry for its tenacity and resilience in holding up in tough times and expressed optimism for the year ahead.

Elsewhere, we report on UD Trucks’ inspirational performance in 2021and how the trucks manufacturer fared well last year in spite of tough economic conditions in a pandemic era.

Our regular series of thought leadership articles and contributions from eminent and well-regarded logistics and supply chain professionals are grist for our content mill as we engage, weigh in and deliberate on major issues gripping the industry.

Add to this our latest news roundup, updates, OpEds and a lot of carefully sieved and well-curated input to stimulate and satiate the readers’ quest for gainful insights in the logistics and supply chain arena.

As always, we love to hear from you and welcome your thoughts, comments, observations and even criticism. Do let us know what you would like to see us cover in future editions!

Warm wishes and happy reading!

Malcolm Dias Editor malcolm@signaturemediame.com

FEBRUARY 2022 5

AL GHURAIR AUTOMOBILES

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NEWS

February 2022 Issue 88

22

Up to date news of the Global Suppy Chain industry

NAFL

Lavish Gala Dinner held to commemorate its 34th Anniversary.

Wire & Tube 2022 Dusseldorf

Major biennial Show will be held this coming May.

EPG Group Rocket Club

Ehrhardt Partner Group promotes start-ups in the pioneering logistics sector.

Abu Dhabi Ports Group

A news roundup of developments at the port operator.

DHL Global Forwarding OpEd

The CEO on the need to raise customer satisfaction to pre-pandemic levels.

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IQ Robotics--BFL Partnership Deal to expand into Saudi Arabia.

UD Trucks

2021 has proven to be a rewarding year for the truck manufacturer.

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60

LogisEye Solutions

Technology providing instant freight & cargo insurance rates.

Fleet Management OpEd

Fausto Lupone, Automotive Expert, Petronas, on the need to overhaul the system.

Breakbulk Middle East 2022 February 2022 Event to usher in a new era of project cargo growth.

FedEx

FedEx to establish a presence in Dubai South.

Infor OpEd

Khaled AlShami, Senior Director, Infor, on the need to create agile supply chains.

Infor OpEd

Amel Gardner, VP & GM, Infor ME, on the Top 5 Technology Predictions for the Supply Chain sector.

Last Word

Alain Kaddoum, MD, Savoye ME, on reshaping the future of logistics through next-gen technologies.

2021

by QATAR AIRWAYS C ARGO

What we do, we do for you.

And what we do, we cannot do without you.

Thank you to all our dedicated customers and employees.

160+ destinations served in 2021 127,000+ flights from Jan-21 to Oct-21 More than 1.4M tonnes of cargo transported from Jan-21 to Oct-21 Over 2,600 devoted employees Moved by people qrcargo.com

MYCRANE appoints new franchisee in India

Emirates SkyCargo has deployed SkyCell containers on many global routes.

Emirates SkyCargo recognised for pharma cool chain capabilities n Emirates SkyCargo has been named as the ‘Safest Global Airline Partner’ for the year 2021 for the transportation of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical shipments

by Swiss manufacturer SkyCell, one of the leading global manufacturers of specialised containers for the transportation of sensitive pharmaceuticals by air.

The title was awarded to Emirates on the basis of SkyCell’s global shipment data for pharmaceutical cargo which ranked carriers on a number of criteria including stability of transport temperature conditions across a range of origins and destinations.

The award is an important validation of Emirates SkyCargo’s extensive cool chain infrastructure and capabilities dedicated for the transportation of pharmaceuticals and the carrier’s ability to maintain an unbroken cool chain during the air transportation process.

Over the last five years, the air cargo carrier has invested significantly in the

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development of purposebuilt, EU GDP certified infrastructure for pharma transport at its hub and working closely with its ground handling partners at major pharma origins and destinations across the world to ensure enhanced protection for temperature sensitive pharmaceutical cargo.

SkyCell’s containers use an innovative material technology to maintain sensitive cargo at a stable temperature even under extreme outside temperatures for a period of several days. Emirates SkyCargo maintains a dedicated stock of SkyCell containers at Dubai for availability at short notice for global pharma customers.

During the calendar year 2021, there was a growth of over 30% in the total number of pharma lanes on which SkyCell containers were deployed

by Emirates. This is in line with the increased focus on the transportation of temperature-sensitive medicines and vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic.

n MYCRANE, the world’s first digital platform for the search and selection of cranes has announced the appointment of an exclusive pan-India franchisee.

The free-to-use MYCRANE service will be operated in India by Mumbai-based Sahil Freight Express. Established in 1986, the company has extensive experience in the freight and logistics sector.

As an exclusive distributor for Germany’s Scheuerle in the past, Sahil was responsible for introducing the manufacturer’s globallyrenowned SPMTs (self propelled motor transporter), modular platform trailers and semitrailers to the Indian market.

In addition, Sahil has handled a number of heavy lift projects, and was the pioneer in establishing the concept of NVOCC /

LCL (less-than-containerload) consolidation as a service provided by freight forwarders in India.

The franchise partnership agreement was signed at Expo 2020 Dubai by Andrei Geikalo, Founder and Director, MYCRANE, and Suhail Shaikh, Chairman and Managing Director, Sahil Freight Express.

“In Sahil Freight, we have the right partners who have a proven track record of introducing new products and services to the market. I have no doubt MYCRANE will be a big success in India,” remarked Geikalo.

“While the crane market is expected to be very strong in the coming years, it remains a fact that the majority of the rental equipment market in India is dominated by smaller, informal players,” commented Shaikh.

Andrei Geikalo (r) and Suhail Shaikh at the signing ceremony.

Swisslog highlights two new multimillion e-grocery projects n Swisslog has strengthened its leading position in e-grocery automation solutions by landing two new projects for Rohlik, the fast-growing European e-grocery disruptor. The projects are part of the Rohlik 45 MEUR automation investments.

The pandemic has brought a major shift in grocery shopping patterns, with research suggesting that up to two-thirds of consumers changed their grocery shopping behavior. Now, industry analysts and grocers are projecting that for a significant percentage of the market these initially short-term adaptations will translate into long-term behavior changes.

“Automating e-grocery fulfillment enables significant productivity improvements compared to picking products from store shelves and eliminates in-store picker congestion.

Automated micro-fulfillment centres help to reduce delivery costs and shorten the last mile and the time to consumer. They

Swisslog AutoStore

are also an ideal solution for fulfilling online orders for curbside pickup”, explained Jens Schmale, Head of Swisslog Region EMEA. The right automation solutions are enabling e-grocery providers to operate with the sustained throughput they need, while also providing operational flexibility to accommodate demand peaks.

Rohlik is the European leader in e-grocery in Central Europe with over

850,000 customers across the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria and Germany.

One project for www.rohlik.cz in the Czech Republic is for its fulfillment center in Prague, due to be completed by the end of 2023. The e-grocery operations with the AutoStore technology, AutoStore technology, the Swisslog CycloneCarrierShuttle solution and Swisslog QuickMove conveyor system will be supported by the Swisslog SynQ Software.

“We are proud to be a main partner from Rohlik with our large and committed team with our expertise in software, AutoStore and integrated logistics solutions,” observed Schmale.

The other project for www.gurkerl.at in Austria is for its e-grocery fulfillment center in Vienna. This facility will also use Swisslog SynQ Software and AutoStore technology combined with Swisslog’s QuickMove modular conveyor system.

Tradeling signs MoU with Hutchison Ports Ajman n Tradeling, the growing eMarketplace focused on businessto-business (B2B) transactions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hutchison Ports Ajman.

The agreement will open new opportunities including a faster cargo clearance and delivery to Tradeling’s facilities for businesses globally to import goods into the UAE using Hutchison Ports Ajman’s facilities.

The official signing of the agreement by Marius Ciavola, CEO, Tradeling and David Shin, CEO, Hutchison Ports Ajman took place at Tradeling’s offices in Dubai. Under this agreement, Hutchison Ports Ajman will fully handle transferring and processing Tradeling’s cargo through their facilities to offer safe, efficient and seamless processing of mass shipments to Tradeling’s warehouses in Dubai CommerCity.

Furthermore, as part of Tradeling’s new offering, sellers from across the world will be able to ship and store their products cost-free at Tradeling’s warehouses, which guarantee a faster delivery to buyers in the UAE. Hutchison Ports Ajman will play a pivotal role in managing the logistical requirements through Ajman ports.

Marius Ciavola (l) David Shin at the signing ceremony.

“Together we will ensure a reliable and smooth trade process in addition to providing logistics and financing solutions to Tradeling’s customers,” commented Ciavola.

“We are looking forward to the collaboration between Hutchison Port Ajman and Tradeling to deliver end-to-end services across the entire supply chain,” remarked Shin.

Led by a team of experienced technology startup builders, Tradeling ensures a reliable and smooth trade process in addition to providing logistics and financing solutions.

FEBRUARY 2022 7

Bahri signs MoU agreement with Ma’aden at Future Minerals Forum

Handover of Renault Trucks K 380 P 6X4 Concrete Mixers to Sijimix.

Bahri and Ma’aden MoU signing ceremony.

Renault in first deal with Sijimix for Concrete Mixers

n Bahri recently announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), one of the fastest-growing mining companies in the world and the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East.

The agreement was signed In the presence of Eng. Abdullah Aldubaikhi, CEO, Bahri, and Eng. Abdulaziz Bin Askar Al-Harbi, CEO, Ma’aden, by Eng. Mohammed Bin Battal, President, Bahri Dry Bulk, and Anas Albassam, Vice President of Commercial and Market Development Phosphates, Ma’aden, at a ceremony on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum held in Riyadh from 11-13 January 2022.

The agreement comes as part of Bahri’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its logistics sector ties, in service of the national economy. Bahri and Ma’aden will explore cooperation across various fields, including chartering cargo ships to transport ammonia gas, dry transport needs, and other areas the two companies will agree to collaborate on in the future.

“The strategic partnerships being forged with national companies such as Ma’aden in the next few years will prove the most fruitful for our longterm growth and stability, both regionally and internationally,” affirmed Engr. Aldubaikhi.

The recent concluded inaugural Future Minerals Forum connected global policymakers with investors and business leaders across the mining value chain and its supporting industries. The forum aimed to advance the mining goals of countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, and North and East Africa.

One of the world’s largest owners and operators of VLCCs and the Middle East’s one of the largest owners and operator of chemical tankers, Bahri owns and operates a total of 90 vessels, including 42 VLCCs, 33 chemical and product tankers, 6 multipurpose vessels, and 9 dry-bulk carriers.

n Renault Trucks has announced the brand’s first deal with Sijimix, a leading ready-mix concrete supplier in the Eastern UAE, to supply a total of ten new K 380 trucks, which will be used to transport concrete across the eastern UAE. Sijimix’s ten new Renault Trucks, supplied by the brand’s partner in Dubai, United Diesel, will expand the company’s existing fleet of over 140 units.

The K 380 P6x4 Rigid Chassis models, which meet Euro 5 emission standards and are equipped with a wide range of technological features as well as 9 CBM transit Concrete Mixers, are set to optimise Sijimix’s local operations thanks to the K range’s functionality and fuel efficiency.

The K 380 P6x4 Rigid Chassis models have a reputation for robustness, exceptional reliability and optimal fuel efficiency. They are equipped and designed to ensure maximum productivity and safety for their drivers, as the new models meet concrete suppliers’ operational needs.

The K 380 models, in addition to their robust build, also reduce operational costs by minimising fuel consumption by combining a Euro 5 380hp engine, the Optidriver AT 2612F gearbox with

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automatic clutch, and a 445-litre tank.

Sijimix’s new K 380 P6x4 trucks, which will mainly be operating from Fujairah, are also driver-centric as they feature numerous advanced technological and safety features.

“Our deal came through numerous studies we’ve conducted, where Sijimix concluded that Renault Trucks are the best choice in terms of financial cost of operation and quality and reliability of the product, which are ideally suited for our operations across Fujairah,” remarked Mahmoud Attourah, CEO, Sijimix.

“The quality of our trucks along with their features, technological advancements and efficiency, in addition to United Diesel’s services and strong network, are key factors that contribute to the high demand for Renault Trucks in the UAE,” commented Guillaume Zimmermann, Commercial Director, Renault Trucks Middle East.

“Renault Trucks offers an excellent range of trucks that is perfectly suited to the varied requirements of our customers across the United Arab Emirates,” stated Mike Mokhles Makary, General Manager, United Diesel.

Jebel Ali Port welcomes the first vessel from Indonesia’s Kaiso Line n DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port recently received the MV ATLANTIC PIONEER, the first vessel from Kaiso Line, an Indonesia-based shipping company, at its container terminal.

The call demonstrates how Jebel Ali Port is a vital link in the global trade network, connecting markets in the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent (ISC) and South-East Asia (SEA).

The vessel and its crew led by Captain Tsyganenko Ruslan were welcomed by DP World officials, who handed over a plaque to the Master of the vessel.

The new KPG liner is the first direct service by Kaiso Line from Indonesia to ISC and Arabian Gulf ports. The service will call Jakarta (Indonesia), Nhava Sheva (India), Karachi (Pakistan), Jebel Ali (the UAE) and Dammam (Saudi Arabia), offering direct connectivity to and from Indonesia, with Jebel Ali Port being the transhipment hub.

