Asthecomplexitiesofglobalsupplychainscontinue toevolve,businessesareincreasinglyseeking advancedsupplychainsolutionprovidersto optimizetheiroperationsandstaycompetitiveinthe market.
Theyear2023bringsforthalandscapeofinnovative technologies,cutting-edgestrategies,andforward-thinking companiesthatarerevolutionizingsupplychain management.solutionprovidersleveragestate-of-the-art technologiessuchasArtificialIntelligence(AI),Machine learning(ML),theInternetofThings(IoT),blockchain,and advancedanalyticstoenhancevisibility,improveefficiency, optimizeinventorymanagement,streamlineprocesses,and mitigaterisksinsupplychainoperations.Theyoffer comprehensivesolutionstailoredtotheuniqueneedsand challengesfacedbybusinessesacrossvariousindustries.
Theprominentleadersinthenichecomprehendthe importanceofend-to-endvisibilityandcollaboration.Their solutionsencompasstheentiresupplychain,fromsourcing andprocurementtoproduction,warehousing,transportation andcustomerfulfilment.Theyintegratedatafrommultiple sources,providereal-timeinsights,andenableseamless communicationandcollaborationamongsupplychain partners.
Thesesolutionprovidersareattheforefrontofinnovation, continuouslydevelopingandrefiningtheirofferingstomeet theevolvingdemandsoftheindustry.Theycombine cutting-edgetechnologywithdeepdomainexpertiseto delivercomprehensiveandscalablesolutionsthataddress thecomplexitiesanddynamicnatureofmodernsupply chains.
Moreover,theseadvancedsolutionprovidersprioritize sustainabilityandenvironmentalresponsibility They incorporatesustainablepractices,enableefficientresource utilization,andoffertoolsformeasuringandreducing carbonfootprintsthroughoutthesupplychain.
Inthelatestedition,InsightsSuccessexplorestheunique capabilities,keyofferings,successstories,andindustry recognitionoftheseadvancedsupplychainsolution providers.Byharnessingtheirexpertiseandtechnologies, businessescangainacompetitiveedge,driveoperational excellence,andnavigatethechallengesofarapidly changingsupplychainlandscapein2023andbeyond.
FlipthroughthepagesandhaveaDelightfulRead!
Abhishek Joshi AbhishekJoshi
CompanyName
FeaturedPerson
Brief
JurataThinFilmbelievesthatallpeopleshouldhaveaccessto lifesavingvaccinesandtherapeutics,nomatterwheretheyare intheworld.
Landstarstandsforsafe,secureandreliabletransportation servicesdeliveredbyanetworkofindependentfreightagents, leasedowner-operatorsandotherthird-partycapacity providers.
NewColdisapioneerindevelopingandoperatingfrozen automatedwarehousesthatoffersignificantfootprint,labor,and energyreductionwhileincreasingfoodsafety
Socius24isbackedbyateamofexpertsprovidingWMS, ActivityBilling,WarehouseLabourManagement,Yard Management&UserServicePortal(USP)softwareand servicesacrosstheGlobe.
TersoSolutionsistheleadingproviderofUHFRFIDtracking solutionsforinventorymanagementofhigh-valueproducts.
SheilaAnnMikhail Co-founder&CEO JurataThinFilm juratatf.com PhillipStringfield CEO Landstar landstar.com JonasSwarttouw ExecutiveVPof Commercial Newcold newcold.com CraigJones ManagingPartner& ExecutiveDirector Socius24Limited socius24.com JoePleshek PresidentandCEO TersoSolutions tersosolutions.com
Executive VP of Commercial North America NewCold
Jonas Swarttouw
NewCold has managed to achieve sustained growth by executing projects at a high level, offering innovative solutions, and developing close relationships with customers.
FFoodlogisticshasundergonesignificant transformationinrecentyears,drivenbyarangeof factorssuchaschangingconsumerpreferences, advancesintechnology,andincreasingconcernsaround sustainabilityandfoodwaste.Thetransformationinfood logisticsishelpingcompaniestoimproveefficiency,reduce costs,andmeetchangingconsumerdemands.
NewCold,theinnovativecompanydisruptingthefood logisticssector,isrevolutionizingthetemperaturecontrolledwarehousinganddistributionindustrywithits pioneeringsystems,productivity,andenergyefficiency, settingitselfapartfromtraditionalcoldstoragesolutions. Collaboratingwithmajorfoodcompaniesglobally, NewColdisspearheadinginnovationinthefield,leveraging itsin-houseexpertisetoredefinethedesign,development, andoperationofautomatedcoldstoragesfromstartto finish.
Dutch-originNewColdhasestablishedanextensive networkofcutting-edgeautomatedfacilitiesspanning Europe(includingtheUnitedKingdom,France,Poland, Germany,Italy,andSweden),Australia,andtheUnited States.Withitsadvancedautomatedwarehousesand comprehensivelogisticssolutions,NewColdhas experiencedexplosivegrowth,with15sitesacrossthree continents,backedbyateamofover1,700highlyskilled professionals.
JonasSwarttouwisExecutiveVPofCommercial,North America,andRegionalChairmanofNewCold.Growing fromonefull-timeemployeeto400withfourlocations, NewCold'ssuccessintheAmericanmarketislargelydueto deepexpertiseinthefoodsupplychain,broadexperience, andabilitytodeliverinnovativesolutions.Supportedbya visionarygloballeadershipteam,includingCEOBram HageandCCOAbhyMaharaj,Jonasmastermindedthe company'sexplosivegrowthintheUS.
