The 10 Most Recommended Logistic Tech Solution Providers 2018

www.insightssuccess.com November 2018

10 Solution Providers,2018

Company Of the Month

Tech-Insights Beneď€ ts of Blockchain in the making of SmarterEnergy Grids

Darren Palfrey COO & Co-Founder Gravity Supply Chain

Editor’s Pick The Impressive Impact of Organic Networking

MES

The Future of Engineered Supply Chains

Omnichannel Agent and Customer Engagement Solutions Simplify and personalize the customer experience, empower agents and achieve business success with one workspace for all channel interactions, application integrations, and CX reporting.

Logistics: The Lifeline of Every Business

L

ogistics has a huge impact on businesses. Its significance can be realized by a simple fact that everything we see, consume and store has been a part of one of the functions of logistics. This states that every product we use reaches to us through the same. Hence it becomes one of the most demanding functions in business.

The demanding approach of businesses towards logistics has pushed the industry to evolve and hence the traditional logistics functions have grown to become more tech savvy than ever. From the seven Rs of logistics to its various functions including transportation, warehousing and reverse logistics, technology and innovation is vividly evident.

Speaking of transportation, the biggest challenge in this space is efficiency. Enterprises have to rely on outdated methods of transportation which often leads to numerous issues including delay, compromised quality and loss of goods. These issues impact efficiency negatively. However, major technology enterprises are investing in Autonomous Transportation. This significant update in the process will not only ensure efficiency but will also resolve other issues such as safety.

Another instrumental technology for logistics is Automation. We all are well versed with its ability to disrupt industrial operations and warehousing is no exception. Automation can bring numerous tools to increase the overall productivity of warehousing processes including organized data, faster dispatching, and improved storage functions.

There are many industries which are incentivized by the development of logistics. It is now feasible for them to render quality services in real time. This has been made possible by numerous companies and their consistent efforts to deliver the best and push the industry forward. Hence, in order to recognize their

efforts, Insights Success has shortlisted “The 10 Most Recommended Logistic Tech Solution Providers, 2018” Featuring as our Cover Story is MES, Inc., a supply chain specialist that delivers top-quality components to global manufacturing companies. Its team comprises Six Sigma engineers and sourcing, supply, and quality control experts who utilize incisive metrics to simplify the supply process. It also helps its customers by developing custom engineered solutions with the help of global manufacturing resources, implementing comprehensive supply chain solution. MES follows various steps in order to complete the process.

Featuring as our Company of the Month is Gravity Supply Chain Solutions Limited, one of the leading logistics technology solutions providers. It has developed a cloud-based platform that enables logistics providers, retailers and manufacturers to achieve a real time view of their entire end to end supply chain.

Alongside this, the magazine also includes Arviem, a real-time end-to-end cargo monitoring and supply chain visibility service provider. It provides carrier independent tracking & monitoring service with exceptionally accurate location and quality condition monitoring of cargo throughout the global supply chain; EmergeTMS, which provides leading cloud-based technology solutions for the transportation and logistics industry by offering the first ever Private Freight Marketplace and a TMS platform for free; MGN Logistics, Inc, a supply chain management provider, that emphasizes cutting edge technology to deliver superier transportation solutions to its customers; Neurored, which delivers innovative Global Transportation & Supply Chain Management solutions that are completely cloud based, Omni-channel, inter-modal and blockchain activated; and uRoute, a transportation management system that was designed to tighten the link between shippers and their core carriers.

Also, make sure to flip through articles, written by our in-house editorial team as well as CXO standpoints of notable industry personalities to have a brief taste of the sector.

Let’s start reading!

Shubham Khampariya

Cover Story

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08 An Expert’s Viewpoint Making Disruption a Business Strategy

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Expert’s Forsights Electrovaya Lithium-ion batteries: Powering Electro-Mobility Since 1996

MES:

The Future of Engineered Supply Chains

18 Company of the Month Gravity Supply Chain: Making Logistics Processes Faster

contents Articles

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Making Logistics Processes Faster

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BeneďŹ ts of Blockchain in the making of Smarter Energy Grids

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40

22

Tech-Insights

Editor’s Pick

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46

Arviem: Optimizing Logistics Solutions Globally

Emerge:

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Delivering Topnotch Cloud-Based Logistics Solutions

MGN Logistics:

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Leveraging Technology, Innovation and Dedication in the Transportation Industry

Neurored:

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Disruptive Supply Chain Management Solutions on Salesforce Platform

uRoute:

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An Innovative Transportation Management Software

Provider

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Executive Editor Assistant Editors Contributing Editors Visualiser Art & Design Director Associate Designer Co-designer

Pooja M. Bansal Anish Miller Bhushan Kadam Jenny Fernandes Hitesh Dhamani Abhishaj Sajeev Shubham Khampariya David King Amol Kamble Shubham Mahadik Rahul Kavanekar

Art & Picture Editors Paul Belin Jayant Khanna Senior Sales Manager Passi D. Business Development Manager Peter Collins Marketing Manager John Matthew Business Development Executives Steve, Joe, Alan, Jagdish Sales Executives David, Kevin, Mark, Omkar Technical Head Jacob Smile Technical Specialists Amar, Pratiksha Digital Marketing Manager Marry D’Souza Online Marketing Strategists Alina Sege, Shubham, Vaibhav K SME-SMO Executives Prashant Chevale, Uma Dhenge, Gemson, Irfan Research Analyst Patrik James Circulation Managers Robert, Tanaji Database Management Stella Andrew Technology Consultant David Stokes sales@insightssuccess.com

November, 2018 Corporate Ofces: Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-602-1754 Email: info@insightssuccess.com For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.com

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Solution Providers,2018

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W

e constantly hear that the world is getting smaller. The credit for that usually goes to the internet but, in the physical world, logistics makes the real difference.

Logistics companies streamline the flow of components and products, accelerating the entire cycle from raw materials to final delivery with pinpoint accuracy. These supply chains have become the single most critical element of our consumer-centric world.

Success in this highly competitive field requires foresight, innovation, and agility. These three characteristics describe MES, Inc. perfectly.

Sustained Growth MES, Inc. is a supply chain specialist that delivers topquality components to global manufacturing companies.

Its team comprises Six Sigma engineers and sourcing, supply, and quality control experts who utilize incisive metrics to simplify the supply process. This contributes to faster delivery as well as lower overhead costs across the board.

MES helps its customers by developing custom engineered solutions with the help of global manufacturing resources, implementing comprehensive supply chain solution. MES follows various steps in order to complete the process. It includes finding and auditing suppliers, developing their quality systems, consolidating shipments at various ports, performing domestic value added operations and warehousing near customers and shipping on Just-In-Time basis.

MES develops suppliers with good quality, cost and delivery processes, who can make components to its customer’s specifications. Currently, it has two sourcing offices in India, one in China, Hongkong and Vietnam.

The company’s engineers are spread all over China and India. It is also located in other countries such as Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

The company was established in USA in 2007, but now has its headquarters in Columbus, OH. MES works with select suppliers from India, China, Australia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Regional offices in India, China, Poland, and Mexico oversee location-specific operations.

Founder and CEO Hiten Shah originally specialized in plastics engineering and injection molding, then moved into insulation materials for the automotive industry.

In 2007, he identified a niche supplying costeffective products manufactured in India to Chinese distributors. As processes improved, clients asked MES for direct intime supply to their plants. Hiten invested heavily in sourcing and quality assurance before establishing warehousing and

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logistics facilities in the United States. This led to better results and attracted more clients.

In 2011, MES expanded into Mexico with logistics and customer service development. By 2013, the warehouse accounted for 40% of their sales. At a subsequent exhibition in Hong Kong, they were surprised to learn that there was immense interest from Europe, too. Today, MES earns a significant part of its revenue from its European clients.