The shipping line is scheduled to deploy more vessels in 2022 to reach a weekly departure within every single port and further expand the connectivity of key markets in South East Asia to the Middle East.

“The new service will not only strengthen ties between the UAE and Indonesia, but will also support traders in SEA and

ISC, giving them access to economies in the Middle East,” remarked Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World UAE & Jafza.

“The Jebel Ali Port is our hub in the Middle East, given the first-class infrastructure and the connectivity and access that DP World provides at their terminals,” commented Billy Iskandar, Managing Director, Kaiso Line.

Turkish Cargo transports 63 horses from Chicago to Istanbul n Turkish Cargo once again performed another successfully equine transport operation with the unique service it offers. The air cargo brand transported 63 horses, 59 of which were shipped at the same time, from Chicago to Istanbul safely.

The horses were brought in comfort from Chicago to Istanbul by making use of specially designed 21 stalls (dedicated horse barns) with non-skid surface and oval edges.

Since they are not allowed to be transported unattended as per the international regulations, the horses were accompanied by their keepers and the IATA Live Animals Regulation (LAR) certificated Turkish Cargo personnel during the flight.

Having been lodged for a short time in the live animal rooms at the Ataturk Airport in conformity with their natural living conditions, the horses were delivered healthy and hale to their owners in Turkey through the dedicated loading doors enabling ready movement.

Turkish Airways offers live animal shipment service to its customers in 127 countries worldwide.

Preparing horses for the long haul.

FEBRUARY 2022 9

Nissan confirms commitment to electrification n Calling for cross-industry collaboration to build a more sustainable future, Nissan recently highlighted the importance of electrification in the development of a cleaner, greener, and more connected world at an Expo thought leadership event.

Marco Fioravanti, Vice President, Product Planning in Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania, Nissan Motor Corporation, was a featured speaker at the Age of Disruption – How Tech Innovation is Shaping Our New Normal event, which formed part of the Travel & Connectivity themed week and highlighted the unique ways technology can drastically improve the world.

“The mobility of tomorrow is going to be dramatically different than what we know today. If you look at the car as a commodity, not a lot has changed since its invention. It still has four wheels, a steering wheel and is powered by an engine,” stressed Fiorovanti.

Bringing together industry leaders, expert researchers and disruptive innovators, the unique event covered a variety of topics, including smart and sustainable mobility solutions for the future while highlighting the role of AI (artificial

Marco Fioravanti, VP-Product Planning in Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania, Nissan Motor Co.

intelligence) in the progression of mobility and urban living.

As the Official Automotive Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Nissan’s participation at the world fair has seen it launch two new vehicles in addition to conducting the first regional showcase of the Ariya, the brand’s first fully electric crossover.

Abu Dhabi International Airport celebrates four decades of development n Abu Dhabi Airports recently marked the 40th anniversary of the official opening of Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). “Abu Dhabi International Airport has connected the world to Abu Dhabi for 40 years and fuelled the emirate’s emergence as a leading destination for tourism, trade and commerce,” asserted HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports.

The airport was first conceived in 1974 and construction on the new airport began in 1979 and the new Abu Dhabi International Airport was officially opened on January 2, 1982 featuring a circular satellite terminal with a single connection to a semi-circular terminal.

Etihad became the national carrier and the home airline in 2003 which was a catalyst for rapid growth and paved the way for the opening of Terminal 2 in September 2005, a second runway (Runway 13L/31R) in 2008 and Terminal 3 in January 2009 boosting the airport’s capacity to 12 million passengers per year.

Technology will also be front-and-centre at the airport’s new Midfield Terminal Building. Construction of the Midfield Terminal Complex started in 2012 and is now 97% complete. Once

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opened, the Midfield Terminal Building will accommodate up to 45 million passengers per year whilst providing an exceptional passenger experience for the next 40 years.

“Abu Dhabi International has a proud history of providing world-class infrastructure and top-flight service whilst serving as a catalyst for growth for 40 of our proud nation’s 50 years of achievement,” commented Shareef Al Hashmi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports.

King Khalid International Airport obtains the Airport Carbon Accreditation from ACI n Riyadh Airports Company, which manages and operates King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in the Saudi Arabian capital recently announced that the airport has been rewarded for its environmental protection and carbon management strategy, by successfully obtaining a certification from the Airport Carbon Accreditation program provided by the Airports Council International (ACI).

This achievement reflects Riyadh Airport Company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and adopting the best international standards to become cleaner and more efficient, by determining the source of emissions within the operational boundary of the airport.

“This achievement reflects the continuous support that Riyadh Airports Company and KKIA receive from the General Authority of the Saudi Civil Aviation and Matarat Holding Company in all fields,” commented Eng. Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, CEO, Riyadh Airports Company.

Riyadh Airports Company is a member of Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and it is noteworthy that the Airport Carbon Accreditation program is the world’s only institutionally endorsed program that independently assesses and recognizes airport’s efforts to manage and reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.

Riyadh Airports Company

Majid Al Futtaim signs landmark agreement with Yandex n Majid Al Futtaim recently announced its collaboration with Yandex, one of the largest IT companies in Europe to explore autonomous technology solutions to enhance Carrefour’s last mile delivery capabilities.

The partnership will enable Carrefour to be the first omni-channel retailer to use self-driving robots for orders delivery in the region.

Responding to the high demand for online orders, Carrefour customers in selected neighborhoods across the UAE could receive their online orders via Yandex autonomous delivery robots as part of the pilot programme, which is set to launch in early 2022.

The signing ceremony was attended

by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Hani Weiss, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Retail; and Artem Fokin, Head

Carrefour-Yandex deal signing ceremony.

of Business Development, Yandex SelfDriving Group.

Powered by Yandex autonomous vehicle technology, company’s delivery robots can efficiently plan the safest route in real time, detect approaching vehicles and pedestrians, and travel at speeds of up to 8 km/h on sidewalks or other pedestrian areas. Customers will be able to track its movement in real time on the MAF Carrefour App.

“We are excited to explore this innovative new last mile solution to offer our customers greater flexibility, convenience and speed with their online orders,” observed Weiss.

“Autonomous delivery has the potential to improve the life for people in cities, while helping companies optimize their logistics and cut down the costs,” noted Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO, Yandex Self-Driving Group.

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Gerry’s dnata expands offering in Pakistan n Gerry’s dnata, Pakistan’s leading ground services provider, has expanded its offering in the country.

The company obtained Maintenance Organization Approval from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority to provide aircraft line maintenance services to airline customers, and now offers a onestop-shop of ground handling, cargo and technical services at the airports of Karachi (KHI), Lahore (LHE) and Islamabad (ISB).

Gerry’s dnata’s team of professionals can provide full line maintenance support and are trained on customers’ company procedures, providing a seamless service to both passenger and cargo airlines.

The launch customer is flydubai, which Gerry’s dnata already serves at four airports in Pakistan providing a range of ramp and passenger handling services to the airline and its customers.

“We are confident that our airline partners will welcome the expansion of our portfolio and take advantage of getting quality and safe ground handling and technical services from a single provider,” remarked Syed Haris Raza, Vice President, Gerry’s dnata.

“Having a single, local provider to oversee our line maintenance, as well as ground handling, will add more efficiencies to our fleet management and ensure a quicker turnaround of our aircraft,” commented Mick Hills, Senior Vice

Gerry’s dnata launches line maintenance services in Pakistan

President of Engineering and Maintenance, flydubai.

Gerry’s dnata serves more than 20 airline customers at seven Pakistani airports. The company’s team consists of over 2,500 dedicated aviation professionals who assist more than seven million passengers and handle 150,000 tons of cargo annually.

Saudi Minister of Energy and Azeri President attend ACWA Power groundbreaking SAR 1.1bn wind project n The Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy and ACWA Power held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 240 MW wind power plant with an investment value of SAR 1.125bn (US$ 300mn), following the signing of power purchase, investment and transfer agreements according to an independent power generation project model.

As part of ACWA Power’s commitment to deliver socioeconomic value to communities it operates in, the company devised a robust training programme dedicated to boosting knowledge transfer and arming local talent with the skill-sets needed to drive future clean energy projects in Azerbaijan. The project will localise the use of talents and utilise local contractors that adhere to world-class health and safety standards.

“The project agreements are building blocks in the countries’ bilateral relations, and reflect the commitment of KSA and Azerbaijan to enhance the utilisation of numerous energy fields, especially renewable energy,” affirmed HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Energy.

“As part of ACWA Power’s commitment to deliver socioeconomic value to communities it operates in, the company devised a robust training programme dedicated to boosting knowledge transfer and arming local talent with the skill-sets

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HE President Ilham Aliyev and HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

needed to drive future clean energy projects in Azerbaijan,” commented Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy, Republic of Azerbaijan.

“We are confident that our partnerships with reputable international investors in this pioneering project will ensure its implementation at an accelerated pace,” remarked Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman, ACWA Power.

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Edenred offers C3Pay payroll cards with talabat’s support n Edenred, the UAE’s largest salary processing provider is introducing, with talabat’s support, C3Pay payroll cards to third party logistics companies (3PLs) as a payroll solution to benefit over 15,000 riders in the UAE. C3Pay payroll cards are Mastercard prepaid cards, accepted globally at any store, online and ATM for cash withdrawal.

Through these cards, riders will also have access to the C3Pay mobile app, provided by Edenred, where they can view their live balance and keep track of their transactions, transfer money to their home country or recharge their mobile phones in a few taps.

“With C3Pay, people no longer need to guess where their money is, queue at an ATM, pay excessive fees, or rely solely on cash. They have the power to do everything they need with their hard-earned salary instantly, conveniently and more affordably,” remarked Wael Fakharany, Managing Director, Edenred UAE. “As talabat continues to expand, it is a priority for us to encourage the 3PL companies we work with to improve their payment methods with the growing fleet of riders and switch to digital transactions,” noted Tatiana Rahal, Managing Director, talabat UAE.

Edenred introduces C3Pay payroll cards with talabat.

Iraqi Airways receives its first A220-300 n Iraqi Airways, the national carrier of Iraq, recently took delivery of its first out of five A220-300 aircraft from Mirabel, Canada. Upon entry into service, Iraqi Airways will become one of the first airlines to operate the A220 in the Middle East region.

With the A220, Iraqi Airways will benefit from the aircraft’s exceptional technical, economic and environmental performance. Iraqi Airways’ A220-300 features a modern and highly comfortable dual-class cabin that seats 132 passengers; 12 in business class and 120 in economy class. The state of the art aircraft will play an integral part of Iraqi Airways fleet renewal and modernization plan.

The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market and brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics,

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advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines.

Featuring a 50% reduced noise footprint and up to 25% lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, as well as around 50% lower emissions than industry standards, the A220 is a great aircraft for regional as well as long distance routes operations.

As of the end of November 2021, over 180 A220s had been delivered to 13 operators, from Asia, North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, proving the great versatility of Airbus’ new generation single-aisle family member, a press communiqué concluded.

Iraqi Airways receives its first Airbus A220-300.

Drydocks World obtains certification for supply chain security management n Drydocks World Dubai, a DP World company, recently received the ISO 28000:2007 certification, demonstrating its commitment to security management within its supply chain.

Receiving the ISO 28000:2007 certification for Security Management System for the supply chain establishes Drydocks World as an industry leader for supply chain security “We are delighted to be recognized for our Security Management Systems.

The security of our people, assets and goods is a top priority for Drydocks World and we are committed to protecting our client’s properties,” commented Capt. Rado Antolovic, CEO, Drydocks World, PhD. The certification has been awarded by Bureau Veritas. Bureau Veritas is a world leading certification body, enabling clients

Capt. Rado, CEO, Drydocks World, recieving the ISO certificate.

in every continent to continually improve their performance through management system certification with over 85 total accreditations globally and locally.

Bureau Veritas certified Drydocks

World with ISO 28000 for their successful implementation of Security Management system underscoring their ongoing commitment to excellence, sustainability and reliability.

Etihad Cargo reinforces premium product deliveries with specialised managerial appointments n Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Aviation Group, has significantly enhanced delivery of its eight-strong premium product range with the appointment of a specialised managerial team for cool chain products, Mail and e-Commerce, live animals and equine, and high value products.

“Etihad Cargo’s premium products and services account for 30 per cent of operations. Each of these products receives a specialised service to ensure the product is delivered to the highest industry standards,” explained Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales and Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group.

Nasir Sajwani will now head up delivery of the carrier’s FlightValet, which manages the global transportation of high-value vehicles across the globe, FlyCulture, the tailored service for the secure and discreet transportation of

rare and valuable artworks and musical instruments, and SafeGuard - the dedicated secure transportation service for valuable cargo.

Fabrice Panza, Product Manager, continues to lead Etihad Cargo’s cool chain products including its awardwinning PharmaLife which uses specially designed, temperature-controlled equipment and specific processes to ship pharmaceuticals around the world as quickly and as safely as possible while complying with the highest industry compliance standards.

