The 10 Most Acclaimed Leaders in Supply Chain, August2023

Editor’s Note

The Modern Supremes of Supply Chain Landscape

Ist nthe21 century,thesupplychainplaysapivotalrole

inthesuccessofcompaniesacrossindustries.Awelloptimizedsupplychainensuresthatgoodsand servicesflowseamlesslyfromproductiontoconsumption, maximizingefficiency,reducingcosts,andenhancing customersatisfaction.

Withtheadventoftechnologicaladvancements,thesupply chainlandscapehasundergoneasignificanttransformation, introducinginnovativesolutionssuchasreal-timevisibility, data-drivendecision-making,automation,andsustainability initiatives.

Asbusinessescontinuetoexpandgloballyandconsumer expectationsrise,thesignificanceofawell-managedsupply chainbecomesevenmorepronounced.Fromprocurement andproductiontowarehousing,logistics,andlast-mile delivery,eachstepofthesupplychainrequiresmeticulous planningandcoordination.Moreover,supplychainsmust adapttoexternalchallenges,suchasnaturaldisasters, geopoliticalshifts,andglobalpandemics,demonstrating theirresilienceandabilitytorespondswiftlytounforeseen disruptions.

Withthelatestedition,The10MostAcclaimedLeaders inSupplyChain,wedelveintothecrucialrolesupply

chainsplayinshapingmodernbusinessstrategiesand underlinethenecessityofadoptingtechnology-driven solutionstooptimizeefficiency,sustainability,andoverall competitiveness.Embracinginnovativepracticesand constantlyevolvingtomeetchangingmarketdemandsare thekeyingredientsforarobustandsuccessfulsupplychain intoday'sdynamicbusinesslandscape.

-PrashikD.Bombarde

C O N T E N T S

Visualiser Michael Warner

Art & Design Head

Co-designer

Art & Design Assistant

Deepanjali Jeena

Lauren Smith

Sherin Rodricks Business Development Manager

Marketing Manager Jenny jordan

Chelsea Wilson, Edwin Copper Business Development Executives

Technical Head Chris Darcy

Assistant Technical Head

Technical Consultants

Logan Harper, Julie Davis

Sagar Lahigade

Research Analyst Helena Smith

Circulation Manager Finn Wilson

AUGUST, 2023

Company

Featuring Brief Company Featuring Brief Company

Featuring Brief

Corsair Logiscs corsairlog.com

Angus Dustan

Managing Director

Angus Dustan is MD of Corsair Logiscs who currently operate a 28000m2 facility in Jacobs, where they stuff and destuff containers.

CMS Logiscs cmsglobal.com

Franklyn Fernandes Managing Director

Frankly is MD of CMS Logiscs, manufacturers and suppliers of Air filter, Ecology Unit, HVAC ducts, Fire Rated Ducts, Fire Dampers, Grilles and Diffusers.

e-CARGOWARE Ltd e-cargoware.com

Ramesh Darbha

Co-founder and CEO

Ramesh is Co-founder and CEO and has an enriched experience and leading the business world with his technological excellence.

Eric Mailu

Founder

Skyline Global Logiscs skylinegroup.co.za Eric is Founder of Skyline Global Logiscs, a world-class freight forwarder, capable of enhancing and adding value to your business through total supply chain soluons.

Postaplus postaplus.com

Fares Barqawi

Chairman

Fares Barqawi, Chairman of Posta Plus Group, a pioneer in contemporary logiscs’ soluons and courier services who turned around Posta Plus from a financially underperforming local company into a leading regional group in the Middle and North Africa.

EY Global ey.com

Larry Phelan

Partner & Chief Supply Chain Services Officer

Larry is authenc, inclusive and inspiraonal business enablement leader, focused on innovaon and a keen supporter of diverse teams and suppliers.

MGN Logiscs mgnlogiscs.com

Mahew Telesca Founder & CEO

Mahew is the Founder and CEO of MGN Logiscs, who offers customers reliable, high-quality services that opmize all facets of logiscs operaons from parcel audit to analycs and so much more.