Meeting Needs When there is no shortage of service providers, only the companies which can distinguish themselves through proven results can dominate. MES understands this and uses it as inspiration.

They employ an in-house automation portal to simplify processes and streamline every stage of the supply chain.

It handles quote requests from both sides of the chain, quality development procedures, and their five-stage product launch process.

MES has even developed a phone app specifically for its engineers. They are required to post daily quality assessments of their areas of responsibility within a factory. This information is used to regulate standards and to identify potential problems at the earliest possible stage.

This commitment to excellence continues with a standardized ERP that is used in every MES facility across the world. It gives clients assured long-term consistency, no matter the product or the location.

Standing Apart Because MES provides such a comprehensive range of supply chain services to very high standards, most of its competitors are unable to pose a serious threat to its dominance. In fact, Hiten does not see other logistics companies as competition.

“Our main competition comes from our own customers who handle part of the supply chain themselves. They outsource to us because they have issues in a certain region, with a particular part, commodity, or product. Additionally, there are some suppliers who handle certain aspects of inventory management.”

Hiten is comfortable with MES’s current share of the

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market and believes that organic growth will inevitably favor them.

“Manufacturing is infinitely more complex than it was just a decade ago. Every product features configuration options, meaning that manufacturers need more components and more variations. Demand has skyrocketed while timelines have shrunk. Reliable logistics is the key and MES is the answer.”

Navigating Change When asked about the challenges that the past 11 years have thrown at his company, Hiten elaborates on the solutions to those challenges.

“A dedicated focus on your customer is absolutely essential,” he says, “The business climate, currency exchange rates, geopolitical circumstances, and other factors outside your control will always fluctuate. The key to success in our field revolves around quality of service, timely delivery, and accurate inventory metrics.”

“It is a constant learning process; even when two clients’ basic requirements may be the same, their location, volume, and internal standards may vary. Long-term success hinges on being close to customers and managing their individual needs accurately.”

Hiten recounts that the need for continuous reassessment and course correction was ingrained in him as soon as he entered the industry.

“In 2006, when I was first approached for an Indiabased logistics solution, I severely underestimated the complexity of the project. My extensive experience managing supply and demand in the automotive industry could not have prepared me for the challenges. However, we persisted and our dogged determination paid off.”

“Two years later, when I was given the opportunity to enter the Chinese market, I made the same mistake!” he laughs. “Again, it was our resolve and our faith in ourselves that go us over the line. That and having the right team of specialists who shared our conviction and embraced our vision.”

Hiten believes that the rapid growth of MES is a testament to how scalable the industry is, given you have the correct people and resources at your disposal.

Recognition and Vision Hiten’s drive has earned him widespread accolades. He was an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist for 2015 and 2017. Meanwhile, MES has been named in the Fast 50 as well as the Smart 50.

Hiten expects to double revenue within the next five years as MES diversifies its mix of customers and the industries it serves. This will be supported by expansion in Mexico, Vietnam, and Eastern Europe.

“Engineered supply chains,” replies Hiten when asked to condense MES into a sentence. “That is where we started and it is where our excellence lies.”

After seeing how well the company operates, we couldn’t agree more.

Emblem of Satisfaction “MES manages the entire casting supply chain globally.

They are a logistics company with roots in casting.” – Forrest Hills, Eaton “MES needs to specify which products they are using. If they are not going to diversify, they need to specify that they are a casting company instead of a logistics company or supply chain solution. It can be a misunderstanding of what they are offering. They are only in castings." – Juan Carlos, Acuity "MES is a castings supplier." – Elizabeth Johnson, Hubbell "MES employees ask questions and find ways to meet our company’s needs." – Robert Davis, Insight Lighting

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10

The Most Recommended

LOGISTIC TECH Solution Providers,2018

Company Name

Management

Brief

Stefan Wolff CEO

4flow offers unique business model allows to provide custom solutions based on extensive knowledge about supply chains, IT know-how and innovations.

Arviem arviem.com

Stefan Reidy Founder & CEO

Arviem is a real-time end-to-end cargo monitoring and supply chain visibility service provider. It provides carrier independent tracking & monitoring service with exceptionally accurate location and quality condition monitoring of cargo throughout the global supply chain.

EmergeTMS emergetms.com

Jake Papa Vice President

Emerge provides leading cloud-based technology solutions for the transportation and logistics industry by offering the first ever Private Freight Marketplace and a TMS platform for free.

Gravity Supply Chain Solutions Limited gravitysupplychain.com

Graham Parker Co-founder & CEO

Gravity Supply Chain is one of the leading logistics technology solutions providers. It has developed a cloud-based platform that enables logistics providers, retailers and manufacturers to achieve a real time view of their entire end to end supply chain.

MCG LOGISTICS mcglogistics.com

James Manning CEO

MCG delivers customized Spend Management services through a combination of Supply Chain Strategy Initiatives, Technology, and Services.

Hiten Shah CEO

MES, Inc. is a supply chain specialist that delivers top-quality components to global manufacturing companies. Its team comprises Six Sigma engineers and sourcing, supply, and quality control experts who utilize incisive metrics to simplify the supply process.

Matthew Telesca President & CEO

MGN Logistics is a supply chain management provider, that emphasizes cutting edge technology to deliver superier transportation solutions to its customers.

Neurored neurored.com

Joseph R Hudicka Managing Director

Neurored delivers innovative Global Transportation & Supply Chain Management solutions that are completely cloud based, Omni-channel, inter-modal and blockchain activated.

Orca orca.bi

Matt Grossi President

Orca is the future of supply chain optimization technologies. Its approach is to improving the supply chain is by adding intuitive technologies and processes to create efficiencies and free talented logisticians to create true business value.

uRoute uroute.net

Jonathan Sturtz Founder

uRoute is a transportation management system that was designed to tighten the link between shippers and their core carriers.

4FLOW 4flow.com

MES, Inc. mesinc.net

MGN Logistics, Inc. mgnlogistics.com

Company of the Month

Gravity Supply Chain: Making Logistics Processes Faster

Darren Palfrey COO & Co-Founder

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|November 2018|

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ogistics has grown far beyond simply transportation services.

With the wake of technology and the implementation of new methods of business, it has become diverse and dynamic, involving multiple processes, across a variety of services, involving a global network of stakeholders. This evolution has brought growth to logistics enterprises, as well as numerous challenges including maintaining costs, errors in coordination, tracking fuel and others.

Fortunately, logistics tech providers are making it easier for enterprises to overcome these challenges. These solution providers are helping streamline and grow the logistics industry immensely. So is Gravity Supply Chain.

categories or countries that operate like silos. This leaves data scattered across multiple teams, systems, customers, suppliers and partners. When problems pop up, it becomes difficult to understand the full impact on the business and share that information across the network quickly.

By using Gravity’s solutions, logistics providers can help their customers, including retailers and manufacturers, solve the problem of fragmentation.

This is because Gravity connects the people, data and processes involved in their customers’ operations, from product concept to destination, on a single platform. This includes connecting customers to their own suppliers, so all parties have real time visibility and up to date performance metrics are just a click away.

Ultimately, when silos are eliminated and all parties have the same real time visibility of information, communication is more effective, collaboration improves and smarter decisions are made more quickly.

Having everyone on one platform automates and saves time on many previously manual processes, like data entry and emails.

Gravity Supply Chain is one of the leading logistics technology solutions providers. It has developed a cloudbased platform that enables logistics providers, retailers and manufacturers to achieve a real time view of their entire end to end supply chain. With real time visibility and accurate information accessible in seconds, all stakeholders across these organizations can make better decisions, faster.