FreshForward simplifies the movement of fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, and flowers. Both products leverage Etihad’s extensive experience which has seen it be the first Middle Eastern carrier to be awarded IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certification in Pharmaceutical Logistics

Nasir Sajwani, Product Manager, Etihad Cargo.

and the first regional airline, and second globally, to gain the IATA CEIV Fresh certificate which verifies it as a centre of excellence for perishable logistics.

Ram Vignesh will now manage Etihad Cargo’s AirMail and e-Commerce products while Arun Nair leads the carrier’s LiveAnimals and SkyStables, products for the specialised and safe transportation of animals and horses respectively.

FEBRUARY 2022 15

Moro Hub teams up with BriefCam to develop its turnkey IPSP n Moro Hub (Data Hub Integrated Solutions), subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), recently announced a partnership with BriefCam to be one of the technology providers to power its Integrated Physical Security Platform (IPSP) for government entities and enterprises in the region.

The signing ceremony between the two entities was held in the presence of Mohammad Bin Sulaiman, CEO, Moro Hub and Oren Zvulun, Managing Director, EMEA Region, BriefCam. As part of the new partnership, BriefCam will empower Moro Hub’s Integrated Physical Security Platform (IPSP) with accurate, flexible, and a comprehensive video analytic solution that will deliver valuable insights for Moro Hub’s clients to accelerate investigations, increase situational awareness and enhance operational intelligence.

“We are confident that BriefCam’s expertise and advanced technologies will accelerate our IPSP to offer unmatched accuracy, superior performance and flexible architecture to businesses in the region,” commented Bin Sulaiman.

While most organizations traditionally rely on video surveillance for security purposes, maximizing these existing

Moro Hub-BriefCam partnership

investments with advanced solutions, business units can leverage video intelligence in new and impactful ways— from accelerating post-event investigations and proactively responding to security incidents and operational inefficiencies can be easily tackled with Moro Hub’s IPSP. “We are positive that our comprehensive approach to video content analytics will enable Moro Hub’s clientele to realize the full value of video surveillance investments by making video searchable, actionable, and quantifiable,” stated Zvulun.

Aramex appoints Nicolas Sibuet as Chief Financial Officer n Aramex has announced the appointment of Nicolas J. Sibuet as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Sibuet brings over 26 years of experience across the shipping, oil & gas, and aviation industries. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer and Acting Senior Vice President for Strategy, Marketing and Communications at Abu Dhabi Airports.

Sibuet also has extensive experience as an expert advisor to Boston Consulting Group where he worked on transforming and restructuring companies.

“The management team and I are looking forward to working closely with Nicolas to enable the company achieve sustainable growth for our key stakeholder groups,” commented Othman Aljeda, Chief Executive Officer, Aramex.

Sibuet holds a Master’s Degree in Economics and Accounting from the University of Western Brittany in France and a Postgraduate Degree in Finance from the Strasbourg University in France.

16 FEBRUARY 2022

Nicolas J Sibuet, CFO, Aramex.

SACO and MEDSCAN optimize WMS with SNS and Infor n Infor recently announced that SACO, a retail and wholesale leader in Saudi Arabia, has deployed Infor WMS (warehouse management system) with Infor ION, and third-party application, Loftware Labelling.

The Infor WMS, which is fully integrated with SACO’s SAP ERP platform using Infor ION, is set to optimise order processing and picking, enhance put-away, and expedite the loading and validation processes.

The project was managed by Infor partner SNS, a leading provider of supply chain consultancy and software implementation.

Infor WMS will support SACO’s warehouse operations, which are managed by their logistics services provider MEDSCAN, following a merger in 2016. MEDSCAN’s innovative and integrated logistics solutions encompass

the best professionals, processes and systems to move products more efficiently, and will capitalise on the Infor WMS portal in particular to streamline financials and billing for the retail and wholesale giant.

With eight warehouses, high order volumes and SKUs in excess of 40,000, SACO needed a solution to optimise performance across its warehouse management.

“We needed a robust and scalable warehouse management solution with the in-depth functionality to support large volumes or orders and a wide product range across our eight warehouses,” commented Ibrahim Mahmoud, Group CIO, SACO. “Our merger with SACO five years ago represented a huge milestone for MEDSCAN and we see the deployment of Infor WMS as the next big development

n Schneider Electric and Worley recently signed a partnership agreement to develop and deploy digital solutions and new technologies for the energy market and smart city projects across Saudi Arabia. Together, they will support energy firms and government bodies in the country to achieve their digital transformation ambitions.

By combining Schneider Electric’s expertise in the digital domain and with operational technology with Worley’s digital experience gained from project work around the work, including data visualization platforms to awardwinning robotics, the two will seek to provide the Kingdom’s energy firms and government bodies with the support they need to succeed in their own digital transformations in areas that include Artificial Intelligence, the Internet-ofThings and cybersecurity.

Worley is one of the world’s largest engineering companies, providing project delivery and consulting services to the resources and energy sectors, and complex process industries.

“By leveraging our strong respective

Schneider Electric and Worley collaborate to accelerate digital transformation in Saudi Arabia

in driving value for our customers,” remarked Hussain Al Abdullah, General Manager, MEDSCAN. “The scale of this deployment was huge, with additional challenges brought about by the integration requirements, and need to manage the project remotely because of the pandemic,” observed Mohammed Obaidah, Director of Services, SNS.

Schneider Worley deal signing ceremony.

track records and expertise, we expect to make a meaningful impact for our customers in the industries we serve,” remarked Eissa Aqeeli, Senior Vice President, Saudi Arabia & Bahrain, Worley.

“Partnerships are key to ensuring the success of any digital transformation

project, and our technological knowhow combined with Worley’s project experience and digital capability will mean our customers in the energy sector will have the best of both worlds,” commented Mohamed Shaheen, Cluster President for Saudi Arabia, Schneider Electric.

FEBRUARY 2022 17

n King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), a global energy hub in Saudi Arabia and Affordable House Co. a subsidiary of Abdullah Bin Saedan & Sons Real Estate Group, a leading real estate developer for over a century, are pleased to announce the signature of an agreement for the development of a Staff Residential Complex at SPARK. Planned to be developed in phases starting in 2022, the facility when completed a capacity of 8,000 beds and spreads over an area of more than 110,000sqm.

“Bin Saedan’s design is future-facing and sustainable, while being competitive.

It will enable our tenants to safely lodge their employees while offering first class amenities,”commented Saif S. Al Qahtani, SPARK President and CEO. “We are also committed toward SPARK and the Kingdom and look forward to successfully making this project a first of its kind while setting a new standard,” remarked Mohammed Abdullah Bin Saedan, Managing Director, Affordable House Co.

Bin Saedan to invest US$ 100mn in its residential complex SPARK

SPARK-Bin Saedan deal signing ceremony.

Execution is planned over three phases; with the first phase being nearly complete, which consists of infrastructure, roads,

utilities and real estate assets established across 14sqkm. This is in addition to a dedicated 3sqkm dry port and logistics.

ADNOC Invests US$ 946mn in the longterm development of Umm Shaif Field n Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) recently announced the awarding of a US$ 946mn (AED 3.47bn) Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the strategic long-term development of its Umm Shaif field. The investment supports ADNOC’s oil production capacity plans of five million barrels per day (mn bpd) by 2030 while ensuring energy security for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and partners around the world.

The ‘Long-Term Development Plan – Phase 1’ (LTDP-1) EPC contract was awarded by ADNOC Offshore to National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) after a competitive tender process.

The scope of the award covers engineering, procurement, fabrication,

18 FEBRUARY 2022

installation and commissioning activities required to maintain Umm Shaif’s 275,000 barrels per day (mbd) crude oil production capacity, increase efficiencies and enhance the field’s long-term potential.

Significantly, over 75% of the total award value will flow back into the UAE economy under ADNOC’s In-Country Value (ICV) program, ensuring that more economic value remains in the country from the contracts it awards.

“This important awarding for the long-term development of ADNOC’s pioneer offshore Umm Shaif field will maximize efficiencies while maintaining future output and supporting ADNOC’s strategic objective of five million barrels of oil production capacity a day by 2030,” remarked Yaser Saeed Almazrouei, Upstream Executive Director, ADNOC.

“This contract is an important contributor to ADNOC Offshore’s plans as we build our production capacity to over 2 million barrels a day in the coming years in support of ADNOC’s smart growth strategy,” commented Ahmad Saqer Al Suwaidi, CEO, ADNOC Offshore.

CAFU, SirajPower and Creek to launch green energy power

Dubai Investments partners with TotalEnergies

HYPR Announcement

n A new era of on demand clean energy has been launched in the UAE, bringing renewable power to where it is needed through a new joint venture, HYPR. The new venture is formed by the leading on-demand refuelling and vehicle services company, CAFU, the largest regional distributed solar energy company, SirajPower, and climate impact investor, Creek.

Through the venture, HYPR will launch its on demand energy systems using innovative battery storage across the UAE. This innovation will mark the firstof-its-kind solution in the region using transportable lithium ion batteries providing customers with a reliable and cost-effective alternative to diesel generators.

HYPR will bring together a range of key strengths from each organisation involved in the partnership. The battery storage systems used by HYPR will be developed by SirajPower, a Creek portfolio company with over 200 solar sites across the UAE. The new company will also benefit from CAFU’s on demand customer-centric approach combined with its

unique routing capabilities and operational expertise in optimizing B2B deliveries, to develop an efficient and seamless customer experience. HYPR will use its own balance sheet to invest in the battery modules so customers can be offered a pay-as-you-go model with no up-front capital requirements.

“Bringing together CAFU, SirajPower and Creek, this venture will bring a new innovative on-demand solution to the market that provides a green and sustainable energy source, thereby committing to meaningful action to help enable a carbon neutral future,” affirmed Rashid AlGhurair, Founder & CEO, CAFU. “Through the partnership, we are introducing a fully financed energy storage solution using mobile systems to help customers generate savings and reduce their carbon footprint. As an endto-end solar service provider, we want to support business through their transition to clean energy,” commented Mohammed Abdulghaffar Hussain, Chairman of Creek and Co-Founder, SirajPower.

n Dubai Investments has strengthened its partnership with TotalEnergies by installing photovoltaic (PV) rooftop systems on its Emirates Glass and Lumiglass Industries facilities in the UAE, promoting the use of solar energy.

The implementation of solar panels on the two glass manufacturing facilities will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 1,200 tonnes annually, equivalent to planting approximately 30,000 trees.

“Keeping up with the sustainability initiatives of our Group Company Dubai Investments, the Emirates Glass and Lumiglass facilities have played an active part in the company’s clean, green and sustainable initiatives. These solar panels are expected to generate around 2,800 megawatt-hours (MWh) of green energy per year from these two locations,” commented Rizwanulla Khan, Executive President, Emirates Glass and Lumiglass Industries.

“TotalEnergies in the Middle East is actively contributing to the development of solar energy in the United Arab Emirates partially through creating long-term impactful partnerships like the one we have with Dubai Investments,” remarked Hamady Sy, Managing Director TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Middle East and Africa.

Constructed with approximately 3,000 PV panels, the 1.20 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar rooftop system is expected to produce over 1,900 (MWh) annually. The electricity generated by the solar roof top will cover around 19% of Emirates Glass facilities energy needs.

Earlier this year, another solar PV rooftop was finalized with TotalEnergies for Lumiglass Industries. The 0.55 MWp solar rooftop system is made up of more than 1,400 PV panels, covering a surface equivalent to approximately 11 tennis courts.

FEBRUARY 2022 19

Al Ghurair Investment appoints new CEO of AG Facilities

Natasha Bothma, Growth Director, Serco ME

Serco Middle East appoints Growth Director

n International public services company, Serco has appointed Natasha Bothma as Growth Director as it eyes significant growth across the region.

As Growth Director, Natasha will join Serco Middle East’s Executive Leadership team and work to deliver an effective business growth strategy for each of the company’s key sectors; transport, citizen and government services, defence, healthcare and justice & immigration.

Natasha will work alongside the business development team and operation directors as well as lead Serco’s ExperienceLab, with particular focus on strategy execution, key account management, external communications and proactive stakeholder engagement.

Natasha joins the business from NATS services in Asia Pacific where she most recently held the title of Operations Director. A previous Serco employee, her Middle East experience spans over ten years.

“I’m very excited to be joining the evergrowing and diverse team of Serco Middle East again and be part of the company’s business growth within the region,” remarked Bothma.

“We expect significant growth in the region over the next five years and Natasha’s experience, energy and professionalism make her the right person to lead those efforts,” noted Phil Malem, CEO, Serco Middle East.

20 FEBRUARY 2022

n Al Ghurair Investment, the leading diversified UAE family business, recently announced the appointment of Tarek Nizameddin as Chief Executive Officer of AG Facilities, including its reputed soft services subsidiary, MBM. The facilities solution business forms a critical part of the company’s long-established construction sector. The appointment supports the company’s strategic intention to expand its facilities presence across the region by enhancing capabilities with innovative new products and technologies.

Tarek Nizameddin joined in January 2022 and is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership to drive transformation at AG Facilities. In his role, Tarek will focus on optimising new opportunities and building competences in the facilities management space, across hard and soft services, to unlock value and drive customer engagement, a press statement indicated.

