Navigating the Future with TMS and WMS
In a world where the future is shaped by technology, our mission as a boutique logistics technology consulting firm is to lead the way in implementing cutting-edge Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for our clients.
We continuously research the landscape of software vendors, keeping a pulse on the newest offerings and groundbreaking developments in logistics technology. This allows us to comprehend their unique offerings and novel technological developments, empowering us to advise our clients with insight and precision according to their needs.
We recently attended the FreightWaves Future of Supply Chain conference, a premier industry event offering a front-row view of the road ahead. This conference is where the industry's thought leaders converge, charting the course for tomorrow's supply chain advancements.
Software Vendors and Logistics Services of all types were on display sharing their newest, greatest platforms and ideas. From Full Suite Shipper TMS Solutions to Brokerage and Market Visibility Services, Freight Pay, Track and Trace and Staffing Services, all the major players had booths, sales and engineer's resources available, to discuss their latest innovations and offerings.
Diving into Trade Relations and Sustainability
There was a constant rotation of industry leaders providing “Fireside Chats” throughout the Event. Topics ranged from the ever-growing Trade Relations with the US and China, that continue to set annual records despite political tensions, to the difficulties and sustainability of the EV Automotive Supply Chain, to the economic impacts of West Coast Legislation mandating the conversion of diesel truck fleets to EVs in the coming years.
Considering the challenges of recent market conditions, with lower freight volumes and revenues than previous years, the general atmosphere and attitude of the convention was very positive as we met and talked with numerous groups in attendance. Despite the current and future state challenges coming for the logistics and supply chain industry, people were encouraged about the future.
A Collaborative Leap Forward: The Logistics Technology Consortium
One of the most forward-thinking initiatives we gained some exposure to was a logistics technology consortium of a few focused vendors with freightapis.org and the SSC (Scheduling Standards Consortium).
The first major presentation was made up of members of the consortium from JB Hunt, Convoy and Uber Freight, while a number of additional industry heavyweights are also involved and participating, including Blue Yonder and Oracle.
The general concept is to align a standard set of APIs for use in scheduling functions with shippers. Instead of shippers and vendors developing custom systems integrations for each system, why not streamline the process to a standard set of APIs to support the functionality across the major industry participants?
The panel discussion left us with one ringing thought from the presentation. Paraphrasing the group, it was stated that “none of us individually can solve these problems on our own.” Immediately, this struck me as one of the first times I’ve seen direct competitors in our industry collaborate for a common initiative to align on an approach, then develop and implement the solution together.
In Closing
The level of ambition for an undertaking like this is significant, even for one of the most basic, standard elements of the Supply Chain, like scheduling pickup and delivery appointments. Ideas like this are a precursor of the future, a great reason for optimism. Assuming they can pull this off, it should lead to more initiatives to standardize and streamline the technology approaches within the industry, making implementation and working together easier for everyone.
Didn’t get a chance to chat with us while at FSC? It's never too late. Let's connect!