ButNewCold'ssuccessisn'tjustaboutdrivingdowncosts anddeliveringahighlevelofservicetocustomers.Withits smartautomation,optimaluseofspace,andinnovative design,NewCold'swarehousesusesignificantlylessenergy, benefittingtheplanetaswell.
Jonasseesthatthekeytohispersonalsuccessisa combinationofthewillingnesstoacceptchallengesand winningthetrustofleadershipbyexecutingtoahigh standard,alongsidethesupportofcolleaguesandfamily whomakesacrifices.
Jonas,asastudent,hadakeeninterestinthepractical applicationofknowledge.Togainhands-onexperiencein variouscountries,hepursuedinternshipsatcompanieslike NikeinEurope,aswellasothersinIndiaandChina.This experienceprovedinvaluableinhisfirstjobasaconsultant, wherehehelpedWesternEuropeancompaniesenter emergingmarketsinEasternEuropeandAsia.
Jonasworkedonadiverserangeoffeasibilitystudies acrossvariousindustries,includinganimalfeed,conveyor beltconstruction,andcoldstoragecompanies.Hewasalso exposedtoavarietyofnationalandbusinesscultures, whichbroadenedhisexperienceandabilitytohandle challenges.Consequently,heearnedthetrustofleadership andsuccessfullydeliveredonvariousprojects,pavingthe wayforhiscareerprogression.Jonasacknowledgesthathis family'ssupportwasinstrumentalinhissuccess.
Throughouthiscareer,Jonashasencounteredvarious obstacles,bothpersonalandprofessional.Morerecently,he hashadtonavigatetheimpactofCOVID-19whilebuilding NewColdfromscratchintheUS.Thataddedtothelayers ofchallengesfacedsincehisarrivalinChicagoin2015, includingmovingabroad,integratingintoanewcountry andculture,andestablishingasuccessfulbusiness.
NewColdhasmanagedtoachievesustainedgrowthby executingprojectsatahighlevel,offeringinnovative solutions,anddevelopingcloserelationshipswith customers.
Jonas takes pride in the positive feedback received from one of NewCold's customers after their visit to a US facility, which elevates the team and motivates them to continue improving.
Thecompany'sprojectsaregenerational,withlong-term contractssignedtobuildandoperateautomated warehouses.Inaddition,NewColdhasexpandedits servicestoincludetransportingfoodintoandoutofthe warehouses,providingend-to-endsolutions.Startingthe businessfromhiskitchentableintheUShasrequireda considerablestretchfrombothJonasandhiscolleagues backinEurope,manyofwhomhadtoworklongerhoursto accommodatethetimedifferencefortheirmeetings.
NewCold'sgoalistoestablishsustainablevaluechainsby employingadvancedautomationandprioritizingcustomer satisfaction.Thecompanyaspirestobetheworld'sleading integratedsupplychainorganization,viewingitscustomers aslong-termpartners.NewColdaddressessupplychain issuesthatexistedpriortothepandemic,includinglandand laborscarcityandalackofresilience.
Thecompany'sapproachtofoodlogisticsprovedtobe especiallyvaluableduringCOVID,asitenabledNewCold tokeepallofitswarehousesoperationalwhileothershadto close.Thisfurtherhighlightedtheeffectivenessoftheir automation-basedstrategyinmeetingcustomers'needs.
Furthermore,thecompanyhasmadeastrategicdecisionto verticallyintegratebycontrollingcriticaltechnologies, whichallowsthemtooutperformtheircompetitorsin execution.Thisapproachgrantsthemgreateragilityand innovationcapabilities,whichfurtherstrengthenstheir marketposition. “We design the warehouse from the perspective of operating it. That leads to higher service levels at a lower cost,” said Jonas.
NewColdattributesitsglobalsuccesstoitscollaborative teamculture,whichispartlyrootedinthecompany'sDutch heritage.Theorganizationvaluesindividualswhopossess brightminds,skilledhands,andcompassionatehearts, recognizingthatthesequalitiesarethekeyingredientsfor NewCold'striumphs.Thecompanyvaluesdiversityand fostersanenvironmentthatenablespersonaland professionalgrowth.AtNewCold,employeescanexpect notonlyajobbutalsoacareer,asevidencedbynumerous instancesofrapidcareeradvancement,suchasforklift
driversbecomingplannersorsystemoperators,andnight shiftsupervisorsprogressingtowarehousemanagers.
Inadditiontotheirautomatedwarehouses,NewCold's comprehensivesolutionincludestransportationfacilitated byadigitalfreightmanagementplatform,adigitaltransport managementsystem,andasset-basedfreightusingdoubledecktrailersequippedwithautomatedloadingand unloadingcapabilities.ThecompanyleveragestheInternet ofThings(IoT)togatherdatainsightsandprovide visibility,whichallowsforoptimizedscheduling,tracking, andtracing.
AccordingtoJonas,initially,automationwasprimarily drivenbycostsustainability.However,theCOVID-19 pandemicshiftedthefocustotheabilitytoservecustomers, makingresilienceakeypriority.Severalfactors,suchas financingcosts,geopolitics,tradewars,andrealwars, impactthesupplychain'sresilience.Asaresult,the emphasisisnowonthecapacityandagilitytoscaleupand downquickly
Moreover,beingafirstmoverinadoptingautomation providesasignificantadvantage.Inthesupplychain industry,itcanbechallengingtomaintainalong-term strategicfocuswhencostsarehigherthanbefore.However, investinginautomationtodaylocksincompetitivecost levelsforthelongtermandensurestheabilitytoserve customersdespiteglobalvolatilityandrisinginflation.