“Tarek’s appointment will help strengthen AG Facilities’ regional leadership position and I am confident he will play a pivotal role in supporting the future of

Tarek Nizameddin, CEO, AG Facilities.

the company,” remarked John Iossifidis, Group Chief Executive Officer, Al Ghurair Investment.

“I look forward to striving for new benchmarks within our dynamic industry for both quality standard and service efficiency,” commented Tarek Nizameddin, Chief Executive Officer, AG Facilities.

Tarek brings more than 27 years of experience as a Senior Asset Management professional with an exceptional track record in leadership positions across global entities.

Tarek has a wealth of knowledge in Asset Management, Real Estate Development, Facilities Services and Business Development. Prior to joining AG Facilities, he held the role of Senior Executive Director at Ejadah Asset Management Group where he led the operational and commercial divisions.

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COVER STORY: LOGISEYE SOLUTIONS

Demystifying and Empowering Freight Procurement with Digital Solutions LogisEye Solutions introduces a Smart Business Model, enabled by smart technology

Around the world, most companies still continue to follow manual and archaic business processes and documentation for their freight procurement and face enormous challenges. That, however, is set to change as the industry embraces and embarks on technology as a tool for change. The trillion-dollar freight industry now demands smart and evolving technologies with an increased focus on procurement and overall logistics and supply chain transformation to meet the unpredictable market developments and changing customer requirements.

G

lobally, the logistics procurement sector is not only getting increasingly digital, but also progressively pervasive as more and more customers gravitate to an emerging Digital Freight Marketplace.

Enter LogisEye Solutions (LogisEye), the provider of breakthrough solutions for the industry through an eagleeyed, UAE-indigenously developed, sophisticated and user-friendly digital platform, by freight and IT professionals for freight professionals.

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Initiated by C. M. Mathew, Founder and CEO, LogisEye provides access to competitive and benchmarked freight forwarding rates and ranks of potentially trusted and meticulously vetted Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) to accelerate freight procurement, empower the partnership, and maximize cost-savings.

Mathew, a logistics industry veteran with extensive experience, spanning over three decades, is committed to growing the network for all stakeholders involved in the value chain, while leveraging

current connections for contract and spot freight rates.

According to Mathew, for a nominal subscription and transaction fee, customers can choose from hundreds of appropriately vetted LSP’s to source the ‘best-fit partner’ for their freight forwarding and clearance requirements.

Brand agnostic LogisEye is a brand agnostic cloud based digital logistics procurement platform, connecting shippers and consignees with

COVER STORY: LOGISEYE SOLUTIONS

A strong professional logistics and finance background, and extensive expertise about the inside track on the functional aspects of freight and freight-finance issues prepared me into becoming an entrepreneur and set up LogisEye. Logistics Service Providers (LSP) and Cargo Insurance companies, powered by advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

LogisEye is the online international freight marketplace that uses a SaaSenabled marketplace model. Seeking to drive digital transformation in Logistics Procurement, the portal was conceived in August 2019, and after painstaking efforts and meticulous research and planning, the portal went functional in the third quarter of 2021.

Mathew affirms that LogisEye offers a state-of-the-art cloud-based digital freight procurement ecosystem, integrating with all parties on the value chain. With its multiple innovative solutions, the upstart aims to solve the key challenges in the procurement and payment of freight services.

Accelerating digital transformation

Exclusively with CM Mathew, the LogisEye supremo at his office in Scality, the fast-growing technology start-up housed in the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA).

Global Supply Chain (GSC): Provide us your brief professional profile.

C. M. Mathew (CMM): I essentially come from a finance professional background with a prolonged 26-year stint with DHL, and more specifically its associate company Danzas, where I worked in multiple departments and was exposed to all major functional areas of the company.

Thereby, I gained extensive expertise and the inside track on the functional aspects of the freight and freight-finance issues, enormous challenges faced by customers and LSP’s and this prepared me into becoming an entrepreneur and set up LogisEye.

GSC: Why did you set up LogisEye? CMM: Some of the major global challenges that confounded in freight procurement include poor response time to rate requests, non-comparable rates from LSP’s, errors in freight billing, and limited transparency and visibility. Pandemic shutdowns and slowdowns, capacity constraints and remote working caused more disruptions.

As everyone knows, LSP’s and customers need to wade through a maze of perplexing parameters and manual tabulations for rate submission, analysis and decision making.

What customers (exporters and importers), and freight forwarders are looking for is transparency and efficiency throughout the freight procurement and payment process.

The dilemma was both for customers and LSPs. There was clearly a need to automate and accelerate the freight procurement, routing, and payment processes to make it brand agnostic, fair, technologically savvy, transparent, and streamlined.

In early 2019, given my expertise in logistics and finance and experience gained from working with the largest integrated logistics services provider in the world, I sought to develop a digital ecosystem that would address most of

He further asserts that LogisEye not only accelerates digital transformation in the logistics industry, but also adds value to each stakeholder across the value chain.

“The platform aims to simplify and standardize the freight procurement processes and efficiently manage air freight, sea freight, road freight shipments, and provide even cargo insurance, resulting in substantial cost savings, real-time shipment tracking, and transparency,” he explained.

Mathew is the founder of LogisEye and holds a majority stake in the company.

The remainder minority stake is held by co-founders and private investors.

A strong professional logistics and finance background, and extensive expertise about the inside track on the functional aspects of freight and freightfinance issues prepared me into becoming an entrepreneur and set up LogisEye.

FEBRUARY 2022 23

COVER STORY: LOGISEYE SOLUTIONS

the myriad issues at stake and address the challenges thereon.

GSC: How did your long professional career equip you to found LogisEye? CMM : While attending a coaching session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is where I conceived the idea of developing a digital freight procurement ecosystem.

I was consulting with my peers, colleagues, customers and other LSP’s on the viability of the solution model and other challenges faced by them during freight procurement and rate submission. Hands-on experience within logistics industry for over three decades, feedback from customers and LSP’s on the enormous problems globally faced in freight procurement and payment, and my passion for digital transformation equipped me to start LogisEye. Shortly thereafter, I chose to turn entrepreneur and take off on my own at the initial stage. Considering the huge staff turnover in IT sector, I decided to partner with a software development company, and that in nutshell constitutes the genesis and conception of LogisEye. The start of the pandemic clearly was a spoke in the wheel and proved to me a big challenge as we could not effectively meet many of the stakeholders in the business due to the shut down, slow down and severe social distancing measures enforced.

However, with the use of superior and proprietary technology, together with hand-picked executive team, who collectively have over 120 years of relevant experience, LogisEye was raring and ready to go in the second quarter of 2021 and there has been no turning back since.

GSC: Briefly, how is LogisEye enabling and empowering digital transformation in the area of the procurement of freight services?

CMM: In essence, what customers and LSP’s are looking for is transparency and efficiencies in the system. Professionalism and proficiency is a key watchword here.

Generally speaking, there are three areas of concern for all stakeholders here.

Firstly, how to reduce the delays

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What customers (exporters and importers), and freight forwarders are looking for is transparency and efficiency throughout the freight procurement and payment process. and accelerate the pace of providing quotes and services quickly, reliably and dependably.

Secondly, how to reduce freight and associated costs and obtain competitive comparable pricing from multiple service providers and reducing all related administrative and handling costs.

And finally, how to enhance transparency and visibility throughout the process.

At LogisEye, we are mindful of these benchmarks and user expectations and these have all been factored into our working mechanisms and systems. We can integrate with the different operating systems of LSP’s and customers using API’s (application programming interface). Our system provides realtime visibility for all their shipments that are routed through LogisEye irrespective of them using different LSP’s. Our AI enabled LogiBot, in-built

3-way chat feature, electronic document management (EDM) and interactive dashboard will provide a unique and compelling customer experience.

GSC: How is technology impacting the regional (and global) logistics and transportation industry, particularly in the procurement niche?

CMM: Digital transformation is still at its nascent stage within logistics procurement.

Many of the LSP’s and customers continue to use legacy archaic operating systems with very limited integration capabilities.

They continue to follow decades old manual processes, procedures and practices and many operators are hesitant to embrace the change.

Technology is changing the future of logistics. The digital revolution has significantly shifted society, impacting companies across all regions and industries. We experience major increase

COVER STORY: LOGISEYE SOLUTIONS

in overall digital adoption with the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers prefer everything online and right at their fingertips for immediate access.

There are innovative digital solutions launched to support customers and LSP’s for international and local freight procurement. Such solutions include Freight Marketplaces connecting LSP’s and Carriers to provide instant rates and available capacity, eBidding or Reverse Auction platforms to provide most competitive market rates, Shipment Tracking Systems etc.

Technology is vital and key for the industry and its indispensability cannot be overstated. Business must adapt this digital revolution quickly to stay ahead of market and compete.

GSC: What is LogisEye’s revenue model?

CMM: Currently we have over 1,400 registered and listed customers and over 80 LSP’s in our portal. Our users pay a nominal subscription fee to avail and

access our services and product offerings.

First time customers get a complimentary usage period of three-months.

A transaction fee is also levied for the user and provider of logistics services for all emanating transactions that are awarded through the system.

GSC: Tell us the specifics of your freight procurement solutions — LogieBid and LogiQuote?

CMM: Our freight procurement solutions are aimed for importers and exporters who wants to accelerate their procurement time with substantial cost saving and enhanced transparency and visibility.

LogieBid - Customers worldwide can launch reverse auction to procure most competitive market rates online for their international transportation by air,

ocean (FCL/LCL) and Road (FTL/LTL).

They can invite LogisEye vetted LSP’s, and or additional LSP’s of their choice.

Customers can compare and analyze bids digitally and award bids.

Reverse auction for Air and Ocean (FCL/LCL) can be used for shipments across all continents while FTL/LTL is currently launched for middle east region.

LSP’s can participate in the reverse auction, get visibility of their ranking, and modify their rates before bid closing time based on their pricing guidelines and increase their business growth.

LogiQuote is our marketplace for instant freight rates. Currently LogiQuote provides rates for airfreight and we will be developing other modes of transport in the near future. Importers and exporters can search, compare,

LogieBid and LogiQuote are two of our core product offerings and effectively our vital USPs that make LogisEye standout.

FEBRUARY 2022 25

COVER STORY: LOGISEYE SOLUTIONS

US$ 5 million investment opportunity for additional product development, market development, geographical expansion and working capital. select rates from multiple suppliers in less than 30 seconds. Rates are available on different carriers and service levels.

Users have the option to arrange marine insurance cover for their shipments online. LogiQuote is currently connecting major airports in UAE with top 50 countries and +1400 trade lanes.

While customers can avail comparable and competitive rates from multiple suppliers online, route, track and pay for their shipments using these solutions, LogisEye acts as an additional sales channel for LSP’s.

LogisEye offers freight and marine insurance rates for air, ocean, and road shipments under one platform and provide trade finance for freight invoices for customers approved by credit insurance provider. These USP’s make LogisEye standout against other similar solutions.

GSC: What are the opportunities available and challenges confronting LogisEye in the short and long-term futures?

CMM: Looking through my crystal ball, I see opportunities ahead simply because the

26 FEBRUARY 2022

logistics and freight forwarding business is growing even during the pandemic. Digital adoption and ecommerce is growing at a phenomenal pace. Systems are going digital and more and more companies are moving in the digital realm. This augurs well for our business and implies we will grow going forward.

There are a few challenges to contend with. Firstly, the world is grappling with capacity and transporters don’t have the capacity to cope with increasing volumes.

Secondly, in the nature of our business, digitalization is key. In some quarters digitalization is not occurring at the same pace as others. Antiquated manual legacy systems still exist.

Thirdly, we have a transparent system giving visibility to all stakeholders.

There is no room for compromise or unscrupulousness in our processes.

Finally, the current ongoing pandemic has also hampered the economies of many countries in its wake. Ability to trade and buy goods and services had been adversely affected and freight costs have risen manifold, which is clearly a cause for concern for everyone.

GSC: What are your expansion plans going forward?

CMM: Now with strong moorings in the UAE, we are looking to expand imminently in the foreseeable future in India, China, USA and Germany, four prominent industrial and trading nations, who between them constitute an overwhelming percentage of international trade.

Over the next four years, we have set our sights to establish our direct presence in 30 identified countries, constituting +80% of international freight spend.

For the long term, LogisEye will also explore a franchise model for its operations in some of the reminder countries. We have a fully functioning Customer Support Centre in India. In summary, we are in expansion mode and optimistic about the future.

LogisEye is currently self-funded and we are raising Pre-Series ‘A’ equity round of US$ 5m primarily for launching in new markets, marketing and developing new products.

I am very upbeat about growth and eyeing a bright, radiant future for LogisEye.

NAFL 34TH AGM COMMEMORATION

Defying odds, NAFL continues to buck the trend and demonstrate progress Industry Apex Body upbeat on its landmark 34th AGM celebrations 34th Anniversary Annual General Meeting 2022

28 FEBRUARY 2022

NAFL 34TH AGM COMMEMORATION

T

he 34th Anniversary Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Freight & Logistics (NAFL) was recently commemorated amid robust celebrations and much fanfare and pomp including a sumptuous dinner and live entertainment at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

Over 250 logistics and supply chain professionals drawn from a cross section of the industry and representing the who’s who of the industry attended the in-person gala reception, conducted amid strict enforcement of Covid-19 protocols and regulations, signaled renewed hope and optimism ahead for the industry despite challenges.