The Gravity platform breaks down a supply chain’s silos by providing a single point to view and execute operational processes in real time. It provides all the parties involved the same real time visibility of goods as they move along the supply chain, whether in production, in transit, at receipt or in a DC. It does so by integrating existing systems (ERP, WMS, TMS, etc) and filling in the gaps where time consuming, manual processes like shared spreadsheets and emails are currently being used.

Diversifying Solutions The majority of retailers and manufacturers manage their business in pockets, like departments, product

|November 2018|

A Leader’s Tale

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Darren Palfrey is the Co-Founder and the COO of Gravity Supply Chain.

He has nearly 20 years of experience in the supply chain industry. Palfrey recalls entering the industry working for a garments supplier to a multinational retailer, at a time when the phrase ‘supply chain’ wasn’t widely used or understood.

Procurement, manufacturing, shipping, delivery, and finance were not seen as interconnected or interdependent processes, but as individual tasks. In 1999, he joined a logistics provider that was developing services above and beyond the physical movement of cargo. That was the first time he started

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referring to ‘supply chain management’ instead of ‘freight management’.

Palfrey was involved in the design and execution of some of the largest, most innovative and fastest-moving global supply chains. But he saw supply chain managers continue to struggle with the speed at which supply chains grew more global and fragmented, and the sheer volumes of data they had to collect, analyze and use to make inward-facing business-critical decisions.

partnership with Microsoft, one of the world’s biggest and most innovative tech companies, to help accelerate the digital transformation of supply chains by having Gravity’s solutions available on and powered by the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.

incorporate an integrated system which could support the needs of our current clients and also increase our marketability, attractiveness to potential clients, and wins for coveted project tenders.”- Rick Tankir, Owner, KTL Logistics

Aspiring Success

“By partnering with Gravity, we combine our unique end-to-end intelligent supply chain approach and existing infrastructure with a best-inbreed technology platform that delivers market-leading visibility and advanced analytics. This combination will allow Advanced Supply Chain to further deliver truly innovative solutions to the retail sector, who continue to grapple with the complex challenges and huge opportunities associated with leveraging on-line and Omni-channel sales.”- Simon McKnight, International Supply Chain Director, Advanced Supply Chain

According to Palfrey, the key is not to gather as much data as possible, it’s to identify the right data and know how to use it. That’s why he jumped at the opportunity to co-found Gravity, and built a unique team of people who have a wealth of experience in managing supply chains, as well as the technical capabilities to provide managers with technology solutions that enables them to direct and not just react towards the supply chain.

In the next 3 years, Gravity intends to significantly increase its market share in the supply chain visibility space as a supply chain tech company providing real time solutions for the supply chain industry, built by supply chain users and industry experts. The company is planning to push the boundaries and expectations for supply chain executives. The overall opportunity is endless and it will certainly evolve into more than just the supply chain management visibility sector. Gravity has a strong vision, growth plan and roadmap, plus a lot of future ideas coming from its clients as they evolve and use the platform.

Distinctive Approach

Emblem of Satisfaction

Gravity has differentiated itself from the competition by providing best-inclass features including a simple and effective user interface enabling faster access to user data, as well as an end to end solution from product conception to a product’s arrival at destination.

“Gravity understands our business, but they also understand the retail space and the challenges that we have in our business. Understanding both sides is something we found very unique.”Ole Sanders, Managing Direct, Greater China, Röhlig Logistics

Growth Story

“We discovered the Gravity software at a wonderfully serendipitous moment in time where we recognized a need to

The company has witnessed tremendous growth over the last financial year, including an investment of $7 million backed by Singaporebased venture capital firm, Wavemaker Partners and an ever-increasing global footprint in Australia, Europe and the U.S. This growth further includes a strategic partnership with US headquartered UST global, a leading digital technology solutions company, that has been working with Fortune 500 companies for 18 years. And most recently, Gravity announced a strategic

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“Our white-labeled Gravity Purchase Order Management software has allowed us to enhance our supply chain and transport management offering, and deliver greater transparency and visibility into our customers’ business.

It differentiates us in what continues to be a highly-competitive market and continues our commitment in leading our sector in providing high-quality solutions combining people, facilities and technology.”- Karen Van Brussel, Supply Chain Manager, Gosselin Logistics.

To know more, visit: www.gravitysupplychain.com

|November 2018|

Arviem:

Optimizing Logistics Solutions Globally

Stefan Reidy CEO & Founder

I

t is needless to state the significance of logistics management in the business world today. It has become an integral instrument for enterprises. This in turn has enabled cut throat competition among logistics solution providers. Arviem is one such provider, which appears to be surpassing its competition.

Founded in 2008, Arviem is a real-time end-to-end cargo monitoring and supply chain visibility service provider. It provides carrier independent tracking & monitoring service with exceptionally accurate location and quality condition monitoring of cargo throughout the global supply chain. Arviem offers a full service, which includes the setup of IoT enabled cargo tracking devices as well as their reverse logistics after completed shipments and provides the cloud-based software and required business rules. It then monitors, analyses and reports on all aspects of the cargo shipments and supplies the real-time data in tailored management reports or notifications. Also, with the help of real-time updates on delays and disruptions, clients can discover and mitigate supply chain problems before they affect business operations or customer satisfaction. Arviem also offers additional services such as Supply Chain Financing or Carbon Footprint Monitoring.

Delivering a Myriad of Solutions Arviem’s IoT enabled supply chain visibility service helps clients to optimize their physical and financial supply chains by monitoring the flow of goods in-transit in real-time. The vast amount of data and management reports

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|November 2018|

10

The Most Recommended

LOGISTIC TECH Solution Providers,2018

While its IoT based services help clients to digitalize parts of their supply chain without the need for investing into new technologies, hardware or staff, the scalable, pay-per use service offers a possibility of a quick ROI by reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. Arviem’s service works alongside legacy systems, the data can be accessed through a cloud-based platform or it can be integrated with clients’ systems via an API. A Torchbearer’s Masterpiece Arviem’s CEO and Founder, Stefan Reidy is a supply chain enthusiast who is always willing to share his expertise with his employees. Prior to starting the company, Stefan was instrumental in the conceptualization and development of cargo and container tracking solutions at IBM from 2003–2007. Passion and industry expertise has been important for Arviem’s development ever since. Stefan often shares his knowledge with university students and industry professionals periodically at various events.

Assuring Quality with Technology Arviem uncovers blind spots in the logistics chain. Realtime cargo tracking and monitoring connects intermodal shipping containers, cargo, vessels and trailers with enterprise IT systems via the use of sensors, GPS, mobile networks and a cloud based platform. The sensors capture and transmit signals and data to provide a closer picture of the condition, geographical location and environment of goods in transit. This empowers supply chain leaders to take corrective actions and make fast and smart decisions when it comes to the unplanned, distracting events and delays in the supply chain. Additionally, with the help of the intelligent reports, supply chain professionals can make strategic decisions with the aim of optimizing their supply and logistics chain.

The One-Stop-Shop Approach As mentioned above, Arviem is offering a full, carefree service to customers that allow them to track all their global shipments, regardless of the transportation mode or the logistics service provider, on one single platform. The company’s services provide a holistic view on all shipments; the information is displayed on an appealing user interface and can be accessed through various channels. The service ecosystem that Arviem offers on top of the cargo monitoring data definitely sets it apart from the competition.

Exhibiting a Decade of Experience Arviem has completed 10 years in the logistics and supply |November 2018|

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generated by the company enable enterprises to optimize their supply chains, improve their working capital management, reduce transport insurance premiums, administrative costs, as well as to ensure product safety, and product quality during transit.