Jonastakesprideinthepositivefeedbackreceivedfrom NewCold'scustomersaftertheirvisittooneoftheUS facilities,whichelevatestheteamandmotivatesthemto continueimproving.Heacknowledgestheimportanceof takingstockofprogress,bothpersonallyandprofessionally. Lookingahead,hisdreamistosustaingrowthandvalue passionatepeoplewhoarecommittedtobuildingoneofthe mostinnovativelogisticsprovidersintheworld.
Despitethebroadeningofhisrole,Jonasstillseeshismain responsibilityasworkingwithcustomersandsuppliersto solveproblemsandcreatevalueforallpartiesinvolved.He hopestocontinueworkingcollaborativelytodeliver projectswithapositiveimpactoneveryone,from customersandstafftotheendconsumerswhopickup frozenorchilledproducefromthesupermarket.
Jonas'advicetoaspiringentrepreneursisthreefold.Firstly, itiscrucialtoidentifywhereyouhaveauniqueand differentiatedofferingthataddsvaluetothecustomerbase andfocusonthat.Onceyouhaveidentifiedyourunique sellingpoint,buildanorganizationarounditthatcan deliverbetterthananyoneelse.
Secondly,itisessentialtofindpartnersandcollaborateto accelerategrowth.Nobusinesscansucceedalone,andit's crucialtoworkwithotherswhocancomplementyour strengthsandcompensateweaknesses.
Lastly,understandthatthingswillgowrong,andit's essentialtobefixedonyourvisionbutbeagileenoughto pivotyourstrategywhenneeded.It'salsocrucialtohave partnerswhocanprovidefeedbackandactassounding boardswhenmakingimportantdecisions.
Jonasbelievesthatthesupplychainindustrystillrelies heavilyonoutdatedsystemsandmanualprocesses. However,bycombininglarge-scaleautomatedwarehouse nodes,itispossibletocreateresilienceformultiple customersandgeneratesynergiesnotonlywithinthe warehousebutalsointransportcenters.Furthermore,the useoflarge-scaleautomationanddatainsightsallowsfor furthersynergies,suchasconsolidatingmultiplecustomer ordersinasingletruck.
Thefocusonautomationamplifiestheexpertiseandimpact ofNewCold'semployees.Althoughthereareautomated processessuchasloadingandunloadingoftrucksand automatedcasepicking,thecompanyhasmanagedto achievecost-competitivenessforcustomers.However,as NewColdincreasinglyprioritizestechnology,theroleofits peoplebecomesevenmorecriticalandspecialized.Many companiesfailtorecognizethevitalrolethatpeopleplayin realizingthefullvalueoftechnology.Heasserts, “We are working on becoming grid independent; aside from being more sustainable and reducing energy use, we are looking for ways to generate our own power sustainably and reduce dependency on volatile power grids.”
NewCold sets itself apart with proprietary technology that keeps warehouses operating 24/7, strengthening food supply chain resilience.
Thebiotechindustryhastremendousgrowth
opportunitiesthatcanbeunlockedthroughmodern capabilitiesthatexpediteresearchandhastenthe launchofnewinnovations.However,keepingupwiththe rapidlyevolvingtechnologicallandscapeandnavigating industrychallengeslikeremoteworkandsupplychain disruptionsisbecomingincreasinglychallengingfor biotechcompanies.
JurataThinFilm,arevolutionaryBiotechnologyResearch company,promisestomakevaccinesandbiologicscheaper tomanufactureandmoreeasilyaccessibleforpatients,no matterwheretheyareintheworld.Thecompany’s proprietarytechnologyhasthepotentialtoeliminatethe needforcoldstorageandothertemperaturecontrol measuresinpharmaceuticalmanufacturing,distribution, storage,anddelivery.
Itstechnologystabilizestemperature-sensitivedrugsby preservingindividualtherapeuticparticlesinathreedimensionalmatrix,protectingeachparticlefromthe externalenvironment.Jurata’smissionistoincrease pharmaceuticalmanufacturingefficiencyandsignificantly decreasecostsassociatedwiththepharmaceuticalsupply chain.
Here are some key points from the interview with Sheila Ann Mikhail, Co-founder & CEO of Jurata Thin Film, where she discusses the company's ground-breaking approach to vaccine and biologic storage and transportation.
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatJurataThinFilm. Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?
Ibuiltmycareer,spanningover30years,onmyfoundationalvaluesofintegrity,accountability,andrelentless perseverance,allunderpinnedbyapassionatecommitment toimprovethelivesofothers.
Whileworkingasalawyer,focusingontheneedsoflife sciencescompanies,Imetmylong-timebusinesspartner, Dr.JudeSamulski.Judeaskedmeforhelpinstartinga companytocommercializetheAAVgenetherapyvectors andprocesshehaddevelopedwhileaprofessoratUNC ChapelHill.Weagreedtostartandgrowourgenetherapy company,AsklepiosBiopharmaceuticals(Askbio),onthe foundationofhelpingasmanypeoplearoundtheworldas possible.
EverycompanyIhavestartedhasbeenbuiltonthesame foundationofaccessibility;JurataThinFilmisnodifferent. Ourthinfilmtechnologyhasthepotentialtosignificantly increaseaccessibilitytogenetherapies,aswellasvaccines andmanyotherbiologics.EverytherapeuticIhavehelped developcouldbenefitfromstabilizationinJurata’sthinfilm technology,andIamdoingeverythingIcantomakeit accessibletoeverypatient,everywhere.