Assurance In her rousing keynote address, Nadia Abdul Aziz, the long-serving President, NAFL & Vice President, FIATA, praised the Association’s 2021 performance and its resolve to stem the tide and buck trends. She assured that NAFL would stand shoulder to shoulder with members to empower and equip members in these challenging times.

Addressing the attendees, Ms. Nadia assured the assembly that the NAFL stood rock solid behind its members and would endeavour to represent and work in their interests and to protect

the long-term interests of the industry.

She expressed confidence that the current situation notwithstanding, the logistics and freight industry in the UAE would continue to grow from strength to strength.

Ms. Nadia also reiterated her gratitude to the UAE Government for good and effective governance.“I would also like to express my profound thanks and appreciation of the prudent leadership of the UAE and other Government insinuations for their resolve, pragmatism and understanding of the issues at stake,”she asserted.

Ms. Nadia also reiterated that NAFL would continue to forge close and fraternal ties with international bodies--FIATA and the World Cargo Association (WCA) and draw on their expertise and experience.

Training & Upskilling Ms. Nadia also affirmed the importance and emphasis on training and upskilling members’ professional capabilities in an intensely competitive and demanding industry.“NAFL will shortly host and conduct regional and global FIATAapproved and certified Official Training Courses that would enhance proficiencies and competencies,”she explained.

She also stressed that NAFL aims to support its members in these tough

times, by offering them sponsored trainings. She advocated a culture of openness and sincerity at NAFL so that all relevant and pressing industry issues are appropriately discussed internally and then communicated and conveyed to all concerned government offices through detailed reports on the prevailing challenges and solutions.

“NAFL will stand in solidarity and in unity and pledge to collaborate closely with our members to overcome current difficulties and sustain their businesses,” she affirmed.

To this end, NAFL as a longestablished, responsible representative body and the first of its kind in the GCC, is also working closely with the Government, other Governmental bodies and regulators to ensure that the growth, stability and viability of the freight and logistics sector in the UAE. Also present at the AGM were several top NAFL officials and office-bearers.

These included Ahmad Abdul Razeq, Vice President; Sudesh Chaturvedi, Secretary General; Mathew Chacko, Treasurer; Ibrahim Abu Zayed, Board Member & Founding Member; Majid Barzanji; Praveen Chandrasen, both Executive Board Members; Madhu Madathil, Board Member & Head of Legal Affairs and Shankar Subramoniam, Executive Director, among several others.

FEBRUARY 2022 29

NAFL 34TH AGM COMMEMORATION

34th Anniversary Annual General Meeting 2022

30 FEBRUARY 2022

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NAFL 34TH AGM COMMEMORATION

32 FEBRUARY 2022

NAFL 34TH AGM COMMEMORATION

34th Anniversary Annual General Meeting 2022

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NAFL 34TH AGM COMMEMORATION

34th Anniversary Annual General Meeting 2022

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NAFL 34TH AGM COMMEMORATION

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NAFL 34TH AGM COMMEMORATION

34th Anniversary Annual General Meeting 2022

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TWIN EXPOS, DUSSELDORF

Wire & Tube 2022 Dusseldorf offers platform for Middle East companies to expand internationally Fair to help boost export thrust, says UAE’s Ducab Metals Business

Mohamed Al Ahmedi and Daniel Ryfisch at a recent press conference in Dubai.

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everal Middle Eastern companies in the global wire, cables and tubes segment, looking to increase exports have confirmed robust participation at the world’s leading twin trade fair, Wire and Tube 2022, a visiting senior official of Messe Dusseldorf, the event organizer, said at a recent press conference in Dubai.

The fair at Dusseldorf, Germany, from May 9-13, is being organized at a time when various reports indicate that the global market for wires and cables at over US$ 330bn in 2021 is estimated to grow to over US$ 420bn by 2026, at a CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of 5 per cent.

“We are seeing a new robustness in the participation of companies at the show this year, indicating anticipation of a growth surge in this sector. Our regional exhibitors include the Ducab Metals Business (DMB), part of the

UAE’s homegrown global leader, Ducab,” affirmed Daniel Ryfisch, Project Director, Messe Dusseldorf.

Key participant

Addressing a press conference alongside Mohamed Al Ahmedi, CEO, Ducab Metals Business, Ryfisch said, 148 companies from the Middle East region are taking part at the world’s leading exhibitions for wire, cables and pipes, mainly from the UAE, Israel, Egypt, Iran, Turkey and Jordan.

“Our participation will reinforce our market reputation as a leading global player in the energy raw materials industry. This will also support expansion and diversification of our metals business. Currently, we export to 45 countries and our aim is to increase our overseas market footprints further,” commented Al Ahmedi.

Ryfisch indicated that Middle Eastern

companies have taken up a cumulative exhibition space of 9,567sqm this year, nearly 15 per cent more than that of the last pre-pandemic Wire & Tube 2018. “The Middle East region also attracted 2,484 trade visitors in 2018 from the region, constituting 6 per cent of the total visitors.

Twin Expos

“As a partner to Messe Dusseldorf in creating awareness on the Wire & Tube 2022 in the Middle East, we are confident that many more companies from the region will join the twin expos considering the growth opportunity in this key industrial sector,” said Rajesh Nair, Project Director, Verifair.

The shows will also have a sustainability focus, termed green transformation, and that will fit in line with the shift towards climate neutrality, electric mobility and green hydrogen, a press communique concluded.

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NEW PLATFORM: EPG ROCKET CLUB

Ehrhardt Partner Group promotes start-ups in the pioneering logistics sector

The global leader in smart logistics and warehousing takes off with the EPG Rocket Club

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s one of the world’s leading and long-established logistics experts, Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG) is always looking to the future. It is this commitment and outlook that sees the German based private family business treading new paths.

With its newly established EPG Rocket Club, the international software provider has created a new innovation platform for start-ups to present their solutions and taken technology to new heights.

Seven companies from Hamburg, Munich, Vienna and elsewhere have now presented their innovative and creative IT solutions to EPG. Digitalisation is opening up exciting new perspectives for the logistics sector

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– from driverless transport systems and intelligent robots that collect goods in warehouses to fully automated warehouses controlled by artificial intelligence.

Boppard, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germanybased Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG) is right at the centre of this phase of transformation, with the company having enjoyed success on the market for more than three decades through its warehouse management system LFS.

Interface opportunities With the launch of the EPG Rocket Club, the software provider is looking to provide young companies with the opportunity

to strike up a dialogue with the experts at EPG and to become part of the group’s international network, which currently spans 19 locations worldwide.

“The EPG Rocket Club serves as a platform for visionaries and pioneers within the sector. We aim to honour and promote the most innovative companies and to work with them to help shape the logistics sector of tomorrow,”explained Dennis Kunz, Director Marketing, EPG.

Judges Panel A nine-strong panel of judges made up of experienced logistics experts from companies such as Fressnapf, Flaconi, Metro and Lekkerland, was responsible for

choosing a winner among the companies.

The start-ups impressed the judges with their fresh ideas and innovative spirit.

The range of solutions presented was extremely diverse and provided further proof that the logistics sector is highly innovative and has a promising future.

The solutions showcased included a cloud-based application for purchasing replacement parts, software for the digitalisation of container transport and a digital pallet note.

green EPG Rocket Club Award. The panel of judges ultimately opted to hand the rocket-shaped award to SpotVessels GmbH in recognition of the solution it has developed for the inland navigation sector.

The Vienna-based company offers an online platform that fundamentally improves the booking of freight transport as well as the fleet management of inland vessels and barges. The solution helps to utilize loading capacity more effectively, reduce the number of empty runs and thus increase freighter efficiency.

Award goes to the Vienna-based company

Impressive presentations

The companies presenting their solutions were competing for the stylish, shiny

“The presentations given by the startups were very impressive,”affirmed

Kunz.“We had the chance to listen to fascinating visionaries from the logistics sector who presented their ideas with great passion and verve. In the era of the digital transformation, it’s important that we learn from each other and create new synergies. As a community, the EPG Rocket Club will continue to play an important role in future,”he further noted.

EPG is global leader in smart logistics and warehousing, serving the most prestigious clients globally including DHL, Hellmann, Volkswagen, Herr’s and others. An important aspect of digitalization and automation is the complete mapping of process and information flows across the entire supply chain.

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ABU DHABI PORTS

AD Ports Group creates Oil & Gas Logistics Base at Mugharraq Port for Eni Abu Dhabi Mugharraq Port’s Strategic Location Supports Offshore Drilling Operation

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bu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group has signed a new agreement with Eni Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi-based branch of the world-renowned Italian Energy Company, to establish a marine logistics base at Mugharraq Port supporting offshore drilling operations in the heart of Al Dhafra region.

Mugharraq Port’s ultra-modern infrastructure and its strategic location close to the region’s offshore oil and gas facilities will be made available to Eni Abu Dhabi operations.

In addition to being provided a dedicated quay wall, marshalling yard, as well as manpower and logistical

equipment, the company will also have access to liquid mud and bulk plant facilities onsite.

“Utilising the industry-leading infrastructure and service capability that we have on offer at Mugharraq Port, Eni will be able to operate in proximity to its offshore drilling facilities benefiting operational efficiency,” remarked Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group.

“With enhanced capabilities to serve the GCC’s oil and gas market, as well as the recent recognition as an international port facility, Mugharraq Port is now well equipped to meet both the regional and global requirements

of the Middle East’s leading energy players,” commented Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Port Director, Al Dhafra Region, AD Ports Group.

In recent years AD Ports Group has invested heavily in the development of the port’s logistical infrastructure and capabilities, as well as enhancing its capacity to meet the evolving needs of the region’s fast-developing offshore oil and gas segment.

Boasting over 480m of heavy-lift berths, six dedicated Ro-Ro ramps, and over 85,000 sqm of yard, Mugharraq Port provides a wide range of general cargo handling, bulk, break-bulk, and logistics support services.

AD Ports Group, EDB ink deal to provide financial solutions for industrial sector

MoU aligns with EDB’s continuous efforts to enable the industrial transformation agenda

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mirates Development Bank (EDB) recently signed an MoU with Industrial Cities and Free Zone Cluster of AD Ports Group to support the industrial sector in the emirate and the UAE. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO, EDB, and Abdullah Al Hameli, Head of the Industrial Cities and Free Zone Cluster at AD Ports Group, signed the MoU, under which EDB will provide innovative financial solutions to the industry players who are part of the AD Ports Group ecosystem in KIZAD and ZonesCorp and support their growth and expansion.

The financial solutions can be utilised to build new facilities, purchasing, or leasing existing facilities as well as acquiring, upgrading, and maintaining the units’ physical assets, among other things.

“Our collaboration with AD Ports Group will help support the UAE’s goals to build a robust knowledge-based economy

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The EDB-Abu Dhabi Ports deal signing ceremony.

contributing to sustainable economic development,” commented Al Naqbi.

The MoU aligns with EDB’s continuous efforts to enable the industrial transformation and economic diversification agenda in the UAE, build a knowledge-based economy, increase global competitiveness and sustainable growth.

‘In line with this, our partnership with EDB is aimed at broadening the support to our clients by facilitating the financing solutions to enable growth and expansion plans of industrial companies and contributing to the UAE’s ‘Operation 300bn’ Industrial strategy,” remarked Al Hameli.

ELEVATING CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS

last two months, with approx. 34 percent is still far below the limit that we usually anticipate.

The same applies to air freight. As passenger airlines still haven’t returned to their pre-corona flight schedules, essential belly capacity is still missing.

Rebounding economy There are many reasons for this, and we must not simply hold the pandemic responsible for it. For instance, we have experienced a rebounding economy, and infrastructural issues that have also had a significant impact on the situation.

Although prices for logistical services are rising, the demand for such services is not decreasing. The gap between supply and demand is too big. The market no longer regulates it, therefore, we have to find other ways and solutions to relieve the system.

First of all, it needs further investments from the private and public sectors in the long term. Many big ocean carriers have already announced that they have ordered new vessels. We at DHL are also investing in new airplanes, trucks, and gateways, with a focus on sustainability, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel and other alternative fuels, as well as the

electrification of last-mile delivery.

We must also continue to drive forward the digitalization of the industry and improve the data availability and quality across the industry. Uniform standards should be implemented globally for certain data, for instance bill of lading or customs data. This would not only result in increased transparency but also higher efficiency for all parties involved.

flexibility, agility, and network to address such volatile and challenging market conditions as the ones we are currently facing.

With the right portfolio of solutions, we can mitigate capacity crunches by, for instance, offering multimodal transport solutions, where we combine ocean, air, and road as well as rail services.

Predictive ETA solutions

Specific market conditions

We are currently working on a predictive ETA (Expected Time of Arrival) solution based on machine learning, which will be able to estimate the date of arrival more precisely than the ETA provided by the carriers.

These are of course only a few examples, others still need time especially when it comes to physical infrastructure, which customers will only benefit from in the long term. However, when, if not now, is the right time to tackle these issues?