IoT enabled Supply Chain Visibility Services based on Cargo Tracking and Condition Monitoring.

chain industry and believes that the industry is ripe for a dramatic change and innovation. While the development of the market has been slow initially, there is an accelerating pace of innovation driven by startups and a growing interest from shippers. The interest of shippers is the driving force of Arviem’s operations and innovation activities.

With its experience in IoT business, Arviem has learned the importance of good quality data. For this, 100% reliable sensor devices are necessary. So the company switched from unreliable third party suppliers to in-house developed devices. This enables it to create an independent cargo tracking and monitoring service that is not dependent on third party data or integration with other providers and is 100% reliable while fulfilling monitoring missions in the field.

In these years of conducting business, Arviem’s efforts have been recognized by not only its clients, exporters, importers and manufacturers, but also by various industry awards.

These awards are a remarkable milestone for the company’s service offering.

Leveraging Technology Arviem’s goal is to leverage the data collected by its sensor devices riding alongside cargo shipments worldwide and offer IoT-enabled services such as real-time cargo condition and location monitoring, shipment performance reports, shipment risk profiling and trade financing and working capital management solutions. Its team works to help supply chain and logistics professionals to improve their supply chain with advanced, predictive and prescriptive analytics to support decision making.

A Reflection of Quality Services “We have eliminated waste, reduced demurrage costs and achieved timely product availability and freshness.” – Nestlé “Monitoring the location and environmental conditions of our shipments is a very important component of our stewardship efforts. Arviem provides us this capability.” – Dow Chemicals

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Editor’s Pick

The

Impressive of

Impact

Organic Networking T

he main reason for the invention of website, Internet and technology devices that provides the platform for software to run and connect with each other is mainly to make networking of services, products and people possible. Technology leaders such as Cisco, Arista and Apple are dedicating their resources to provide various business enterprises and the masses the ability to communicate their values through technology mediums called as Networking.

The works and provisions of these organizations are very outstanding, and are believed to last for ages. This is because the growth of technology is not going out of style so soon, but rather it is believed to continue into the future.

Technology networking strategies is good, but to make it more eective there is the incessant need to incorporate organic strategies.

You may be asking what I mean by Organic Networking or Strategies. The organization that will survive in the market in the near future, considering the increasing rate of competition are the ones who take the necessary steps, to develop more human connection for their business, more than they do for machines such as provided by AI. The Factors to Consider for an Eective Organic Networking: Even as our age is encouraging more of technology strategies, if we must survive the future of it all, then we must connect more people, than we do for machines. As an

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|November 2018|

innovative networking solution provider, it is going to pay more, when you include human intelligence and physicality in your networking strategies over machines.

Imagine a day that the machines are going to have a serious breakdown, and the owner organization do not have the capable persons to figure out the cause of the breakdown and possibly provide a feasible solution? What will be the fate of the organization? This means that, there will be a great loss of value and possibly a strike off the industry. I know you would never want that to happen. So, plan from now, to never pay for the loss in the future.

Balance Your People to machine Deployment.

Social Medias are for networking, Newspapers and various Medias are also for networking, but there are people behind the arc of this innovation. The more you incorporate AI and machine learning strategies, always remember the need for Control Engineers and those are human beings.

The most successful organizations identify the major importance of |November 2018|

people networking and how best to utilize human intelligence in their business quest.

For example; if you write an article and share it on a website, who do you expect to read your article; human beings or machines? It is obvious that the organic networking aspect of computing will never go out of style; else, there will be a day in the future that digital connection and values will be measured on the number of bots that read your articles and/or that paid for your services. So, remember to balance the rate of your people to machine deployment, by acknowledging the need of human networking over technology networking.

The Need for Organic Sense in Networking and the Future: Technology is the miracle of our age, Artificial Intelligence is a major molding factor of this development, IoT is the liberator from machine isolation by providing the platform to interconnect millions of them over the virtual platforms, but humans make these things possible.

Networking is an innovative concept with high profile technology terms. If one does not implore deep interest and concentration while exploring this realm, there may be a serious distortion of original motive of indulgence, and this can lead to serious breakdown of enterprise infrastructure. Sometimes, it maybe direct and other times, it will be indirect, but in all, it will always have an impact. The future of technology is very bright, and that is mainly dependent on how available we make the resources to help manage what we have today in the near future. For this to be possible, the networking solution providers must incorporate more of organic sense in their solutions and industry advancements.

Technology will advance, more machines will be connected, devices will be programmed to run independently, but in all these things, the humans in the network will still rule the universe. The more organic you make your networking strategies, the lesser the fear of a disastrous future for your organization.

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Emerge: Delivering Topnotch Cloud-Based Logistics Solutions

I

n an interview with Insights Success, the Vice President - Business Development, of Emerge, Jake Papa, shares his key insights on cloud-based technology solutions for transportation and logistics purposes, and most importantly, leadership. Below are highlights from the interview conducted between Jake and Insights Success: Give a brief overview of Emerge, its solutions and services?

Emerge provides leading cloud-based technology solutions for the transportation and logistics industry by offering the first ever Private Freight Marketplace and a TMS platform for free. Emerge’s Private Freight Marketplace combats the big issues affecting the industry such as the capacity crunch and ELD mandates. The first of its kind, the proprietary technology can save shippers hundreds of dollars per load while offering services from thousands of verified carriers and brokers. Customers simply sign up for free, enter their quote details and within minutes access the lowest rates on live capacity. Currently, shippers are seeing an average savings of $135 per load and 10 vendor options.

Jake Papa Vice President, Business Development

The TMS side of the platform helps transportation professionals to easily and quickly connect with their network of carriers and brokers to manage their shipping process online. Understanding in freight, time is money the platform was designed to reduce the industry’s traditional reliance on managing freight through emails and calls by providing a highly efficient alternative. Shippers can request quotes, award tenders, implement real-time tracking and access on-demand reports and analytics that provide full visibility of their supply chain. Both shippers and carriers also love our chat feature - eliminating back and forth phone calls - allowing them to communicate faster while keeping a record of their details.

How do you diversify so that it will benefit your customers?

As a tech solution built by a team with decades of industry

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|November 2018|

10

The Most Recommended

LOGISTIC TECH Solution Providers,2018

Describe the experiences, achievements or lessons that have shaped the journey of Emerge.

With our leadership team having more than 100 years of combined logistics expertise, within several verticals of the industry, we have the knowledge needed to produce industry leading technology. The idea of Emerge began in 2011, by our founder Andrew Leto, and he continues to shape our product today. Andrew has a reputation for identifying opportunities in the industry where technology can provide improved ways to streamline business, increase profits and enhance visibility.

How does Emerge contribute towards making the logistics industry better?

The world of business and customer service, regardless of industry, is moving faster each day as we continue to get more connected. The logistics industry (traditionally slower to adopt new technologies) can no longer rely on outdated techniques for sales, management and business decisions.

We allow shippers and carriers to streamline their operations by helping to increase efficiency and output.

We’ve designed our products from customer feedback and continue to put our customers’ needs first when planning new releases. There is a major lack of technology in the logistics industry in general, so by offering a free platform, we allow them to become more resourceful. Another differentiator with our product is that we provide full transparency, which we feel is a major void in logistics currently.

Give a detailed explanation regarding the Founder/CEO/Management’s influence towards the industry and the company?

Our Founder and Executive Chairman, Andrew Leto, along with his brother and CEO Michael Leto, have been at the forefront of logistics technology for nearly two decades.

Previously, the Leto brothers founded GlobalTranz (a $1B 3pl) and pioneered an online booking tool named CarrierRate.com. Andrew also founded 10-4 Systems, which is a truckload visibility tool used to help Fortune 500 companies gain insight into their supply chain. Andrew and Michael’s vision for connecting shippers, carriers and brokers in an all-inclusive application to help manage the daily burdens of booking freight has come to fruition with Emerge.

|November 2018|

Where does Emerge see itself in the long run and/or what are its future goals?