Enlightenusonhowyouhavebeenimpactingthe logisticsandsupplychainindustrythroughyour expertiseinthemarket.
Mypreviouscompany,AsklepiosBiopharmaceuticals (Askbio),providedgenetherapiesthatrequireultra-cold
Jurata Thin Film, a revolutionary Biotechnology Research company, promises to make vaccines and biologics cheaper to manufacture and more easily accessible for patients, no matter where they are in the world.
Sheila Ann Mikhail
Co-founder & CEO
temperaturesfordistributionandlong-termstorage.Using Jurata’sthinfilmtechnology,wewereabletoshipAskbio’s therapeuticsacrossthecountrywithoutanycoldpacksor dryice,storethematroomtemperatureforsixmonths,and stillseetherapeuticactivityinapreclinicalanimalmodel. Jurata’stechnologywillenablegenetherapy,vaccines,and otherbiologicsdeveloperstoaccesspatientsinlowresourceregionsaroundtheworld,increasingtheirsocietal impact.
Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.
Weareawomen-ledandwomen-ownedcompanywithan incrediblydiverseworkforce,especiallyinpositionsof highleadership.Weexhibitthevaluesofequityand equalityinourdailyoperationsbytreatingouremployees fairlyandrespectfully,aswellasdoingourbesttooffer thembenefitsuncommoninacompanyofourlimitedsize.
Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouadvancingtowards technologicalinnovationstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?
Theeliminationofcold-chaindistributionrepresentsan enormousreductioninenergyusage(e.g.,refrigerated trucks)aswellasenvironmentalwaste(e.g.,Styrofoam
coolers).Additionally,ourmanufacturingprocessuses significantlylessenergythanthecurrentindustrystandard, freezedrying.Ourtechnology’sabilitytoenableneedlefreeadministrationofmanybiologics,includingvaccines, alsohasthepotentialtoremovetheneedforneedlesand syringes,reducingbiohazardousandsharpswaste.Taken together,Jurata’stechnologypromisestogreatlyreducethe environmentalimpactofcurrentpharmaceuticalsupplyand distribution.
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextsignificant changeinyoursector?Howisyourcompanypreparing tobeapartofthatchange?
Webelievethatthenextsignificantchangeinoursector willbetheeliminationoffreezedryinginstabilizing pharmaceuticalproducts.Ourthinfilmsareproducedat roomtemperatureandupto18timesfasterthanafreeze dryingcycle,significantlyincreasingmanufacturing efficiencyanddecreasingenergyrequirementsfor pharmaceuticalfillandfinish.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforJurataThinFilm?
IenvisionJuratabeingeitheracquiredbyanexisting pharmaceuticaldeveloperorCDMO(contractdevelopment andmanufacturingorganization)ordevelopingintoamultinationalmanufacturerandpartner.Juratahasthepotential tobecomeanindependentpharmaceuticaldeveloperby utilizingournovelformulationsforthebiosimilarsmarket. Weareopentoeitherscenario,providedthatweidentify partnersworkingtowardsthesamegoalsofincreasing patientaccessibility.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothedynamiclogisticsand supplychainindustry?
Buildyourteamwithleaderswhowanttoseethetechnologysucceed,notjustforfinancialgainbutalsotomaximize itssocietalimpact.Theseteammemberswillbedriven, resilient,andhighlymotivatedtodoeverythingtheycanto makethetechnologysucceed.
Additionally,alwaysrememberwhyyoustartedyour company.Therewillbemanylongdays,weeks,and, potentially,months,butneverforgetwhatyou’reaiming for.Thiswillkeepyouontrackandgroundedandhelpyou recognizetheprogressyou’vemade,evenwhenitfeelslike thingsaremovingslowly
Intoday'sdata-drivenworld,organizationsacross variousindustriesareincreasinglyrecognizingthe importanceofleveragingdatatooptimizetheir operations.Theabilitytocollect,analyze,andinterpretvast amountsofdataoffersbusinessesunprecedented opportunitiestostreamlineprocesses,improveefficiency, andenhanceoverallperformance.Thisarticleexploresthe keystrategiesandbenefitsofleveragingdatafor operationaloptimization,highlightingreal-worldexamples andbestpractices.
Dataisavaluableassetthatcandriveoperational optimization.Bycapturingdatafromvarioussources,such ascustomerinteractions,productionprocesses,supply chains,andequipmentsensors,organizationscangain valuableinsightsintotheiroperations.Thisdatacanbe analyzedusingadvancedanalyticstechniques,including MachineLearningandArtificialIntelligence,toidentify patterns,detectanomalies,andgenerateactionableinsights.
Leveragingdataallowsbusinessestoidentifybottlenecks, inefficiencies,andredundantprocesseswithintheir operations.Byanalyzingdata,organizationscanpinpoint areasofimprovement,streamlineworkflows,andeliminate waste.Forexample,dataanalysiscanuncoverproduction lineslowdowns,supplychaindelays,orexcessinventory, enablingcompaniestomakedata-drivendecisionsto optimizetheiroperations,reducecosts,andimprove productivity.
Data-drivenapproachescanhelp organizationsimplementpredictive maintenancestrategies.Bymonitoring equipmentperformancedata, organizationscandetectpotential failuresormalfunctionsinadvance, enablingproactivemaintenance interventions.Thisnotonlyminimizes downtimebutalsooptimizes maintenanceschedulesandreduces overallmaintenancecosts.Predictive maintenanceensuresthatassetsare operatingattheirpeakperformance, extendingtheirlifespanandmaximizing returnoninvestment.