Additionally, we need to address customer satisfaction in the short- and mid-term. And as already mentioned, the critical element here is customer service.

From my point of view, freight forwarders are ideally positioned, as they have the

By having experts across the globe that know the specific market conditions in the countries and regions customers are operating in, we can offer stable capacity supply and reasonable conditions through long-term partnerships with carriers.

Furthermore, with the help of digital services, such as DHL’s digital customer platform, myDHLi, customers can know where their shipments are and can share the status with colleagues or partners at every point in the transport chain. This allows immediate action if needed and eases planning, namely for production.

With the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the logistics industry, we can keep supply chains up and running even in times of crisis.

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ELEVATING CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS

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e are almost two years into the Coronavirus pandemic. The logistics industry has proven how essential it is for our global economy and stability in supply with commodities and goods. Further, it has confirmed its important role in fighting the pandemic itself, transporting medical equipment, PPEs, medicines, and of course, vaccines.

At DHL alone, we transported 1.6bn doses of vaccines to 174 countries globally as of today, while many other logistics suppliers also transported similar quantities themselves.

We usually operate behind the scenes, but the pandemic catapulted logistics into the spotlight. Suddenly, it became visible how vital and critical our work can be, especially for the many unsung heroes working days and nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure that the shelves are not empty; this was a justified recognition.

This, of course, it is a great success story. However, the truth is there is always room for improvement. That is why we, as managers and leaders in the logistics industry, need to reflect on issues. This is how we can learn and get better – delivering excellence.

Customer service deterioration My first observation is that customer satisfaction across the industry has currently deteriorated. Customer satisfaction is our license to operate. And many factors have to be suitable for it to work. Besides the actual delivery, it’s also about the service alongside it.

We are currently observing that the price is disconnected from the service available. Capacity is tight both in air and ocean freight. In ocean freight, we saw up to 90 vessels and more queuing at the port of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

Capacity and equipment were stuck, which was urgently needed in other parts of the world. This is partially driven by disruptions caused by the Corona pandemic, such as temporary, regional lockdowns. Although, schedule reliability at ocean freight slightly improved in the

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It is vital to raise customer satisfaction to pre-pandemic levels

In a first-person narrative, Tim Scharwath, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding, examines the parameters and factors relating to the what and why of lifting customer contentment to pre-pandemic standards in the face of the onslaught wrought by the pestilence.

ELEVATING CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS

last two months, with approx. 34 percent is still far below the limit that we usually anticipate.

The same applies to air freight. As passenger airlines still haven’t returned to their pre-corona flight schedules, essential belly capacity is still missing.

Rebounding economy There are many reasons for this, and we must not simply hold the pandemic responsible for it. For instance, we have experienced a rebounding economy, and infrastructural issues that have also had a significant impact on the situation.

Although prices for logistical services are rising, the demand for such services is not decreasing. The gap between supply and demand is too big. The market no longer regulates it, therefore, we have to find other ways and solutions to relieve the system.

First of all, it needs further investments from the private and public sectors in the long term. Many big ocean carriers have already announced that they have ordered new vessels. We at DHL are also investing in new airplanes, trucks, and gateways, with a focus on sustainability, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel and other alternative fuels, as well as the

electrification of last-mile delivery.

We must also continue to drive forward the digitalization of the industry and improve the data availability and quality across the industry. Uniform standards should be implemented globally for certain data, for instance bill of lading or customs data. This would not only result in increased transparency but also higher efficiency for all parties involved.

flexibility, agility, and network to address such volatile and challenging market conditions as the ones we are currently facing.

With the right portfolio of solutions, we can mitigate capacity crunches by, for instance, offering multimodal transport solutions, where we combine ocean, air, and road as well as rail services.

Predictive ETA solutions

Specific market conditions

We are currently working on a predictive ETA (Expected Time of Arrival) solution based on machine learning, which will be able to estimate the date of arrival more precisely than the ETA provided by the carriers.

These are of course only a few examples, others still need time especially when it comes to physical infrastructure, which customers will only benefit from in the long term. However, when, if not now, is the right time to tackle these issues?

Additionally, we need to address customer satisfaction in the short- and mid-term. And as already mentioned, the critical element here is customer service.

From my point of view, freight forwarders are ideally positioned, as they have the

By having experts across the globe that know the specific market conditions in the countries and regions customers are operating in, we can offer stable capacity supply and reasonable conditions through long-term partnerships with carriers.

Furthermore, with the help of digital services, such as DHL’s digital customer platform, myDHLi, customers can know where their shipments are and can share the status with colleagues or partners at every point in the transport chain. This allows immediate action if needed and eases planning, namely for production.

With the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the logistics industry, we can keep supply chains up and running even in times of crisis.

FEBRUARY 2022 43

NEW PLATFORM: EPG ROCKET CLUB

IQ Robotics expands multi-million-dollar partnership with BFL Group Deal is the forerunner for expansion into GCC

Toufic Kreidieh, Co-founder and CEO, BFL Group.

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Fadi Amoudi, CEO, IQ Robotics.

Q Robotics, a Dubai-UAE based AI-driven, fully robotic business that’s spearheading the digital transformation of the logistics sector, is expanding upon its partnership with BFL Group (Brands For Less Group) through a multi-million-dollar deal.

This new deal comprises a second transformation project that seeks to support BFL’s international expansion out of its facility in JAFZA via 156 robots that will enable and unlock the group’s growth in global markets.

“We value our partnership with BFL Group and look forward to this exciting new chapter that will enable the group’s international growth across the GCC, specifically into Saudi Arabia, and aligns with our vision to help transform our partners while consolidating Dubai’s global position,” affirmed Fadi Amoudi, CEO, IQ Robotics.

“We appreciate the BFL Group for its continued trust in IQ Robotics as its transformation partner towards redefining boundaries in the supply chain and logistics industry by offering fully automated

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solutions powered by robotics and AI,” he continued.

“We are delighted to announce our recollaboration with IQ Robotics, a partnership through which we will transform our Central Fulfillment Centre into a robotics operated sorting facility,” asserted Toufic Kreidieh, Co-founder and CEO, BFL Group.

“By making the shift to a robotic automated warehouse, we aim to decrease our downtime and lower our shift patterns that are outside normal work hours, allowing us to build a more productive and efficient workflow,”he added.

IQ Robotics is working in line with the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s visions of transforming and enabling the supply chain and logistics sector. The company has deployed 400 robots in a span of 18 months and is seeking to change the fabric of the industry by making this technology available and accessible for all ventures.

IQ Robotics was launched in September 2019 as part of IQ Holding, a technology holding group that specialises in the supply chain and logistic sector.

UD TRUCKS

UD Trucks registered sales increase of around 30% in the MEENA region Saudi Arabia remains UD Trucks’ biggest market in the region; sales in Bahrain increase 40%

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D Trucks has announced sales growth in the MEENA (Middle East, East and North Africa) region of approximately 30 percent in 2021, continuing an upwards trend for the brand, which had experienced 6 percent growth in the previous year, it was revealed at a recently convened press conference.

The Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer recorded an increase in sales in most markets, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan and several countries in East Africa.

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All-round growth UD Trucks’ flagship market, Bahrain, saw an increase of around 40 percent, reinforcing the brand’s number one status in the country. The trucks brand also saw an increase in sales by about 30 percent in Qatar. Sales also grew in Saudi Arabia, which is UD Trucks’ biggest market by volume, by 24 percent. The UAE, which hosted the regional launch of the brand’s Euro 5 models, registered an increase of 22 percent compared to 2020, the manufacturer said in a press release.

The growth is a result of a collaboration and coordinated efforts by UD Trucks and its partners throughout the region and their joint focus on supporting UD customers. The brand’s well-built and robust products, the introduction of the Euro 5 range and upgrades to the Euro 3 line-up, a strong retail network and partnerships, and the impact of its ‘Better Life’ strategy, have all played significant roles in the company’s success.

UD Trucks’ widest-ever range, which covers almost all segments in the heavy-duty and medium-duty

UD TRUCKS

UD TRUCKS SALES GROWTH 2021 Bahrain – increase by 40% Qatar – increase by 30% Saudi Arabia – increase by 24% UAE – increase by 22% truck sector, and the nature of the brand’s product portfolio have also been crucial factors in this growth.

Upgrade

An important factor in the Japanese brand’s expansion has been the introduction of upgraded Euro 3 models as well as the brand’s new Euro 5 range of its popular Quester and Croner trucks. The launch of the Euro 5 models is a result of UD Trucks’ strategic vision and objective to ensure peace-of-mind for its customers by allowing them to better prepare for running more environmentally friendly fleets as new regulations are introduced across the fast-developing region.

The new range reduces nitrogen dioxide emissions by about 43 percent compared to Euro 4 models, while providing an enhanced driving experience and safety. The upgrades to the Euro 3 trucks are centred around creating a more driver-centric experience.

Similar upgrades were also made to the Euro 5 range, including a new instrument cluster, the ESCOT automated manual transmission, body builder module and the UD Trucks Telematics Services.

‘Better Life’ Strategy

2021 was also the year that saw UD Trucks implement its ‘Better Life’ strategy. The strategy

has allowed the truck brand to demonstrate its commitment to providing sustainable logistics solutions and to delivering a better life for both people and the planet. This strategy reflects UD Trucks’ objective to becoming a Japanese leader of sustainability in the industry.

“The resilience our brand showed in 2020, built around a consistent and comprehensive strategy and supported by our strong regional partners, provided a solid platform for us to build on in 2021. Registering about a 30 percent sales increase in one year is a remarkable feat,” commented Mourad Hedna, President, UD Trucks, MEENA.

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FLEET PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Optimise your fleet’s performance without breaking the bank

With the right expertise, training and tools, fleet managers can be confident they are making the right options to achieve peak efficiency, long-term. After all, a healthy vehicle fleet pays dividends writes Fausto Lupone, Automotive Sector Expert at Petronas Lubricants International.

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t’s challenging out there for those who spend their lives and livelihoods on the road.

Journeys are longer, timescales are shorter, environmental restrictions are tougher and customer expectations are greater than ever.

Truckers and fleet managers can’t afford to be held up by any one of these challenges. As we’ve all seen throughout the last year, strong supply chains are integral to the health of our nations and the strength of our economies.

Any disruption to them can have catastrophic repercussions for us all. To avoid this, fleet managers must ensure

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each vehicle performs at peak ability for as long as possible–without breaking the bank.

Cast an expert eye over the health of your fleet It’s about what you know. Owner operators, fleet managers and drivers who are attuned to the health of their vehicles will understand not only which aspects are holding them back, but also what is to be gained by optimising vehicle health. They have a vision for what the fleet looks like when it’s

running perfectly. But how do they gain this understanding?

There could be a myriad of aspects to understand and issues to diagnose, so expert help is a great solution to grow your confidence in making assessments.

With guidance, managers can: Conduct a fleet survey to understand business goals and assess how far your existing fleet can meet them.

Discover which lubricants each part of the system requires to perform at its peak.

Regularly test used oil from your vehicles to develop a deep understanding of the holistic health of the system to reduce maintenance costs and maximise uptime.

FLEET PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

and emissions reduction. To satisfy this requirement, oil with a strong but thin fluid film can extend drain intervals–thus limiting the amount of stop/starting at garages – and limit emissions.

Overcome the challenges of evolving standards by targeting specific issues including SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulphur) and fuel consumption. Having technologies at their fingertips that maintain fuel efficiency, contribute to better overall engine strength, and sustain performance is what fleet managers need to meet this high bar for vehicle performance.

Ensure you have what it takes to keep vehicles healthy long term

Fausto Lupone, Automotive Sector Expert, Petronas Lubricants International.

Powerful analytical and technical tools are on fleet managers’ sides when it comes to boosting vehicle health. For instance, a value calculator can show how fleets can significantly reduce operating costs and improve efficiency, while tank-level telemetry systems can give full remote visibility of lubricant and fuel levels across the stock–and even top them up automatically.

Take action to boost the fleet’s performance to its maximum potential Once they’ve established what it will take to increase the health of the fleet, it’s time for managers to take action. Focussing upon creating efficiencies while striving

for targets will enable them to optimise performance without breaking the bank.

Take your vehicle’s performance to the next level by staying stronger for longer.

This means mitigating much hotter sump and turbocharger temperatures, and higher air temperatures, which can lead to faster oxidation. By resisting oxidation and wear through high quality lubrication that maintains its viscosity, these fluid technologies can inhibit the production of harmful deposits which can slow down performance.

Meet ever-tighter emissions regulations which are getting tougher by the year.

For example, Euro VI 2013 demands a reduction in Nitrogen Oxide of 95% since 1992. As emissions targets continually evolve, fleet managers must be able to rely upon technologies specifically designed for long-term sustainability

One of the best investments any owner or fleet manager can make in the health of their vehicles is to invest in themselves; in education, training and skills. This can help develop the diagnostic mindset to foster a resilient fleet in the long term. Gaining this expertise pays dividends in the high quality of service they can then guarantee to valued customers, without reservation.

Many tools exist to help maximise understanding, online and in person.

