Connect with us

Logistics & Supply Chain

Exclusive Interview: Chris Jones, EVP Industry & Services, Descartes Systems Group

Automation of the loading and delivery receipt processes using mobile delivery solutions allows for more accurate deliveries, less time at the distribution center and with the customer

Published

on

Exclusive Interview: Chris Jones, EVP Industry & Services, Descartes Systems Group. Image: Unsplash
Exclusive Interview: Chris Jones, EVP Industry & Services, Descartes Systems Group. Image: Unsplash
Listen to the story (FreightComms AudioPost)

Chris Jones, EVP Industry & Services, Descartes Systems Group. in an exclusive interview with Freightcomms

1. Being that Atlantic Tire has expanded its warehousing and distribution centers in the last few years, how is Descartes planning to replace the traditional operating process into a technology driven process?

With operations in 8 different locations, Atlantic Tire provides wholesale tires to tire dealers, auto shops and vehicle owners throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. At each location, Atlantic traditionally relied on manual practices and tribal knowledge to deliver orders. Descartes route planning and execution solution generates an optimal delivery plan automatically. The execution part of the solution tracks delivery progress, reports exceptions and electronically captures proof-of-delivery information. The result will be better and more consistent delivery plans and execution and elimination of delivery paperwork.

2.  With the help of cloud-based route optimization, how is Descartes working to reduce the complexities of the supply chain and distribution process?

Optimized route planning models the complexities of customer orders, the road network, delivery vehicles and driver requirements and selects the best combination of orders and sequence on routes to minimize cost and improve service. It addresses the complexities, allowing planners to focus on exceptions and continuous improvement opportunities.

3. How does automation using Descartes technology reduce costs and improve delivery frequency for Atlantic Tire?

Automation streamlines and accelerates the delivery process. From order to optimization to execution, automation eliminates the manual processes and steps that drive costs and slow down deliveries. For instance, automated planning produces optimized routes more quickly and can allow for more routes and deliveries in a day improving delivery frequency. Automation of the loading and delivery receipt processes using mobile delivery solutions allows for more accurate deliveries, less time at the distribution center and with the customer

4. What are your thoughts on the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the route optimization process?

There are a number of ways artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) benefit the route optimization process. AI-based configuration can take the guesswork out of the setup process and take advantage of the expertise built-in to deliver the best configuration. ML can improve the accuracy of the plan by adjusting key parameters like stop and travel times, determining the exact location of the customer and estimated-time-of-arrival. Even the impact of individual driver performance on route productivity can be determined. With more accurate and continual parameter tuning, routes better reflect actual performance and performance allowances can be potentially eliminated.

5. How does cloud-based route optimization reduce the turnaround time of the deliveries and help increase business and service offerings?

Cloud-based route optimization and execution provides real-time visibility of deliveries and vehicles in-transit. Knowing the location and status of a delivery vehicle that is going to make multiple trips in a day allows the distribution center to stage the next inbound vehicle’s deliveries at the right time, maximizing dock utilization and minimizing the time the vehicle spends at the dock. Providing that same information to customers allows them to see the status of their deliveries and better prioritize their work. The result is a better overall customer experience due to better customer productivity and the opportunity for more business based upon superior performance and information.

6. As Descartes Systems has been around the technology front for quite a long time, we would like to know your insights on disruption to the global supply chain and how Descartes is looking at adding value in this area?

This is a big question, but something we are addressing. We have put together research that is tracking why the global shipping crisis exists, how it is impacting imports and recommendations for short-, near- and long-term actions. You can learn more at The Global Shipping Crisis

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Logistics & Supply Chain

Ryder establishes Baton, a Ryder Technology Lab, based in Silicon Valley

Published

on

By

Ryder establishes Baton, a Ryder Technology Lab, based in Silicon Valley. Image: Ryder
Ryder establishes Baton, a Ryder Technology Lab, based in Silicon Valley. Image: Ryder
Listen to the story (FreightComms AudioPost)

 

Ryder System, Inc., a leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, announces the establishment of Baton, A Ryder Technology Lab, based in Silicon Valley. Baton’s mission is to pioneer a suite of groundbreaking customer-facing technologies designed to revolutionize how Ryder’s customers interact with their transportation and supply chain networks. These technologies will digitize and optimize networks at a level not currently available in the industry and will prepare Ryder for the coming artificial intelligence wave.

“The establishment of a Silicon Valley-based technology lab is a natural evolution for Ryder, as we build on the $1.3 billion in strategic investments we’ve made over the past five years to develop, acquire, and invest in innovative technologies, products, and services that help make our customers’ logistics networks more efficient and resilient,” says Karen Jones, CMO and head of new product development for Ryder. “To build on that success, it’s paramount we continue to invest in recruiting the brightest technology minds out there and provide them with a startup environment where they have the space and freedom to create, along with the resources of a $12 billion company.”

Leading Ryder’s innovation lab are Andrew Berberick and Nate Robert, co-chief product and technology officers for Ryder. The two founded San Francisco-based startup Baton, which was known for the development of a proprietary logistics technology focused on optimizing transportation networks. Ryder initially invested in Baton’s Series A funding round and then acquired the startup last year.

“What piqued our interest in Ryder then, and what keeps us excited today, is the fact that it’s the only fully integrated port-to-door logistics provider in North America managing the complex supply chains of many of the world’s biggest and best-known brands. That gives Ryder tremendous perspective and reach, and as engineers, it provides us with the unique opportunity to tackle some of the largest and most daunting problems in the industry today, while preparing Ryder and its customers for the coming AI wave,” says Berberick.