Accuratedemandforecastingiscrucial foreffectiveinventorymanagement.By leveraginghistoricalsalesdata,market trends,andexternalfactors, organizationscandeveloprobustdemand forecastingmodels.Thesemodelsenable businessestooptimizetheirinventory levels,avoidstockoutsoroverstocking, andalignproductionorprocurement activitieswithanticipateddemand.Datadrivendemandforecastingenhances customersatisfaction,reducesinventory carryingcosts,andimprovesoverall supplychainefficiency
Dataanalyticsplaysapivotalrolein understandingcustomerpreferences, behaviors,andneeds.Byanalyzing customerdata,organizationscanidentify trends,personalizeofferings,anddeliver
targetedmarketingcampaigns.Additionally,data-driven insightscanbeusedtooptimizecustomerservice processes,streamlinesupportsystems,andenhanceoverall customerexperience.Organizationsthatleveragedatato understandandrespondtocustomerexpectationsgaina competitiveedgeintoday'smarketplace.
Leveragingdataforoperationaloptimizationisnotaonetimeeffort.Itrequiresacultureofcontinuousimprovement andagility.Byestablishingkeyperformanceindicators (KPIs)andtrackingrelevantmetrics,organizationscan monitortheiroperationalperformanceovertime.Datadriveninsightsallowforinformeddecision-making, enablingorganizationstoadaptquicklytochangingmarket dynamics,identifyemergingopportunities,andstayahead ofthecompetition.
Dataanalyticscanbeinstrumentalinoptimizingsupply chainprocesses.Byanalyzingdatarelatedtoprocurement, logistics,inventory,andsupplierperformance, organizationscanidentifyareasofimprovement,reduce leadtimes,minimizestockouts,andenhanceoverallsupply chainefficiency
Data-drivenapproachescanhelporganizationsimprove theirqualitycontrolprocessesandpreventdefects.By analyzingproductiondata,organizationscanidentify patternsthatcontributetodefects,enablingthemto implementproactivemeasuresandoptimizequalitycontrol procedures.Thisleadstohigherproductquality,reduced reworkorreturns,andimprovedcustomersatisfaction.
Leveragingdataallowsorganizationstooptimizeresource allocationandcapacityplanning.Byanalyzinghistorical dataonresourceutilization,productionvolumes,and
demandpatterns,businessescanmakeinformeddecisions regardingworkforceallocation,productionschedules,and equipmentutilization.Thisensuresoptimalresource utilization,minimizesidletime,andmaximizesoperational efficiency
Dataanalyticscanprovidevaluableinsightsintoemployee performanceandtrainingneeds.Byanalyzingperformance data,organizationscanidentifyareaswhereemployeesmay requireadditionaltrainingorsupport,leadingtoimproved productivityandefficiency Additionally,data-driven performanceevaluationscanhelpidentifyhigh-performing individualsandfacilitatetalentmanagementstrategies.
Establishingcontinuousdatamonitoringsystemsand feedbackloopsiscrucialforoperationaloptimization.By continuouslycollectingandanalyzingdata,organizations canidentifyemergingtrends,assesstheimpactof optimizationefforts,andmakenecessaryadjustmentsin real-time.Thisiterativeapproachensuresthatoperational optimizationremainsanongoinganddynamicprocess.
Socius24,anesteemedalliancepartnerforDispatcher WMSSalesandServices,specializesinenhancing theimplementationandoptimizingtheperformance ofBlueYonder(formerlyknownasJDAandpreviously RedPrairie,initiallyLIS)WarehouseManagementSystems forbusinesses.Theirexpertiseenablescompaniesto improvetheiroveralloperationalefficiencyandmaximize thebenefitsoftheirWMS.
During the interview, CraigJones, ManagingPartner and ExecutiveDirector, highlighted how Socius24 delivers tangible value across various levels, spanning from the end consumer to the warehouse floor, to the boardroom. He emphasized the comprehensive reach of Socius24's services and the impact they have on different aspects of a business's operations.
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leadertoyourcurrentpositionatSocius24.What challengeshaveyouhadtoovercometoreachwhereyou aretoday?
Ichangedprofessionsinthelate90s-fromventilation engineeringonoffshoreoilandgasrigstoSupplyChain, whichwasabitofaquantumleap.Workinginwarehouse managementsoftwarewasquiteacontrastbutoneIquickly foundfascinating.Initially,Istartedintheproduct developmentteam,growingPartnersandnewterritories aroundtheworld.
Overthenextseventeenyears,IworkedinPartner development,ranthepre-salesdepartmentandtheproject deliverydivision,travelledtheworldextensively,setup newbusinessesandimplementedWMSsolutions.
Atacorporatemerger,Iandothersweremaderedundant anddecidedtousemybroadskillsettosetupSocius24.
Thatwasin2013,andfromateamoftwo,Socius24has grownfromstrengthtostrength,establishingourselvesas animportantcogintheBlueYonderPartnerecosystem wheel.
Tellusaboutyourcompanyanditsmissionandvision; howdoesyourcompanythrivetowardsenabling advancementsintheever-evolvinglogisticsandsupply chainniche?