E-tools, technical data sheets, academy training and online hubs all exist to help enrich knowledge and improve day-today business acumen. To really jump in feet first, take part in training academies designed to familiarise teams with the solutions available, examples of best practice and a vision of what’s possible with a totally healthy, resilient, and sustainable fleet.

Ultimately, the key to boosting vehicle performance without breaking the bank lies in confidence; the ability to anticipate issues, to know where to seek help, and to trust in the technologies that can protect the engines at the heart of the trusty vehicles that keep our supply chains moving. It’s challenging out there, but the reassurance of a fleet with longterm resilience is what powers drivers and fleet managers to go the distance.

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BREAKBULK 2022

Breakbulk Middle East to usher in a new era of project cargo growth Event is the catalyst for productive business relationships

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reakbulk Middle East (BBME) is set to play a pivotal role in uniting the industry to find long-term solutions for the ever-increasing challenges in the market. Over the years, the event has helped to transform the business landscape in the industry in its role as a catalyst for productive business relationships, including those between government ministries and the private sector, it was revealed in a press

communiqué.

“The event’s ability to facilitate lucrative contracts that can drive the economy of the UAE that recorded a GDP of US$ 357.045mn in 2020 is instrumental in helping us achieve this,” remarked Ben Blamire, Event Director, Breakbulk Middle East.

“As we continue to facilitate partnerships in the industry, we are always working toward the greater goal

Breakbulk Middle East to promote women’s enhanced participation in the industry

The event will feature women leaders offering valuable insights to aspiring female professionals

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reakbulk Middle East (BBME), the region’s largest breakbulk and project cargo event, will host the ‘Women in Breakbulk Breakfast, as part of its commitment to increase female participation.

The forum will feature top female executives, who will discuss ways to overcome challenges they face in the sector. They will also offer insights and tips to aspiring female professionals on how they can move up the ladder and change the male-dominated narrative within the maritime, project cargo and breakbulk industry.

Female inclusion “In line with our vision, I believe that Breakbulk Middle East has maintained an active role in inclusion of females through the Women in Breakbulk initiative, where aspiring professionals can witness first-hand the success stories of their counterparts,” commented HE Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport, Affairs, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

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of economic prosperity for the nation and the region. Our key initiatives have been instrumental in helping us achieve this goal,” commented Leslie Meredith, Marketing Director of Breakbulk Events & Media.

Breakbulk Middle East will take place on 1 and 2 February 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI).

BREAKBULK 2022

The two-day event that will offer a platform for partnerships and exchange of knowledge

Breakbulk Middle East 2022 set to offer project cargo business opportunities

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he 2022 edition of Breakbulk Middle East (BBME), the region’s largest event for project cargo and breakbulk industry, has perked up the interest of local and global industry stakeholders and attendees. Such support bolsters the event’s prominent reputation and reinforces its importance in driving the progress of the UAE’s and GCC’s thriving breakbulk sector.

“Our ports have the ability to handle huge volumes of cargo. In 2020, the UAE received 25,000 port calls and our ports handled over 19 million TEUs. We are now looking to capitalise on these figures in the coming year despite the progressing Covid-19 crisis,” affirmed HE Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

Expertise accumulation “BBME has gathered a lot of expertise from the industry. It’s also a very good opportunity for us to network and meet each other and exchange a lot of information. So, I’m quite happy that this event is going to be back,” asserted Capt.

Mohamed Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Ship Management for ADNOC Logistics and Services.

“We are there to find solutions and to make sure that we are on the right track from an industry point of view, not only as freight forwarders, but as competitors and clients,” observed Breakbulk Middle East Advisory Board member Mohammed Jaber, Chief Operating Officer Abu Dhabi, Managing Director Air and Sea, DSV. “Our long-standing association with BBME has further helped us in the endeavour of spreading awareness about the logistics sector and the several opportunities in it,” stated Dr. Ismail

Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport.

Platform to drive change “With over 4,000 industry professionals and key leaders in attendance, the event will provide a platform to drive change in the industry through collaborations and partnerships,” noted Ben Blamire, Event Director, Breakbulk Middle East.

Featuring panellists from across the board, the 2022 edition will host key discussions about the developments in the industry. BBME’s recognised initiatives Women in Breakbulk and Education Day are also part of the comprehensive agenda. Registrations are ongoing for the event that will provide participants with strategic industry updates, partnership opportunities and growth avenues.

“This will help develop local talent in the Middle East and create better organisational structures for the future generations,” remarked Eng. Nawal Yousef Alhanaee, Director of the Future Energy Department, UAE’s Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure.

“Breakbulk Middle East is doing a fabulous job at helping women that

want a career in the logistics and supply chain industry and accelerating their growth,” observed Sanaz Taransari, Managing Director, Seaport UAE. “Platforms like Breakbulk Middle East are integral because they motivate women to work towards consistently achieving greater heights,” stated Katherine Yakunchenkova, General Manager, Al Safina Security.

Breaking the glass ceiling “I am delighted that Breakbulk Middle East has a special initiative to further the agenda of women’s representation in the field,” noted Bengi Yuceer, Regional Head of Marine Claims- TMEA, Howden Insurance Brokers.

“This is what the industry is in dire need of and I feel honoured to be able to do that,” said Sue Donoghue, CEO Arab Cluster, DHL Global Forwarding.

“Bridging the gender gap is an ongoing challenge. This year too, as part of the ‘Women in Breakbulk’ initiative, we will unite women leaders to share their perspectives on the skills that are important for continued success in the industry,” concluded Leslie Meredith, Marketing Director, Breakbulk Events & Media.

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FEDEX

FedEx Express signs agreement with Dubai South for New Regional Air Hub

The new hub will help FedEx Express unlock more value for its customers across the globe

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n the presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airlines and Group and Chairman of Dubai Airports, FedEx Express signed an agreement with Dubai South to build its new regional hub for the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA) region at the Logistics District.

Located in proximity to Dubai World Central Airport (DWC), the new FedEx Express regional hub at Dubai South will incorporate state-of-the-art technologies

to support the company’s regional and global networks and increase operational efficiencies to meet growing trade demands within the MEISA region.

The agreement was inked by Khalifa Alzaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South and Jack Muhs, Regional President, FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa region.

The signing ceremony was held at ‘Hypermotion Dubai’ at the World Expo’s Dubai Exhibition Centre, an event focused on next generation mobility and logistics.

“With increasing trade needs within the region and globally, the ideal location of the hub and our advanced technology solutions will allow us to grow and strengthen our presence in the MEISA region and beyond,” Muhs said.

“The mega logistic player’s presence will further consolidate our global position as the preferred choice for industry players seeking to operate in an integrated, economic environment, where they would connect with international markets through a multimodal platform,” commented Al Zaffin.

FedEx Express offers businesses new time-definite delivery options FedEx International Priority Express provides businesses in the Middle East with cross-border delivery options

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edEx Express announced the launch of FedEx International Priority Express (IPE) in the UAE offering customers who ship internationally the flexibility to schedule delivery by 10:30 am or noon to select destinations worldwide.

With the addition of this new service, FedEx now provides a wider range of time-definite international priority shipping options to its customers.

Businesses across the Middle East region can now select the right delivery option that suits their needs with choices, giving them enhanced convenience and flexibility.

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These time-definite cross-border delivery options are part of FedEx efforts to support businesses amidst the soaring demand for cross-border commerce. Across the Middle East and Africa, the Freight and Cargo market is expected to reach US$ 315bn, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% by 2027, a press statement said.

“As economies begin to recover, businesses and consumers alike are placing heightened value on trackable, time-definite delivery, and the segment is set to grow,” said Kawal Preet, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa Region, FedEx Express.

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OPINION PIECE

How to create an agile supply chain

Supply chains must adopt a ‘network approach’, connecting all partners to shared processes, data and metrics, managed within a single platform to succeed affirms Khaled AlShami, Senior Director, Solution Consulting, Middle East & Africa, Infor in the first part of a twopart contribution.

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ompetitive supply chains must enable a new level of coordinated performance that creates a highfidelity picture of in-process flows across your extended network.

Building the continuous supply chain supports contextual deviations, conveys alerts and drives continuous planning via sense and respond capabilities.

Optimising multi-party business processes Supply chains are complex networks where over 80% of the data and processes sit within partner systems. To see and act on the latest picture of your supply chain, your company needs that data from each of your partners, but the problem is most companies rely solely on an enterprise-centric approach to solve a multi-enterprise problem.

The only way to overcome those limitations is to adopt a ‘network approach’. Connecting all partners to shared processes, data and metrics managed within a single platform creates a single version of truth for all parties.

This allows supply chains to eliminate the data silos and inherent latency in order to reduce the root causes of friction, variability and costs in today’s supply chains, both internally and externally.

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OPINION PIECE

Managing product flows Balancing customer service levels and supply chain costs is nothing new, but customer expectations are more demanding than even before due to how quickly products need to be in market to capture sales and quickly turnaround delivery. Your customers are under their own pressure to meet on-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery and that flows all the way back upstream.

These challenges highlight that today’s supply chain structures simply aren’t equipped to deal with the high demands if partners and systems aren’t providing ‘single truth’ visibility. With solutions that provide real-time visibility and machine learning to assist with predictive sensing of product availability issues, your company can make the needed adjustments to meet customer service agreements.

Advancing supply chin visibility maturity in the organization How do we define supply chain visibility today? Leaving aside long-term forecasting and planning that depends on insight to meet demand, the operational aspects of the supply chain that we can materially impact with improved and multi-dimensional visibility involve orders, shipments, and inventory.

Obviously, supply chain visibility can’t be achieved from a single data source, or a single set of participants. Just as the old-fashioned supply ‘chain’ is more accurately described as a network today, so a networked solution to building multi-dimensional visibility to that ecosystem offers the best path to value.

A networked visibility approach means that business benefits can be realized across many cross-functional and crossdomain areas.

The value of visibility Supply chain visibility frameworks need to recognize the milestone components that make international product flow successful as well as transparency of outbound truck shipments constrained

by connectivity to many different carriers.

Collaboration with trading partners is the only way to gain the higher levels of visibility that can significantly improve global supply chain planning and fulfilment operations. To keep production running and customers happy, it is critical to know when expected product availability for fulfilment or consumption is in jeopardy.

supply chain. To automate supplier invoice payments and standardize documentation, companies must transform themselves from silo-based, inward-facing corporate operators to interconnected, highly agile business network orchestrators.

Finance & Trade Flows

Incorporating your supply chains’ ability to sense and respond, orchestrate finance and trade flows, and utilize advanced data centres and artificial intelligence is crucial for providing transparent visualization of supply chain dynamics.

In addition to these pillars, next generation control towers, or control centres, deliver pervasive end-toend visibility by capturing impact, interconnections, repercussions, and options. They synchronize participants to help dissolve a functionally siloed approach to fulfilment.

Once organizations adopt a networked solution that allows all parties to share and see real-time updates, the heightened sense and response capabilities allow them to further close the loop and develop the continuous supply chain.

Volatility in supply chains makes it hard to profitably meet demand. Sourcing is complex, often involves hundreds of partners, and suppliers often don’t have access to adequate capital, causing instability in the supply base. The majority of inventory, cost, and risk is outside of a single enterprise’s control.

Too many siloed systems and not enough shared data make it impossible to reliably meet consumer demands.

Companies, with only a few pieces of the puzzle, must scramble to track inventory and provide accurate ETAs. Automation of supplier payment can help improve supplier relations, optimize working capital, and reduce fees and inefficiencies along the financial

End-to-end visibility & orchestration

FEBRUARY 2022 55

PART TWO: In Part Two, the author notes that as the manufacturing world continues to evolve to meet new challenges, there’s a step-change in innovation for the products and services that are delivered and supported.

Manufacturing: The importance of speaking your language Many industry insiders are expressing the need for a focus on driving sustainable (and profitable) business growth. Deloitte suggests digital investment and supply chain resilience as the key pillars.

Partnerships are also increasingly important to achieving sustainable business growth, whether that’s upstream or downstream within your supply chain or enabling partners such as application and technology providers.

In all of those partnering scenarios, it’s important to have a common understanding of your desired outcomes, so you can ensure you’re all speaking the same language, which helps shorten the time to value.

Manufacturing is shifting towards industry-specific applications and these applications are now nearly always delivered in the cloud to maximize adoption, flexibility, availability, and security, as well as reducing throughlife cost of ownership. In fact, Gartner forecasts end-user public cloud spending to grow by 18% through 2021.

Horizontal versus industryspecific applications If you consider yourself a well contained, low risk, low complexity organization with customers who will continue to remain happy with the status quo and you see no real threat of disruption, a horizontal, onesize fits all approach to ERP may still suffice.

However, most companies need to simplify the management of their complex business and are looking to differentiate through the application of technology.

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Horizontal applications can manage a particular business function: typically finance and procurement but with everything else just bolted-on.

Organizations that I speak with are coming to the realization that industryspecific capabilities and new technology are needed.

Industry-specific cloud ERP The old ways no longer fit their purposes.

Industry-specific cloud ERP offers capabilities that match the way that you do (or should do) business. You can do things right and operate in real time to unlock your business’s potential. It’s also faster to implement, so you’ll see success more rapidly.