Emerge will be the first Private Freight Marketplace allowing shippers to communicate and utilize partners inside and (if they choose) outside of their network in realtime. Currently, Emerge handles Truckload, Less-thanTruckload and Rail/Intermodal. In the near future, we will be releasing support for Ocean and Air. Shippers will see Emerge as the go-to place to make sure their loads are covered at the best rates while carriers will continue to use us to increase efficiencies on their fleets and expand their customer network.

“

It's Time to Take Full Control of Your Freight.

“

experience, we understand the needs and pain points across all customer types. We provide solutions for each customer type no matter where they fall in the shipping process. We make the ideal tools available for the job that is being done instead of overwhelming users with things they don’t need.

If you’re a carrier, our system provides you carrier tools and if you’re a shipper, you see the shipper solutions.

Considering the rising number of Logistic Tech Solutions providers, how does Emerge stand out from its competitors?

The great thing about Emerge, is most times we don’t see ourselves as a competitor. Shippers and carriers aren’t the only ones seeing the benefits of our system. In fact, we already have partnerships with some of the leading solution providers showing how inclusive our product can be. Just like shippers and carriers, they rely on utilizing our tools to help make them more successful and efficient. Emerge is not a replacement or an alternative to other solutions, we’re an enhancement.

Give us a few testimonials of your clients that accurately highlight Emerge position in the market.

“Using Emerge has changed the way we ship. With the ability to replicate orders, track shipments, and have a carrier scorecard, Emerge has made our logistics more manageable. No more endless emails filling up my inbox. It helps me save time — one of the most important variables.”

- Interlake Mecalux “The system is fantastic! I have in one place all of the bids on a particular load. Emerge keeps ratings on my carriers so I can tell who is performing well and who isn’t quickly and easily, so I can make better decisions. With tracking, I no longer have to spend hours calling my carriers to check status. The system saves me time and money every day!

Love, love, love this system!!!” - Prime Plastics Products, Inc.

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An Expert’s Viewpoint

Derek Lundsten CEO

Scrimmage

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|November 2018|

Making a Business Strategy PREFACE: The first half of this article recaps a piece that I wrote in the late Spring of 2016, dubbed “Making Disruption A Business Strategy.” The second half of this article brings us to today – and what the future holds. It is entitled, “Disruption To Induction.”

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hat do many of today’s leading technology companies have in common? They are constantly innovating, and in many cases, disrupting their markets. In fact, I attended a forum of business leaders and successful entrepreneurs at the end of 2015, where it was noted by leading CEO’s that DISRUPTION was to be the coined phrase for 2016 across all businesses. Indeed, it has become a mandate to create something totally “new,” every few months.

Great companies are routinely directed to disrupt their technology, business processes, their departments, etc. It is rooted in the belief that such disruption breeds curiosity within the organization. Disruption becomes, quite simply, their business strategy. The old adage of “don’t fix it, if it’s not broken,” used to be the words to live by. Now, the new model is to always disrupt yourself, or run the risk of being disrupted.

In leading a SaaS technology firm, I can honestly say that we are always creating something “new” – something “new” for our clients, something “new” to continue the conversation with prospects, something entirely “new” for our mobile learning platform, as well as something “new” for our team. You may suggest that |November 2018|

our culture is certainly disruptive, as we are always seeking to innovate. At the same time, there is a collaborative spirit across the organization that feeds curiosity and disruption. The current market’s pervasive interest in mobile technology only further contributes to our disruption and our inspiration.

Meanwhile, technology moves fast. It has always been my imperative to keep creating, to keep disrupting.

Look at the 3 A’s – Amazon, Apple & now Google’s Alphabet – always reinventing themselves, or bringing a new product to the consumer.

You also constantly hear that mobile is moving the quickest and being the most disruptive. Mobile-First companies are constantly being referenced. Is there a day that goes by that you don’t hear about Uber, AirBnB SnapChat, among others? Most of the hottest companies with the fastest adoption rates by consumers are fueled

by Mobile. There are also the ones that are reshaping their markets; for example, Robinhood (a mobile-only stock trading firm with zero fees) is a Mobile-First platform - and a disrupter.

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Scrimmage is doing the same thing for learning.

Wherever you are in the world, you can now access relevant, educational content on any mobile device, through our platform. Leading companies see how this enhances both the employee and the customer experience.

The outlook and the landscape for technology, including mobile, certainly breeds curiosity – look at the breadth of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) , Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality (AR).

To embrace disruption and innovation in a company is a great thing. However, to embrace it with a collaborative spirit and ideas from all areas of the business is even more compelling and more powerful. After all, it may lead to not only disrupting your company’s technology, but also your marketplace.

Disruption to Induction In less than two years since this article was written, the role of disruption is clearly evident that it has had and is having on people’s lives. It has brought profound changes that are taking place across global society, both in the workplace and our personal lives. Of the companies that I cited, it is amazing, even educational, to look at the impact and disruption that has taken place, along with the seeds that are being planted for a new chapter Ÿ

Amazon: the mainstream adoption of Alexa and VOICE computing; the emergence of drone delivery; an acquisition of Whole Foods; an entry and/or market penetration into the Entertainment, Healthcare and Financial Services industries. As a result, it’s CEO, Jeff Bezos, is now the world’s richest man.

Ÿ

Apple: built an integrated stack of consumer-beloved products, including iPhoneX, AirPods, HomePods, and Apple Watch. Most importantly, they are a leader in the underlying technologies highlighted from years ago, including VR/AR/MR, IoT and AI.

Ÿ

Alphabet: Google has literally created 26 subsidiaries in order to exponentially innovate and transform industries.

Ÿ

Robinhood: now trading cryptocurrencies, as well as traditional investment products and valued at $5B.

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Ÿ

AirBnB: now set to enter the hotel market and is already adopted as a global mainstream service for accommodations and communities.

Ÿ

Uber: facing major resistance, regulation and upheaval after a variety of scandals. But, the momentum has only shifted to Lyft – also in this arena 2 years ago.

Ÿ

SnapChat: has lost major enterprise value, as Facebook and others have continued to innovate; however, there is a firestorm currently underway affecting all social networks due to their use/misuse of personal data and major security breaches.

Disruption is the new normal and expectation in our society. In fact, change may be too simple of a word to describe our societal evolution. We are exponentially changing. We are INDUCING a new reality. One just has to look at the effects in the global political system. The rise and advancement of social movements affecting equality and civil rights, the simultaneous engagement and disengagement of people taking place in our communities are prime examples of a new societal evolution.

If you watch the media, you are convinced we are careening off a cliff. However, as entrepreneurs and business leaders, we know a different truth. This is the most exciting time to be alive! Never before has it been easier to create, communicate, as well as build products, companies and networks, than today. The ability to build a billion dollar business in value, while positively impact billions of people is constantly manifesting itself.

In the years ahead, we have the possibility and likelihood to see the rise of driverless cars, private space travel + colonization, globally-connected transportation systems, energy independence, cures for chronic diseases, personalized medicine, deliberate mortality and immortality, hyper-digital economies, mass entrepreneurship and much, much more. Truthfully, the opportunities for creation and collaboration are almost infinite. I’m excited to lead with and join all of you on this journey called LIFE.

|November 2018|

MGN Logistics: Leveraging Technology, Innovation and Dedication in the Transportation Industry

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o business is completely efficient without its logistics department firing on all cylinders. In fact, when executed effectively, the logistics department can turn out being the backbone of a company. Logistics now includes a myriad of functions; however, transportation, the oldest of the discipline, still holds a great significance. MGN Logistics is a supply chain management provider, that emphasizes cutting edge technology to deliver superier transportation solutions to its customers.