Socius24wasincorporatedin2013bytwoformerDirectors ofJDA/RedPrairie,myselfandRayWilliams.Itspurpose wastoimplementBlueYonderDispatcherWMSonbehalf ofBlueYonder–whichissomethingthatwedoverywell. We’vebeentheBlueYonderEMEASellingPartnerofthe yearfivetimesinthelastnineyears.I’mproudtosaywe recentlywontheawardagain,forthethirdyearontherun. We’reanunusualsellingpartnerbecauseofourdepthof knowledgeandexperienceintheimplementationofWMS. WeworkedextensivelywithDispatcherWMS(Rayledthe originalproductdevelopment,andImanagedServicesand Alliance)andmanyofourcurrentemployeeswereinvolved indevelopinganddeliveringtheproducttoo.
Allofthismeansthatwe’vebeenabletotakeourcollective depthofexperience,analysewhattheindustryneedednext, andcreateourownleading-edgesoftware:anagnostic eBillingapplicationthatworkswith3PLwarehouses,anda UserServicesPortal(USP)thataugmentsandenhancesthe BYDispatcherWMS.
Enlightenusonhowyouhavebeenimpactingthe logisticsandsupplychainindustrythroughyour expertiseinthemarket.
Notlongago,wecountedupSocius24’scollective experienceintheindustry–betweenallofuswe’relooking
We like to work with people we trust - trust and loyalty are huge cultural factors for us.
atatotalofaround250years.Whichobviouslyisatotally academicnumber,butitdoesshowquitehowlongwe’ve beendoingwhatwedo–andhowmanyofushavespent mostofourcareersinLogisticsandSupplyChain.
We’veinstalledandsupportedover120customersinthe last10years,andwe’vehelpedallofthemmakethemost outofthesoftwarewesuppliedtothem.Thecollective impactofthose120companiesontheworld-wideSupply Chainishuge.
Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.
Weliketoworkwithpeoplewetrust-trustandloyaltyare hugeculturalfactorsforus.Weobviouslyhavedeep industryexperience,butwhatmakesthedifferenceforusis theequityofgoodwillthatwe’vebuiltupovertheyears. Wearereallyproudofthequalityoftherelationshipswe havewithouremployees,oursuppliers,ourpartners,and ultimately,withourcustomers.
Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouadvancingtowards technologicalinnovationstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?
Socius24wereearlyadoptersofmobiletechnology,andwe usedittodevelopourUserServicesPortal(USP)app.USP wasdesignedtoextendthevisibility,mobility,and functionalityoftheBYDispatcherWMS.Itdoesthisby usingmobiletechnology.Wecreatedsoftwarethatrunson anymobilebrowser.Inreallife,thismeansthattheusercan takefunctionalitythatwaspreviouslylimitedtotheoffice outontothewarehousefloor–whichisahugeadvantage whenitcomestoerrorreductionandincreasedefficiency
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextsignificant changeinyoursector?Howisyourcompanypreparing tobeapartofthatchange?
Ithinkthatthepubliconlyreallybecameawareofthe conceptofsupplychainwhenthepandemichit.Upuntil then,it’dbeenmostlyinvisibletoanyonewhodidn’twork intheindustry Althoughobviously,therehavebeenother factorsthathavecauseddisruptionsincethen,notleastthe invasionofUkraineandglobalsupplychainissuesand productavailability.
Iseeanincreasedneedforcontingencyplanningand flexibility Warehousinghasevolvedovertheyears,
andwhile‘just-in-time’methodologieshavebeengreatfor optimisationandefficiency,theydoleavethesupplychain exposedifthingsdon’tgoexactlytoplan.Ithinkthefuture needstoinvolvemore‘Whatif’s’sothatwecanidentify possiblescenariosandplanforthem.
We’dliketothinkthatwearedoingourpartthroughour eBillingsolution.Companiesarestartingtobemore strategicaboutwheretheykeeptheirinventory–often storingitin3PLwarehousesclosertomultiplefinal destinations.3PLwarehousesareagrowingtrend,andour eBillingSolutionisattheleadingedgeofit.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforSocius24?
WhenSocius24wasincorporated,itwastofillaneed withintheUK.We’renowbeingapproachedbycompanies fromallaroundtheworld,whichmeanswe’restartingto workalotmoreinternationally.Iseemoreofthatinour future.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothedynamiclogisticsand supplychainindustry?
Thisisafantasticindustrytoworkin,andI’vefoundthat quiteoften,onceyou’vebeeninit,evenifyouleave,you’ll comeback.Thepeoplearegreat,theworkisinteresting, andyoucanseethedifferenceyoumake.Ihaveabsolutely lovedworkinginthisindustry,andIwouldhighly recommendittoanyone.Theopportunitiesareendless.
TheInternetofThings(IoT)hasemergedasa transformativetechnology,revolutionizingvarious industries,includingsupplychainmanagement.By connectingphysicalobjectsanddevicestotheinternet,IoT enablesreal-timedatacollection,analysis,and communication.Inthecontextofsupplychain management,IoToffersunprecedentedopportunitiesto enhancevisibility,efficiency,andresponsiveness.This articleexploresthekeyroleofIoTinsupplychain managementanditsimpactonoptimizingoperations, improvingdecision-making,anddrivingoverallsupply chainperformance.
IoTdevices,suchassensors,RFIDtags,andGPStrackers, enablereal-timevisibilityandtrackingofgoodsthroughout thesupplychain.Thesedevicescanmonitorparameterslike location,temperature,humidity,andvibration,providing accurateandup-to-dateinformationonthestatusand conditionofproducts.Real-timevisibilityfacilitates proactivedecision-making,improvesinventory management,andreducestheriskofstockoutsor overstocking.