An industry-centric, single view or digital twin of your business helps you identify variations to expected operational performance early, so they can be analyzed and managed long before your finance teams would typically become aware of them. The finance role can then transition to focus on strategic operational and financial improvement, fostering a continuous improvement mentality.

As the author Jim Collins talks about when referring to the ‘flywheel effect’, good-to-great transformations are unlikely to occur in a single step. A clearly articulated and communicated strategy that results in measurable, incremental improvements is key to successful, longterm transformation.

Industry enabled Unsurprisingly, when it comes to triggering organizational change, the

business drivers are often a complex mix of customer expectations and demands for a better experience, a focus on operational effectiveness, and the need to meet stricter industry regulations and operating conditions.

That’s why it’s important for your applications software technology vendor to speak the same language as your business. As an example, optimizing the order to delivery process in an engineer-to-order or configureto-order environment demands a single view of the product from concept through quote to build, delivery, and then on through life support. Anything less adds risk to the whole process.

Why now?

As the old saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” Organizations that have traditionally been slow to move still have time to catch up. The challenge is often creating the internal momentum—the first push on the flywheel. In true partnerships, when everyone speaks the same language, multiple stakeholders come together to create a more powerful outcome.

Don’t wait too long. Early adopters are now more agile, flexible, and efficient—and they could already be making inroads into your share of the market. The right partner, with the right industry experience and knowledge, will understand the value you can gain by helping you solve your challenges.

They can assist your organization in defining a roadmap to success.

OPINION PIECE

Siloed initiatives emerge as key challenges to Middle East Digital Transformation projects 62% of manufacturers in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa worry about siloed technology environments—IDC Study While an impressive 76% of manufacturers in the Middle Extensive Restructure East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region are currently engaged in, or about to start, a formal digital transformation (DX) programme, a significant proportion risk limiting their efforts by failing to connect key elements including DX initiatives, data, and technology environments, according to a recent info brief by market intelligence and advisory company IDC. The info brief, which was sponsored by Infor, refers to ‘Islands of Innovation’ as a key challenge, with siloed DX initiatives, siloed data, and siloed technology environments highlighted as three particular challenges for manufacturers to be aware of and fix.

In total, 44% of organizations said their DX initiatives are not integrated, undermining the perception of DX as being everyone’s responsibility, and that their digital roadmap focuses on the short term and fails to factor in the long-term transformation of their industry.

Siloed data 51% of organizations pointed to siloed data as a challenge, driven by limited understanding of existing data assets, and a lack of enterprise-wide data management. This is often exacerbated by un-integrated decision-making based on small subsets of data using rudimentary analytic models.

Meanwhile, 62% of organizations worry about siloed technology environments. Indeed, in many organizations, multiple digital technology environments exist separately from core IT. Some organizations have consolidated this into two separate technology environments – core IT and digital innovation – connected via APIs, the info brief states.

The good news is that organizations can overcome these challenges and improve their chances of successful DX by adopting a cloud-based integrated digital platform to connect the islands and break the silos.

To achieve this, manufacturers need to extensively restructure, placing data at the centre of their processes to increase speed, agility, efficiency, and innovation, according to IDC. Enterprise applications need to be powered by an intelligent core that analyzes different types of data from a myriad of sources.

“It’s vital for manufacturers to achieve successful digital transformation due to rapidly changing customer profiles, business models, and the proliferation and growing use of apps and digital devices,” noted Jebin George, IDC Programme Manager.

“By adopting an integrated digital platform, manufacturers can increase their chances of successful digital transformation, which can help them automate, add value to their business, and position them to prosper as we move into the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he added.

The Millennial / Gen Z Generation This message is especially pertinent in the Middle East, where 75% of the population is Millennial or Gen Z, providing a growing base of digital consumers. Moreover, national industrial development plans across the region are focused on digitalization of the manufacturing sector, and a high volume of ‘digital-native’ enterprises are creating business models that could present new opportunities to manufacturers.

“Manufacturers in the region face numerous challenges, but with the right approach, adversity can always be turned to opportunity. It is important for manufacturers to take a step back and ensure that they develop the right DX strategy with an integrated platform at the core,” observed Khaled AlShami, Infor Senior Director, Solution Consulting, Middle East and Africa.

“We’re excited to help manufacturers transform successfully and take manufacturing into the digital era,” he concluded.

FEBRUARY 2022 57

OPINION / VIEWPOINT

Five Predictions for Supply Chain Management in 2022 Amel Gardner, Vice President and General Manager, Infor Middle East & Africa, gazes at her crystal ball to make five predictions for the global Supply Chain Management this New Year.

2021 has been a crazy year for supply chain professionals.

The global supply chain industry got extensive media coverage for reasons as diverse as a the giant container ship the ‘Ever Given’ blocking the Suez Canal for an extended period of time to a chip shortage for auto makers.

A world of people who had no idea what a supply chain was at the beginning of the year now have a much better understanding of how the goods they purchase get from one place to another.

The reality remains that a lot of the transport issues manufacturers are facing in 2021 are not going away. Be ready for plenty of supply chain news in 2022 including these important trends.

Prediction 1: Supply shortages will continue to keep ocean container rates high As long as several global economies continue to thrive, the demand for goods and services will continue to hold transportation rates, particularly ocean container rates, at record levels.

However, with inflation rearing its head in various parts of the globe, higher prices on products may lead to a consumer slowdown, allowing manufacturers and their suppliers some breathing room to restock their supplies.

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Amel Gardner, Vice President and General Manager, Middle East & Africa, Infor.

That said, the backlog of existing demand will keep ocean transport rates higher until bottlenecks drain out. As we see supply and demand begin to balance out in the second half of 2022, transportation rates should creep lower heading into 2023.

Prediction 2: Sustainability initiatives will not be equal across the board Even with Heads of State coming to an agreement on sustainability requirements, it will largely fall on individual companies to enforce these standards upon themselves.

While many organizations have already expressed, and even implemented, plans to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions, many have yet to adopt any strategy to make both immediate and long-term impacts.

Without a unified, standardised pact that holds both countries and companies

accountable, minimal change will be made. Until such a standardisation exists, consumers and investors are the ones most likely to force companies to make the necessary shifts, as the younger and more environmentally conscious generations continue to grow into the largest global consumer base.

Prediction 3: Organizations will bring their supply chains closer to destination With supply shortages stretching from groceries to semiconductors, many organizations have been forced to examine ways to bring crucial components closer to final production process to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.

With many global organizations looking to localize larger portions of their supplier base, supply chains will find themselves better equipped to handle large demand spikes as they occur.

Prediction 4: Safety stock levels will rise to avoid backlogs and shutdowns With the global vaccination effort proceeding at a slower than anticipated pace, new variants of the Covid-19 virus will continue to drive caution and hesitation regarding traveling and fully reopening businesses.

As a result, organizations will move away from just-in-time (JIT) inventory strategies and will bulk up inventory levels, so they can avoid production disruptions.

This also allows organizations to use supply chain finance tools to extend payment terms to suppliers using innovative finance options with lenders. Organizations can build inventory strategies that are less susceptible to disruption while allowing their supply partners to maintain healthy capital levels.

Prediction 5: Companies will continue to invest in new technologies to streamline processes Organizations are going to have to do more with less as talent shortages impacting global supply chains continue to compound. Companies will need to adopt existing and emerging technologies that allow for cleaner data, stronger collaboration, and the automation of mundane processes so team members can focus on supply chain process improvement.

This will mean expediting digital transformation already in process and moving entire systems to the cloud for better, yet secure access to critical data needed to implement decisions quickly and effectively.

The pandemic has thrust many companies much further into their digital transformation much sooner than originally scheduled, and the timeline will continue to shorten as companies now realize how critical cloud technology has become for staying afloat.

Top Five Technology Predictions for 2022 Furthermore, Amel Gardner, Vice President and General Manager, Middle East & Africa, Infor, offers five technology predictions for the year ahead.

Prediction1: With the emergence of modern Enterprise Applications Platforms (EAPs), composability will extend to the business process level.

As ERP systems evolve to modern Enterprise Application Platforms (EAPs), look for expanded platform definitions to provide not only for composability in cloud environments, but also across hybrid cloud/on-premise environments.

Composability will be broken down further to the business process level, and not just at the application level.

This means that enterprises will need a standard operating model and platform for consistent integration, workflow, data analysis, and extensibility. Users will want to build their own processes and experiences to match their exact needs, not simply take what’s out of the box.

Prediction 2: Business process definition, AI and intelligence will start to take hold in purchasing decisions.

No two businesses are the same. Users will demand easy and simple ways to define their business interactions in a flexible system.

Therefore, expect the microservices discussion to accelerate, as companies strive to build and assemble their software systems, as if designing a floor plan for a new home.

Businesses will start deploying modern Enterprise Application Platforms (EAPs), through which business processes not only will be assembled to match needs, but also will be self-sustaining and corrective, based on AI and intelligence that is baked into the framework.

Prediction 3: The (actual) convergence of analytics, intelligence, and user experience will enable successful, real-time decision making.

Delivering information just in time, instead of in traditional dashboard forms, which look in the rear-view mirror, will be critical in 2022. Historical data and representations aren’t enough for successful decision making. Predictive intelligence needs to be blended into the process.

Ultimately, these insights are needed at the point of decision and action, instead of in a separate operational location. Data fabric, business intelligence, AI/machine learning, and user experience all must come together in a single solution to be meaningful.

Prediction 4: ‘Edge’ solutions will be defined and applied differently.

‘Core’ and “edge” solutions already are connected, for the most part, and edge solutions don’t just refer to devices anymore. This view acknowledges that some business operations still want to maintain local control on premise. Being able to navigate a true hybrid cloud/onpremise business, while not impacting productivity, will be key.

Customers will need cloud innovations in the form of machine learning, for example. At the same time, they need the ability to apply such technologies to their on-premise systems – not just to stereotypical ‘edge’ devices.

Prediction 5: Voice-enabled devices and digital assistants will be critical business tools in remote-work environments.

As the business world continues to transition to remote-work environments, the definition of user experience continues to change. While voice access/capabilities have been heavily hyped for some time in the enterprise arena, security controls will continue to tighten, and employees will need new ways of executing work away from traditional web screens.

In 2022, we expect that users will demand nearly full operational functionality through voice-enabled devices – with digital assistants that augment and automate tasks.

FEBRUARY 2022 59

LAST WORD

Reshaping the future of logistics through next-gen technologies

Technology has made the seamless incorporation of complex logistics operations possible today, however, more innovations are still needed to keep up with the changes brought about by the digital transformation, writes Alain Kaddoum, Managing Director of Savoye Middle East.

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ast movement of goods—from point of origin to destination—requires connectivity and integration of people, facilities and supplies.

The deployment of more innovative technologies has even become imperative during this game-changing pandemic era. Large-scale supply chain disruptions experienced at the start of the global health crisis had brought to light the gaps in the logistics and supply chain industries and their serious consequences.

State-of-the-art data driven tools could help prevent a repeat of such incidents by bolstering the resilience and robustness of logistics and supply chain infrastructures. Moreover, they play a role in terms of increasing, traceability, efficiencies, improving service quality, and optimising warehouse and transportation resources, among others.

Advanced technologies indispensable In short, advanced technologies have become indispensable for logistics companies to stay competitive and relevant in this day and age but also to ensure the business continuity of an organisation.

Although the industry’s interest in process automation, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud-based systems, and many more, had emerged pre-pandemic days, these efforts gained unprecedented momentum following the onset of Covid-19. Experts suggest that the industry would most certainly adopt at least one of these tools completely by 2022.

In the Gulf region, there is no shortage of solution providers offering the logistics

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Alain Kaddoum, Managing Director, Savoye Middle East.

community end-to-end solutions enabled by next-generation technologies and software. AI, in particular, is becoming a crucial part of business operations today.

The adoption of AI-driven applications for warehouse management system (WMS) and transport management system (TMS), for instance, is growing steadily, with trends predicting accelerated implementation in the future. Such applications make use of data analytics and machine-learning algorithms to optimise space within warehouses, goodsto-person movement, transportation and the overall productivity.

Customised solutions The tailor-made supply chain execution management software and solutions are examples of applications available in the

market today. Based on comprehensive functional coverage and flexible configuration options, these software systems combine WMS and TMS to meet multiple logistics and supply chain requirements but also to help the organisation in being future-ready to confront uncertainties and disruptions.

Apart from AI, companies are also utilising robots in their operations to locate, pick, and move inventory around warehouses at a rate faster than the human workforce can, with much higher accuracy and lesser risk of injury.

Investing in robotic solutions enables organisations to respond more efficiently and quickly to fluctuations in demand and supply trends. However, this has to be always combined with a powerful advanced software to ensure a proper orchestration of tasks and seamless warehouse operations.

Cloud-based systems Organisations are rolling out cloud-based systems as well to optimise logistics business processes, reduce cost, and achieve enhanced operational scalability, reliability and security. In the coming years, the deployment of cloud-based supply chain management and logistics will gain traction, especially under the new reality ushered in by the pandemic.

No doubt, the continuous development of innovative technologies will increase logistics and supply chain efficiency, with positive effects on the overall regional economy. For a foreseeable future in the digital era, technology adoption will continue to remain at the heart of successful logistics businesses.

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