Matthew Telesca President & CEO

MGN logistics

Founded in 2000, MGN Logistics was one of the first companies in the transportation space to launch a fully automated freight marketplace online, called logisticsquote.com. By 2004, after tremendous success and exponential user growth, the website was sold to a group of private equity investors. Building on the company’s earlier success, MGN acquired a brick and mortar freight management company in Boston and launched a new radically adaptive Transportation Management System (TMS). With a focus on disruptive technologies, the company continued to develop creative transportation modules, including predictive pricing, extensive KPI charting and intelligent transportation routing, which outpaced all the major players in the space.

By 2009, the company had opened an additional office in Orlando to assist in the growth. And again in 2013, another office was opened internationally in the Dominican Republic to address the growing international needs. In 2014, the company continuing its expansion, acquired a truckload brokerage in New Jersey, and then, the following year, made another strategic acquisition of a tech savvy Midwest-based brokerage with a unique proprietary truckload pricing app. Today, the company has 6 locations spanning Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Michigan and the Dominican Republic.

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|November 2018|

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The Most Recommended

LOGISTIC TECH Solution Providers,2018

Leveraging Technology to Overcome Challenges One of the greatest challenges facing the transportation industry today is the necessity of trust in so many supply chain transactions. The application of blockchain technology in the logistics space could prove to be transformational. MGN Logistics has always been on the cutting edge of these types of transformational changes, from their early development on the internet, to their realtime truckload pricing app, to the latest design and development of the industry’s first blockchain enhanced TMS. MGN is once again at the forefront of the logistics industry, spearheading an effort to utilize blockchain technology to create further enhancements in efficiency, security and data integrity. Their most recent project envisions the marrying of their proprietary TMS to blockchain cryptology.

An Outstanding Leader Matthew Telesca currently serves as the President and CEO of MGN Logistics, Inc. He is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and tech enthusiast, who sold his first company by the age of 32. A five-time recipient of Inc. magazine’s prestigious Fastest Growing Private Companies in America award, and two-time nominee for CEO of the year, Telesca is a long-time member of The International society of Logistics.

Matthew was also selected as one of the top 50 most creative CEOs to watch in 2016 and one of the top 20 most inspiring CEOs in 2018. He has been featured in numerous technology and logistics magazines and has a passion for learning and technology. As the CEO and visionary of the company, he is excited to see, not only the changes in the transportation space, but also be an integral part of those changes.

Contribution from the Underdogs The transportation space, like so many other industries, continues to be disrupted by new and compelling technologies. New entrants in the industry such as Uber Freight and Amazon, push the envelope of an already crowded space. But, according to Telesca, the race to the top will be won, not by industry giants, but rather, by smaller, more adaptive and specialized companies. He believes “the most exciting changes in the space has been seeing the adoption of greater technology in an industry that has been slow to change.”

This change will continue to occur and will be spearheaded by those in the space who not only possess the technological vision, but equally important, transportation and supply chain real-world experience, which many of the new entrants lack.

‘‘

To create a sophisticated and powerful supply chain solution that is simple to use and easy to implement through Technology, Innovation and Dedication. freight broker, the focus and specialization is as a fullservice freight management partner. The proprietary TMS is cloud-based and powerful enough for large corporations, while remaining easy to use and simple to integrate even with small businesses. The company’s suite of services include; price and service optimization, carrier routing, edispatching along with fully automated document creation, pre and post-audit, freight payment and an extensive suite of interactive business intelligence reports.

Each customer is assigned a dedicated group of experienced logistics managers to assist in fully coordinating, executing and tracking all shipments. The tracking process is further enhanced with eGPS monitoring of full truckload shipments using the company’s integrated solution. For potential customers that are looking for a standalone or fully integrated solution, to either replace or support their existing logistics departments, MGN’s proprietary TMS has the answer.

Appreciation from a Satisfied Clientele “MGN handles our entire logistics needs and has provided outstanding service. We have seen our bottom line improve and our customers very happy with the freight costs. The web portal provides our customer service department with real time data and provides our accounting department accurate information long before the invoice. As the manager I receive several management reports that allow me to review our entire logistics arena. The nice thing about MGN is it looks to constantly improve and stay ahead of the curve. I would highly recommend MGN and wouldn’t hesitate to speak with any potential client about the benefits of using MGN. They receive an A plus rating from us.” – Mark Farrell, Director of Operations, Laars Heating Systems

Rendering a Comprehensive Solution While the company can provide services as a traditional |November 2018|

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Tech-Insights

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|November 2018|

H

uman beings have always looked up to nature and made efforts to learn from its basic principles.

Sonars were inspired by dolphins, light bulbs by fireflies, suction cups by octopus and robots itself to replicate human beings. One such instance that has been enthused by microorganisms is distributed ledger technology (DLT), widely known as blockchain.

“The blockchain is an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to record not just financial transactions but virtually everything of value.”

-Don & Alex Tapscott.

It records transactions between two clients without any third party authentication which is an efficient process when it comes to stable data. Blockchain provides data management without the threat of unauthorized access or manipulations. It is proving to be a solution for frequent problems in various fields. Blockchain technology has the capability to disrupt approximately every industry ranging from finance, to education to power.

Smart Meters Smart meters are used to record electrical usage. These meters enable us to monitor our electrical consumption more precisely which will help consumers make better energy choices. Through blockchain, clients can directly get the amount spent which eradicates middleman thus saving money. This creates a more resilient network for gadgets to run on. Smart meters can also provide accurate data to the provider without needing a direct link to the meter of particular users.

With the help of blockchain, producers of smart grids do not have to invest a humongous amount. Here the producers get paid instantly, which leads to less capital expenditure.

Besides this, blockchain can play a serious role in adjusting power flows through the amalgamation and optimization of local grids measured by the public or consortium modes. It can aid in the maintenance of permanent records by servicers, giving a flawless view of a particular object or part of infrastructure at any given time. This information can be retrieved easily as the structure is built on a shared platform, while retaining the authenticity of the record.

Blockchain Technology in Smarter Grids One of the areas in the energy industry where blockchain technology can disrupt the market is smart grids. Lately, blockchain has been well-thought-out as one of the developing technologies that can be used for developing decentralized grid topologies and revising the distributed management of energy businesses. Blockchain database is shared by all the nodes in the system. A node is an active device which can be connected to internet and has an IP address. Examples of devices include computers, tablets, phones and even printers. The job of a node is to upkeep the network by maintaining a copy of the blockchain and process transactions.

Benefits of Blockchain in Smarter Grids Blockchain can aid numerous utility industry requirements.

It can act as a foundation stone with the possibility of disrupting the prevailing ecosystem. With the promotion for e-vehicles and individuals shifting to electric cars, supply and demand of energy needs to keep pace. Here blockchain comes in the scenario with its peer-to-peer interconnectivity and sharing. This balances the demand from several foundations and makes the grid smarter by directing sharing.

As there are small and compact smart grids, consumers with the help of blockchain can simply trade energy with one another thus saving time and earning a few dollars. In the power industry, blockchain technology can ensure a 5D Impact: decentralization, digitization, democratization, distribution and deregulation. |November 2018|

While the possible benefits of the Smart Grid are usually discussed in terms of renewable energy goals, economics and national security, it has the potential to help save money by managing your electricity usage and choosing the best times to purchase electricity. Consumers can save even more by generating their power with the help of blockchain.

Lately, due to the speedy growth in the deployment of DEPs the smart grid organization problems can no longer be proficiently addressed using centralized approaches, thus, the necessity for visionary decentralized methodologies and architectures is widely recognized.