SupplyChain
Efficiency: IoT-enabledsupplychainmanagementallowsfor optimizationandefficiencygainsacrossvariousareas.
Bycollectingdatafrommultiplepointsinthesupplychain, organizationscananalyzepatterns,identifybottlenecks,and streamlineprocesses.IoTsensorscanmonitorequipment performance,enablingpredictivemaintenanceandreducing downtime.Furthermore,IoTdatacanoptimize transportationroutes,warehouselayouts,andorder fulfillmentprocesses,leadingtocostsavingsandenhanced operationalefficiency.
IoTdevicescapturedataoncustomerbehavior,product usage,andmarkettrends,providingvaluableinsightsfor demandsensingandforecasting.Byanalyzingthisdata, organizationscananticipatedemandpatterns,adjust productionorprocurementactivitiesaccordingly,and minimizeforecastingerrors.Accuratedemandforecasting facilitatesefficientinventorymanagement,reduceslead times,andenhancescustomersatisfactionbyensuring productavailability
IoTpromotesseamlesscollaborationandinformation sharingacrosssupplychainpartners.ByintegratingIoT devicesandsystems,organizationscanachieveend-to-end visibilityandfacilitatereal-timedataexchange.This enablesstakeholderstomonitorinventorylevels, productionschedules,andtransportationstatus,leadingto improvedcoordination,reduceddelays,andenhanced collaboration.IoT-drivencollaborationfostersagilityand responsivenessinthefaceofsupplychaindisruptionsor changingcustomerdemands.
IoTplaysavitalroleinensuringproductqualityand regulatorycompliance.IoTsensorscancontinuously monitorenvironmentalconditionsduringtransportationand storage,detectingdeviationsthatcouldcompromise productquality.Real-timedataalertscantriggerimmediate correctiveactions,reducingtheriskofqualityissuesand non-compliance.Furthermore,IoTdevicescanprovidea transparentrecordofproductorigin,handling,andstorage conditions,enhancingtraceabilityandmeetingregulatory requirements.
IoTcontributestosustainablesupplychainmanagementby enablingbetterresourceutilizationandreducing environmentalimpact.Bymonitoringenergyconsumption, emissions,andwastegenerationthroughIoTdevices, organizationscanidentifyopportunitiesforefficiency improvementsandimplementeco-friendlypractices. Optimizedtransportationroutes,smartenergymanagement, andwastereductioninitiativesdrivenbyIoTdatacanhelp organizationsachievetheirsustainabilitygoals.
IoTdevicescancontinuouslymonitortheconditionof assetsandequipmentinthesupplychain,suchasvehicles, machinery,andstoragefacilities.Real-timedatacollected fromsensorscandetectanomalies,predictpotential failures,andtriggermaintenanceactivitiesbefore breakdownsoccur Thisproactiveapproachtomaintenance minimizesdowntime,reducesmaintenancecosts,and maximizesthelifespanofassets.
IoTsensorsandsmartdevicescanoptimizewarehouse managementprocesses.Forinstance,smartshelving equippedwithsensorscantrackinventorylevels, automaticallyreorderitemswhenstockislow,andprovide real-timevisibilityintowarehouseoperations.Additionally, IoTdevicescanoptimizepickingroutes,monitorstorage conditions,andimproveoverallinventoryaccuracy,leading tofasterorderfulfilmentandreducederrors.
IoTplaysacrucialroleinthemanagementoftemperaturesensitiveproductsthroughoutthecoldchain.WithIoTenabledsensors,organizationscanmonitorandmaintain thedesiredtemperature,humidity,andotherenvironmental factorsduringtransportationandstorage.Real-timealerts andnotificationsensurethatanydeviationsfromoptimal conditionsarepromptlyaddressed,reducingtheriskof spoilageandmaintainingproductquality
TersoSolutionsholdsaprominentpositionasatop-
tiersupplierofautomatedinventorymanagement solutions.Itsprimaryfocusliesintrackingand monitoringhigh-valuemedicalandscientificproducts withintheHealthcareandLifeScienceindustries.
ByharnessingthepowerofRAINRFIDtechnologiesand anadvancedIoTdataplatform,Terso’ssolutions significantlyenhanceinventoryvisibilityacrosstheentire supplychain.Asaresult,thecompanyeffectivelymitigates issuessuchasstock-outsandthepresenceofexpired productswhileeliminatinglabour-intensivemanual processes.Furthermore,Terso’sinnovativeapproach ensuresenhancedregulatorycomplianceforitsclients.
TersoSolutionsisdrivenbyacompellingvisiontoenhance itsleadershiproleinthehealthcareandlifesciencemarkets asatrustedproviderofinventorymanagementsolutions. Thecompanyaimstoachievethisbyrevolutionizingthe industrythroughtheimplementationofIoT(Internetof Things)technologiesandcloud-basedinventory managementsoftware.Theultimategoalistofacilitateendto-endvisibilityofvaluableproducts.
Bydoingso,Tersoseekstoalleviatetheburdenofmanual inventorytrackingandmanagementforhealthcare providersinhospitalsandscientistsinresearchlabs.The underlyingmotivationistoliberatetheseprofessionals, enablingthemtofocusontheircoreresponsibilities— deliveringhealingtreatmentsandmakinggroundbreaking discoveries.
