Future of Supply Chain: Tech Round Up (Part 1)
I had the pleasure of attending Freight Waves, Future of Supply Chain at the beginning of June and I was met with some incredible tech that could help logistics companies and shippers with efficient operations. I will be rounding up all the tech I was able to interact with in a two part series, it will cover Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Load boards and matching platforms, finance and accounting platforms, predictive analytics, and other miscellaneous tech that didn’t fit into these categories. A little disclaimer, I did attempt to contact as many of the companies after the show to further my education on their systems, but I wasn't able to connect with all of them (but most). I will be including links to each company to get more information. Some of these links may be affiliate links.
Analytics Platforms
Sonar
Sonar by FreightWaves is a freight forecasting analytics platform. They provide high-frequency supply-chain market intelligence and visibility into freight marketplaces. The platform accurately predicts spot pricing in the market. It uses tender data from users, including things like tender acceptance rates to analyze the direction of the trucking market.
Pros:
An overwhelming amount of data
Many partnerships within the industry
Service other industries as well
Cons
An overwhelming amount of data
UX feels like a trade desk, may be hard for some to adapt to
Bear Cognition
Bear Cognition is a performance analytics company servicing operationally heavy organizations to use data to gain insights and efficiencies. They have trademarked the concept of Software with a Service or SwaS, they will design, build, and run specialized analytics for the needs of each of their clients. They employ AI-powered analytics and machine learning models to analyze data and help clients make strategic decisions.
Pros:
Very high touch team with their SwaS model
Leveraged AI can address multiple logistics specific challenges
Tailored solutions for each client with budget as a factor
Cons
In depth software and service potential for a steep learning curve for teams
GreenScreensAI
GreenScreenAI is a predictive and dynamic software using machine learning to effectively and efficiently suggest pricing that is tailored to a team's strengths. Data is from confirmed tender information of the users. Greenscreenai will pick up changes to the tender after the load is completed for accessorials and any changes. They currently make predictions up to two weeks into the market and they plan to expand to annual forecasting by the end of this year. Data is cleaned for outliers and anomalies.
Pros:
Platform is easy to use and the UX is pleasant
Team is very knowledgeable and come from the logistics world
Unique to other analytics platforms in several ways
Cons:
Only available to brokers, no platform for shippers at this time
Tracking Solutions
Tag-n-Trac
Tag-n-Trac provides a solution for real-time tracking and visibility of shipments through the use of wireless Bluetooth and cellular technologies. Their system integrates these technologies into proprietary hardware to provide automation and efficiency. They combine digital sensors with barcodes to enable detailed real-time monitoring of products during transport.
Pros:
Notification of anomalies while in transit
Smaller hardware than most of their competitors
Cons:
Sales, website, and marketing team struggle to explain their value add simply
Bloodhound Tracking
The Bloodhound Tracking System is a real-time tracking device for shipping containers. It uses advanced sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and location, and can detect tampering or unauthorized access. The device communicates data globally, including from inside containers, for continuous tracking. Helping to improve the efficiency and security of transported goods by providing detailed, up-to-date information on each container's status and location.
Pros:
Global communication available, via NASA developed technology (Disruption Tolerant Network)
Advanced sensors give information about the conditions inside the container
Cons:
Price may be a factor, but pricing is not clear on their website
Seems complex, training may be required for proper management
Miscellaneous Technologies
Aurora Driver
Aurora Driver is an autonomous driving system. Includes a transferable hardware kit that includes a modular sensor suite and a proprietary computer that enables the software. The autonomy software is composed of intelligent perception and motion planning systems and supported by an HD map and a simulation engine. Essentially the sensors help the software build a 3d representation of the area around the vehicle and the software then makes driver decisions based on that representation.
Pros:
Potential to actually disrupt the industry on a massive scale
Aggressive testing for safety
Extremely intelligent and experienced team
Cons:
Adoption will be an uphill battle
Potential for legislative issues
Missive
Missive is not a logistics specific platform. Missive is a collaboration and organizational tool, it helps to manage team inboxes to ensure emails and communications are addressed in a timely and efficient manner. It combines email management, chat, task assignment and general communication organization. While this is not a logistics specific platform, there is a definite use case in the logistics industry, specifically with dispatch, safety, and administration teams.
Pros:
Excellent support team
Open AI
Intuitive and easy to use UX
Cons:
Task management is limited at this time
Kleinschmidt
Kleinschmidt provides data integration solutions for the logistics industry. They specialize in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and API integrations, enabling seamless communication between businesses and their trading partners. Essentially they act as a translation service between technologies. Their services include handling various data formats, ensuring smooth message exchanges, and solutions like FreightLaunch for small carriers to meet EDI requirements.
Pros:
Efficient and reliable data exchange
Any to any data translations
40 years experience
Does not just service large carriers, support for small businesses too
Cons
May be difficult for non-tech minded people to understand the value add
Adding additional trading partners requires Kleinschmdit staff setup (as opposed to adding them yourself)
The Future of Supply Chain event showcased a range of innovative technologies that can significantly enhance logistics and shipping operations. From advanced Transportation Management Systems (TMS) to sophisticated predictive analytics tools, these solutions are able to drive efficiency and improvements in the industry. While I couldn't connect with every company, the insights gathered offer a glimpse into the future of supply chain management. For more detailed information, refer to the provided links. Stay tuned for part two of this series, and be sure to sign up to be notified of when that is posted.
Paperwork is the least fun thing about supply chain but these documents play important roles in the movement of goods. Understanding the documents and how to effectively use them can help save time and money of the many companies involved in the supply chain.