It is assessed that the blockchain technology will add another $3.1 trillion by 2030. Lately, due to the speedy growth in the deployment of DEPs the smart grid organization problems can no longer be proficiently addressed using centralized approaches, thus, the necessity for visionary decentralized methodologies and architectures is widely recognized.

Lastly, blockchain technology may eventually fast-track the evolution to what the power industry calls a “distributed world.” It is the sum of both small and large powergeneration structures for communities, businesses and home. To prosper in capitalizing the potential of distributed generation and supervising less foreseeable and more capricious renewable power sources, the trade's infrastructure must first become more agile and less centralized.

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Neurored: I

n an interview with Insights Success, the Managing Director of Neurored in US, CA, UK, Joseph R Hudicka, shares his key insights on Transportation & Supply Chain Management solutions, and most importantly, leadership.

Below are highlights from the interview conducted between Joseph and Insights Success: How do you diversify Logistic Tech Solutions so that it will benefit your customers?

Neurored’s unique foundation is built upon an international standard architecture of objects and business process that cover all vital activities for shippers, wholesale traders, and freight forwarders. This ensures that we can service all modes of transportation, across all borders, worldwide, so our customers have the confidence that their future growth is already well supported within our solution.

One of Neurored’s core strategies has been to establish a dedicated team of global transportation and logistics research professionals, who are constantly on the lookout for strategic technology and information partners.

Shippers, Carriers, Freight Forwarders, even Wholesale Traders can have real

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time access to transportation rating engines like Project-44 for truck and rail transportation, INTRA and Ocean Insights for Ocean Transportation, seamlessly integrated into Neurored.

Users can quickly handle digitized quoting, booking, shipping, track and trace, all within a single hosted software solution. It even generates all of the business documents required, from quotes, to orders, to invoices, to shipping instructions, bills of lading and more.

Describe the experiences, achievements or lessons that have shaped the journey of Neurored.

Business processes can look quite different from company to company, even within a common niche such as shippers, or traders, or freight forwarders. But at their core, most of the functionality each needs is exactly the same. The true differences lie within the internal and external communications each company chooses to operate between them, their customers and their suppliers/partners.

At Neurored, we learned to focus on delivering a solid foundation, to customize the digital communications, and to constantly investigate emerging Logistics Technologies that can provide tremendous value to our customers and their ecosystems.

How does Neurored contribute towards making the Logistics industry better?

Neurored believes that the future of Global Trade & Logistics is rooted in secure digital communities, where customers, suppliers and carriers engage from quote through delivery, with automated transparency, trust, efficiency and speed. Hence, we deliver a community focused solution which offers the best of today’s logistics technologies, while shining a bright light on the next areas for industry wide improvement, in turn helping the entire Logistics industry maintain its focus on constantly getting better.

Where does Neurored see itself in the long run and/or what are its future goals?

Neurored will continue to strengthen its core Supply Chain and Transportation Management capabilities, while expanding its support of other corporate functions, through product releases such as Blockchain 4 Files (B4F), a true game changer in the space of document management which leverages Blockchain technology to ensure the authenticity and accessibility of documents while simultaneously |November 2018|

10

The Most Recommended

LOGISTIC TECH Solution Providers,2018

expediting core business activities such as trigger financial activities like payments, and preserving financial and warranty ledgers that ward off fraud proactively.

Considering the rising number of Logistic Tech Solutions providers, how does Neurored stand out from its competitors?

Neurored is uniquely positioned in the Logistics Tech space because we are built 100% native within the Force.com platform by Salesforce.com Therefore Neurored customers in the Logistics Tech Solutions space gain the added advantages of the Force.com platform, which delivers new innovative functionality all the time, as well as the many other partners within the Salesforce.com ecosystem, who deliver specialized apps that easily interconnect with Neurored to added complementary features with ease.

Give us a few testimonials of your clients that accurately highlight Neurored’s position in the market.

“Together with Neurored we developed the Freight Management System and we are still working on its constant updates. I would say that Neurored is the best team to have by your side when you want to move to modern era

|November 2018|

” :) Their knowledge of Salesforce platform is very deep and their approach towards customer, concentration on tasks is at the highest level. You always feel that the Neurored team is nearby; ready to help when you need it. So I would say Salesforce + Neurored = the APP of your dream :)” Tadas Abramavicius “The power of the "Neurored" Application has helped us achieve the integration and automation of our Processes from Prospecting, Sales, Operations and Administration, all in one tool. This helps our internal processes to be easier to carry out while having transparent visibility of the Operation in its totality (Boarding Tracking) in real time. Our Clients have seen a Competitive Advantage (Communities) based on Salesforce Technology + Neurored + Pak2Go.” Jaime Hinojosa About the Leader Joseph R Hudicka is The Managing Director of Neurored, the leading Global Trade & Logistics Solution in

the Salesforce.com Appexchange.

Hudicka is a 25 year veteran of the Supply Chain Industry, and is internationally recognized as both a published author and speaker on business process reengineering, business intelligence and technological innovation.

About the Company Neurored delivers innovative Global Transportation & Supply Chain Management solutions that are completely cloud based, Omnichannel, inter-modal and blockchain activated. Its Saas solutions combined with the system integrator staff and partners within the Force.com ecosystem by Salesforce.com enable its customers to completely digitize their businesses, from supplier and customer management, through quoting, ordering, track and trace, and digitized document management and collaboration. Neurored provides a 360 degree, digital view of your customers, suppliers and carriers, so everyone’s in the loop, always.

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Expert’s Forsights

Electrovaya Lithium-ion batteries: Powering Electro-Mobility ince 1996

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lectrovaya was established in 1996 as a research and development company focused on Lithium ion technologies and manufacturing processes. In 2000, it was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: EFL) and has continuously delivered cutting edge technology projects for aerospace (NASA), automotive and personal electronics. Overtime, it has developed key technologies for fundamental cell and battery technology with more than 150 patents in these fields.

Recently, Electrovaya has concentrated on battery solutions for heavy-duty applications requiring superior life cycle and performance. It has successfully developed unique ultralong life cycle battery systems, which are particularly designed for Materials Handling Electric Vehicles (MHEV).

Currently, it supplies major OEMs with specialized battery module and systems. On the average, MHEVs and passenger EVs run daily for around 10 hours and 2 hours, respectively. Electrovaya’s ultra-long life cycle technology is extremely suitable for these kinds of application.

Compared to vehicles powered with fuel, Electrovaya powered vehicles can function well within 24 hours every day under extreme temperature conditions with annual mileage of 20,000km.

Customers and Emerging Markets Six Fortune 500 companies in the logistics, e-commerce and manufacturing sectors have started using Electrovaya batteries for their forklift trucks, Material Handling Electric Vehicles (MHEV) and Automated guided vehicles (AGV).

This emerging market generated around $3.3 million of revenue from battery-operated deliveries mainly from Walmart from the January to March 2018. Also, additional purchase orders of $2.3 million were placed last June 2018.

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The current target markets are 1.5 million operational MHEVs and approximately 160,000 new MHEVs placed in North America last 2017 (Industrial Truck Association, 2017, Washington DC, USA).

Also, on 25th of July 2018, Electrovaya has successfully delivered batteries to Walmart Canada’s distribution center.

This is a major milestone for Electrovaya and the Materials Handling Industry, for it is one of the largest lithium-ion installations in North America. Currently, Electrovaya’s Lithium-ion batteries provide power to all MHEVs at this distribution center.

Industry Outlook Forklift truck sales in North America’s market continued their unprecedented increase. The year 2017 marked the third consecutive year of growth with more than 250,000 units sold, representing a 9.5% and 12.2% increase compared to 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In addition, thousands to millions of electric powered trucks are sold annually in the U.S. and worldwide. The continuous increase in the number of battery-operated trucks from the previous years’ shows the potential use and lead of Electrovaya’s lithium-ion batteries in the trucking industry.