Joeembarkedona30-yearprofessionaljourney,takingon varioussalesandmarketingroleswithinaprominent
consumergoodsmanufacturer Throughouthiscareer,he activelyparticipatedintheadvancementofnew technologiesandthedevelopmentandlaunchofinnovative products.Itwasduringthelate90sthatJoe'sintroductionto RadioFrequencyIdentification(RFID)technologies captivatedhim,asherecognizedtheimmensevaluethey held.
Overthepast14years,hehasheldthepositionofCEOat TersoSolutions,aglobalproviderofautomatedinventory managementsolutionsspecializinginhealthcareandlife sciences.Navigatingtherealmofemergingtechnologiesto cultivatefreshbusinessprospectshasundoubtedly presenteditsfairshareofchallenges.Joefirmlybelievesin theimportanceoftestinghypotheses,learningfrom mistakes,and,aboveall,collaboratingwithcolleagueswho embodyqualitiesofhumility,ambition,andintelligence.
Tersoassistsmedicaldevicemanufacturers,distributors, andhealthcareprovidersinenhancingefficiencythrough technologyautomation,therebyreducingcosts,enhancing patientsafety,meetingregulatorycompliancerequirements, andaddressingtheincreasingdemandsoftheindustry.By utilizingTerso'ssolutions,theseorganizationscanactively managetheirinventory,ensuringtimelyavailabilityofthe appropriateproductsintherightlocations.
Tersorecruitsindividualswhopossesshumility,ambition, andintelligence,andprovidesthemwithopportunitiesto developbothprofessionallyandpersonally.Thecompany upholdsthefollowingfundamentalprinciples:
Terso Solutions is driven by a compelling vision to enhance its leadership role in the healthcare and life science markets as a trusted provider of inventory management solutions.
Ownership:Tersoactivelygoesbeyonditsdesignated responsibilitiestodelivervalueandmaintainhigh standards."Wedeliver!"
Relationship:Thecompanycultivatesstrongpartnerships basedonhonesty,integrity,andrespect."Weareinthis together!"
Opportunity:Tersoembracesandactivelyseeksout opportunitiesforgrowthanddevelopment."Wewillnever standstill!"
Focus:Itdirectsitsresourcefulnessandcreativitytowards achievingitsvision."Weknowwhattodo!"
Energy:Tersobringsacontagiousandpositiveenergytoits work,recognizingthatabalancedlifeincludeshealth, family,andcommunity."Weliveourlivestothefullest!"
Terso'scorevaluesdefineitsidentityasateam.Whileskills canbetaught,thesevaluesmustbeinnateinindividualsfor themtothriveatTerso.Thesevaluesarenotmerewordson paper;theyguideourdailyoperations.
Terso,beingatechnology-drivenenterprise,places significantemphasisontheexplorationandstudyofnovel technologiestoenhanceitsexistingsolutionsanddevelop innovativeones.Withaproficientteamofmarketstrategists andengineersspecializinginbothhardwareandsoftware, thecompanyconstantlyassessesmarketrequirementsand identifiesopportunitiesforimprovement,aimingtoremain attheforefrontofinventorymanagementtechnology. Moreover,thecompanygreatlyvaluesdirectinputfromits customers,asithelpsitaddresstheirforemostchallenges effectively
JoebelievesthatAIandAutomationtechnologieswillhave aprofoundimpactonvariousindustries,includingsupply chainandlogistics.Terso,acknowledgingthe transformativepotentialofthesetechnologies,isactively leveragingthemtoempoweritscustomerstoenhance efficiencyandtakeproactivemeasures.Tersounderstands thesignificanceofautomatingspecificaspectsofthesupply chain,enablingindividualstoallocatetheirtimetomore crucialtasks.
IntermsofitstechnologicalsolutionscateringtoTerso’s primarymarkets,itsprimaryobjectiveistopreservethe humantouchinhealthcare.Byautomatinginventory countingprocesses,healthcareprofessionalscandedicate theirattentiontopatientcareandadvancingmedical research,therebypropellingthehealthcareindustry forward.
JoeperceivesTersoSolutionsasbeingonthebrinkof acceleratedgrowth,drivenbythewidespreadadoptionof RFIDandotherIoTsensorsinhealthcareandlifescience supplychains.Inanticipationofthisincreasingdemand,the companyisfullypreparedtoexpanditsworkforce, facilities,andcapabilities.Thefutureappearsexceptionally promisingforTersoSolutions,andJoeexpressesdeep gratitudeforbeingavaluedmemberoftheorganizationas itventuresintothisbrightfuture.
Joeoffersvaluableadvicetoaspiringentrepreneurslooking toventureintothedynamiclogisticsandsupplychain industry.Heemphasizestheimportanceofpeopleand relationshipsinachievingsuccess.Whilehavingan innovativetechnologysolutioniscrucial,itisequally essentialtosurroundoneselfwithexceptionalindividuals whosharethesamepassion.Buildingstrongrelationships withcolleaguesandcustomersisvitaltomaximizing potential.
Joefurtherhighlightsthatcultivatingtheserelationships instillstrustwithintheteam,enablingthemtoovercome challengesandapproachnewopportunitieswithenthusiasm andfocus.AtTerso,theyperceivethemselvesasan extensionoftheirpartners'teamsandrecognizethatsuccess isacollaborativeeffort.
Integratinganewtechnologysolutionintoanestablished supplychainisundoubtedlychallenging.However,Joe stressesthatcollaborationamongstakeholdersatevery levelandateverystepoftheprocessisparamountforlongtermsuccess.Byworkingtogetherclosely,sharinginsights, andfosteringstrongrelationships,thejourneybecomes smootherandtheoutcomesmorefavorable.