Baton’s first challenge is to create a first-of-its-kind, AI-powered digital platform and optimization engine that facilitates a new, integrated approach to managing transportation networks for customers where seasonality and fluctuating demand inhibit the continuous use of resources.

“There is a massive amount of waste when supply chains do not communicate. We believe we can change that and bring deep transformation to an entire sector,” says Robert. “That’s why we’re now actively recruiting talented technologists from some of Silicon Valley’s most respected technology firms to help solve some of the most complex problems plaguing the nearly $2.5 trillion North American transportation and logistics industry. We’re looking for engineers excited by the challenge and who want the autonomy and nimbleness of a startup environment but with the power, reach, and stability of a highly respected industry titan.”

Berberick holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Stanford University and worked for Google, Accenture, and Mindtribe; Robert holds a bachelor’s degree from MIT and master’s degree from Stanford University and worked for BuildZoom and Bain & Company, prior to cofounding Baton. Other key members of the Baton technology lab bring experience from Apple, Meta, OpenAI, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Tesla, Loadsmart, Kinema Systems (acquired by Boston Dynamics), PlayStation, Zynga, and LinkedIn.

Continue Reading

Logistics & Supply Chain

Rail freight on track for record volumes at APM Terminals

Published

on

Rail freight on track for record volumes at APM Terminals. Image: APM Terminals
Rail freight on track for record volumes at APM Terminals. Image: APM Terminals
Listen to the story (FreightComms AudioPost)

 

Rail is acknowledged as the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over land, with a gallon of fuel stretching an average of 500 miles, according to the Association of American Railroads. In July this year the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endorsed the push for freight railroads, stating that the transport mode can play a key role in the solution to climate change.

That assessment is something that APM Terminals has been fully on board with for some time. We’re committed to raising the standards of responsibility by offering low or zero carbon solutions for customers and consumers through our decarbonisation efforts and increasing rail transport options.

Record loads in India

Take for example APM Terminals Pipavav, which has taken nearly 50,000 containers off the road to substantially reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Just last month the port handled 206 trains – the highest number this year so far, pulling significantly ahead of its previous loading record of 157 double stack trains in a month in 2020.

Carbon-conscious in the US

Pipavav is not an exception. A few months ago, our operations in Mobile Alabama announced a bumper $60 million rail expansion in response to demand from increasingly carbon-conscious customers.

According to EPA data, freight railroads account for just 0.5% of total US emissions and only 1.7% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Added to this, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) states: “Moving freight by rail instead of truck lowers GHG emissions by up to 75%, on average”.

Sustainability with speed

The benefits of rail extend even beyond important net zero targets, as APM Terminals Americas Head, Leo Huisman acknowledges: “Our customers are looking for expanded options for their supply chains so we are focusing on faster connections to rail providers into inland markets.” The APM Terminals Mobile rail facility will therefore enable faster rail loading and departures.

Eyes trained on the future

Customer demand for sustainable and fast transport in the US and India is mirrored in Europe, where our colleague Homam Mansour is keeping his sights on the future of intermodal transport in his role as Rail Planner in our Gothenburg terminal, Sweden. Under his watch, Gothenburg has set an ambition to never refuse extra trains. Says Mansour: “We kept this promise throughout 2022, receiving and handling 84 extra trains requested by our customers at short notice”.

The commitment to rail has seen the volume of containers transported by rail via APM Terminals Gothenburg increase by 13% this year compared to 2021. More than 55% of all goods now reach the port by rail.

At APM Terminals globally, we train our sights on customer-focused, environment-friendly, and speedy supply chain solutions, and those priorities will continue to gain momentum.

Continue Reading

Environment

Hapag-Lloyd partners with DB Schenker to decarbonise supply chains

Published

on

Hapag-Lloyd partners with DB Schenker to decarbonise supply chains. Image: Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd partners with DB Schenker to decarbonise supply chains. Image: Hapag-Lloyd
Listen to the story (FreightComms AudioPost)

 

Hapag-Lloyd has entered into a partnership with DB Schenker for the purpose of decarbonising supply chains. Following the launch of “Ship Green” in May, the renowned logistics provider has selected Hapag-Lloyd’s sustainable transport solution as part of its sustainability initiatives.

DB Schenker and Hapag-Lloyd have signed an agreement for emission-reduced container transports with a waste- and residue-based biofuel. By end of 2023, DB Schenker plans to claim approximately 3,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions avoidance. This is based on at least 1,000 tonnes of pure biofuel.

“We are excited about this new partnership with DB Schenker as we share the common goal of making logistics more sustainable. Collaborations like these set a clear signal in the industry and are another example of a step-by-step approach to further decarbonise supply chains”, said Henrik Schilling, Managing Director Global Commercial Development at Hapag-Lloyd.

“I am very pleased that together with Hapag-Lloyd we are setting another example for sustainability in our industry. This partnership further enlarges our global biofuel offer in ocean freight. With this commitment we are one step closer to our goal of becoming carbon-neutral”, said Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air & Ocean Freight at DB Schenker.

Hapag-Lloyd has launched the Ship Green product to offer its customers emission-reduced ocean transports. Based on biofuel, customers of Hapag-Lloyd can add Ship Green as an additional service to their existing bookings – thereby avoiding CO2e emissions. Using the so-called “Book & Claim” chain of custody, Hapag-Lloyd can attribute avoided emissions to all ocean-leg transports, regardless of the vessel and route used. Ship Green is available for all shipments containing standard, hardtop or tank equipment. By offering Ship Green, Hapag-Lloyd is continuing along its path towards achieving climate-neutral fleet operations by 2045.

Continue Reading

Popular

Copyright © 2017-18 | FreightComms | Made with ♥ in Singapore