To further introduce the technology and excellence of its products and services to the world, Electrovaya joined the Modex Expo 2018, which happened at Atlanta, GA. In this occasion, the company showcased the lithium ion batteries that are widely used in the materials handling sector.

Given the tremendous success of Electrovaya in the previous years, what really sets it apart from the other battery providers?

|November 2018|

Raj Das Gupta Vice President of Business Development

Electrovaya

|November 2018|

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batteries with maintenance cost of only 45 USD for cable replacements and remote monitoring.

Safety is our priority Electrovaya batteries are built using the safest technology, which has been continuously improved overtime. Once installed, this battery can be recharged similar a cellular phone. Hence, it removes the danger involved in removing and handling of batteries, which are necessary in lead acid battery charging. Ÿ

About the Author Raj Das Gupta has worked with Electrovaya previously as Director of Research and later as Vice President of Energy Storage. Raj is responsible for managing and increasing Electrovaya’s sales for both its stationary and automotive energy storage systems, as well as developing Electrovaya's strategy for technology licensing and business partnerships. Raj attended Imperial College, London; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and the University of Cambridge, where he received his Doctorate in Materials Science.

Last year, no accidents were recorded on the usage on forklift trucks with Electrovaya batteries.

Capital expenditure Lithium battery is always criticized about its high initial cost, wherein Electrovaya battery system is twice the cost of the lead acid batteries. However, Electrovaya batteries last twice longer than lead acid batteries due its 9000 life cycle. This is the result of the collective efforts of the company’s engineers who filed more than 150 patents under the Lithium cell technology. Therefore, after 6 years, the total investments of both types of batteries are the same.

Also, if both batteries will be on a lease, the monthly lease expenses will also be similar due to longer lease period on Electrovaya batteries. Ÿ

Future Perspective

To elaborate on what makes it one of the leading brands for powering electro-mobility, enumerated below are the benefits from utilizing Electrovaya’s technology.

• Reduced costs and increased productivity of charging Based on observation, there was an increase in the productivity of the forklift truck drivers due to opportunistic and fast charging. Lead acid battery can function for 8 hours but also needs to be charged for 8 hours. Meanwhile, Electrovaya battery can be charged opportunistically during break times, which increases its run time. The use of advance connector system removed arching or any fire hazards.

Reduced maintenance costs Electrovaya batteries do not require additional distilled water, switching, cleaning and maintenance. These advantages, made the maintenance costs of Electrovaya batteries 59% cheaper than Lead acid batteries. Ÿ

Electrovaya’s vision is to be the leader in critical and highly intensive applications. Its extensive line of products and worldwide partnerships helps it to lead the industry. Aside from the six Fortune 500 companies, MNCs have also purchased from Electrovaya and many are still exploring the benefits of using this technology in keeping their companies transform and grow.

Reliability of Electrovaya A testimony from the warehouse manager of a leading ecommerce company stated that Electrovaya was very efficient in switching the batteries, particularly in installing the Lithium-ion batteries. Since then, the company has reported reduced energy and maintenance costs, while there was an increase in the labor productivity.

This shows that Electrovaya continues to be one of the leading companies in this industry. Electrovaya has been continuously providing unwavering high quality technologies and services to the people since 1996.

For instance, Watering System Maintenance and Acid Containment Spill Kit cost 135 USD annually for each truck with lead acid batteries compared to Electrovaya

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|November 2018|

uRoute: An Innovative Transportation Management Software Provider

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n an interview with Insights Success, Jonathan Sturtz, Founder of uRoute shares his experience and gives resourceful insights. In addition to this he has also noted about uRoute, its products and motto of the organization along with the future goals in revolutionizing the logistic industry.

Below are the highlights of the interview conducted between Jonathan and Insights Success: Give a brief overview of the uRoute, its solutions and services? uRoute is a transportation management system that was designed to tighten the link between shippers and their core carriers.

“Built for Shippers.

Control Freaks Welcome”.

— Jonathan Sturtz Founder

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Offering a host of features in a scalable web-based environment, uRoute is a suitable option for companies that have outgrown spreadsheets but are seeking something that’s straightforward and simple to adopt. uRoute offers a full suite of tools that include direct carrier management, procurement, RFQ development and bid capabilities, load tendering and robust analytics. uRoute is also configured for domestic, North American or Global logistics.

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The Most Recommended

LOGISTIC TECH Solution Providers,2018

uRoute is suitable for large, midsize, and small shippers in most industry verticals.

Where does uRoute see itself in the long run and/or what are its future goals?

Give a detailed explanation regarding the Founder/CEO/Management’s influence towards the industry and the uRoute?

uRoute focuses on developing an organic experience for shipper by providing flexibility and scalability in our platform.

Looking forward, uRoute will continue to focus on enhancing the shipper experience. By continuing to explore ways to better facilitate the direct relationship between shippers and carriers, uRoute positions itself to be a major player in advanced logistics technology, including AI and Block Chain integrated functionality.

20 Years of Experience in Supply Chain. Jonathan Sturtz has grown his career from the ground up. At first our founder, Jonathan Sturtz, wanted to deploy a simple, easier to adopt TMS for bidding and tendering. At the time, Jonathan worked for a Large 3PL that was looking to get more involved with freight manage, but was having a hard time finding a tool robust enough to handle the business, but nimble enough to adjust to their work flow. This proved to be a much more difficult task than expected. Jonathan said, “I do not need a backhoe to pick up a stone.” So, after being terrible frustrated, Jonathan teamed up with an incredibly talented programmer to build a system, the right system from scratch, uRoute TMS. Describe the experiences, achievements or lessons that have shaped the journey of the uRoute.

Because uRoute was not tied to any legacy software, all new technology could be applied. Web-based was an absolute must, but deciding to develop uRoute as a series of internal API calls allowed for simple and direct integration with ERPs, WMSs and Accounting Platforms. It also makes communicating with thousands of carriers with differing types and levels of IT sophistication much easier and with fewer errors.

How does the uRoute contribute towards making the Logistics industry better?

It is not so much diversify, but bringing a thorough, well thought out product with detailed customization that produce results for each customer. uRoute was built to bring sophisticated, easy to use transportation software directly to shippers. Now shippers have the right tool to manage and execute their own freight procurement and build direct relationships with all their carrier vendors, asset and non-asset alike. We feel shippers gain a competitive advantage when they take ownership of their logistics. Nobody cares more about their products than they do, so it makes sense they would want as much control as possible on how their products were transported to their customers.

|November 2018|

Give us a few testimonials of your clients that accurately highlight uRoute position in the market.

Top 3 things we like about uRoute are: 1) Flexibility to customize to needs- more than once we have scoped a development request and they always deliver on time and in budget 2) Reporting and data- plenty of it to play with, and 3) Invoice module has made the process of managing AP and reconciliations much easier! – Mary Hageny, Director of Logistics, Liquidity Services uRoute is an intuitive and easy to implement TMS solution.

The software helps organizations professionally manage their carrier network internally while not relying on an expensive third party solution. uRoute’s value to shippers is that freight analytics and carrier management can be insourced at a nominal cost. I highly recommend uRoute to any organization looking to improve processes in logistics, accounts payable and management reporting. Moreover, the strategy behind uRoute’s platform helps ensure that the most competitive freight rates in the market are visible to shippers. The insourcing of freight management, however, comes with its challenges. Since the shippers and carriers are the sources of data input, downstream reports are impacted by data quality issues that might stem from typos or mistakes made throughout a load life cycle. For this reason, internal training is very important and if users do not fully understand the implications of their contributions to the system, they might be less inclined to provide reliable inputs. – Martin Rothe, VP Supply Chain, Progressive Converting.

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