AAA Freight Services LLC aaafrt.com

Mohamed Ashraf

Chairman

Mohamed is the Chairman with a high performance team commied to passionately serving customers in various aspects of operaons.

AFS Logiscs afs.net

Tom Nighngale CEO

Driven, growth-oriented, execuve leader and board member with experience managing global teams and a proven, progressive record of outstanding achievement and strategic growth in highchange situaons requiring business and commercial skills in large companies as well as start-up companies.

Brisk Logiscs bls.ae

Wajih Baroudi Founder

Experienced freight forwarder with a demonstrated history of working in the logiscs and supply chain industry. Skilled in Operaons Management, Freight and Procurement. Strong business development professional with a BA focused in Economics.

Larry Phelan

Partner and Chief Supply

Chain Services Officer, EY Global Services Limited

Procurementorganizationsoftenfocussolelyonthe quantitativevalueoftheirefforts—lowerprices, higherdiscounts,andgreatercostsavings.However, inthepursuitofthosenumbers,theyoftenoverlookthe other,lesstangibleformsofvaluethatcanbefoundinthe procurementprocess.

Whilereducingexpensesisundeniablyimportant,it’s importanttorememberthatvaluecomesinmany differentforms.Infact,someofthemostvaluable contributionsthatprocurementcanmakemaynot beeasilymeasurableinmonetaryvalue.

Forexample,valuecancomeintheformof client,people,socialandfinancial.By carefullyselectingsuppliersand managingrelationships,procurementcan helptoensurethattheorganizationis notvulnerabletosupplychain disruptionsorqualityissues.Thiscan haveasignificantimpactonthe organization’sabilitytodeliver productsandservicestocustomersas wellasitsreputation. Further,witha focusonenvironmental,social,and goverancerequirementssuppliersare challengedtodeliverindifferent ways.

ThisiswhyLarryPhelan,Partner andChiefSupplyChainServices

OfficeratEYGlobalServicesLimited, emphasizesthat “Value comes in many different forms.” Heconsidersthe qualitative,brandaspectsofvalue,suchas customerandsupplierrelationships,how technologycanbeusedtoimproveefficiency, andhowsupplierdiversitycanleadtoincreased innovation.

Consequently,Larrybelievesthatbytakingaholisticview ofvalue,organizationscancreatemorevalueforthewhole. Toensurethis,hehasimplementedanumberofstrategies: creatingacultureoftransparencytohearandrespectall ideasandopinions,investingintraininganddevelopment toensureteammembersareup-to-date;andpracticingagile decision-makingandstrivingtobedata-driven.

Inaddition,theseeffortsareallgearedtowardcreating value.Asanexperiencedtransactionadvisor,professional servicesconsultant,andChiefSupplyChainOfficer,heis connectingEYpeopletoleadingservicesandsuppliersand inspiringhisteamtodriveoperationalexcellence,thereby aimingtopositivelyimpacttheworld’ssupplychainand differentiatetheEYorganizationinthemarket.

Larryisaproudchampionofdiversityandinclusionin teamsandsuppliersandhasreceivednumerousawardsin recognitionofhiscommitmenttothiscause,mostnotably theprestigiousWBENCPlatinumAwardforhis unwaveringsupportofdiverseandwomen-owned businesses.Hisdedicationtoprovidingopportunitiesforall hasbeenlaudedbymany,andhecontinuestostrivefora moreequitableworkplace.

As we delve into his career, let us take a closer look at every step of his remarkable journey. From the highs and lows to the lessons he has learned, get to know the story of this inspiring leader thoroughly!

FromclientservicetoGlobalHeadofSupplyChain Services

LarrybeganhiscareeratEYinclientservice,butthrougha seriesoffortunateevents,henowfindshimselfastheChief SupplyChainServices(SCS)Officer EYGlobal for ServicesLimited.ThoughhissuccessinSCSwas unexpected,thekeycomponentsofit-deeplyanalyzing details,trustingindata,andbeingauthenticandtransparent withhisteam-havealwaysbeenhiscorevalues.An unreturnedphonecallbecamethecatalystthatallowed

Larrytotransitionintointernalservicesandultimatelyfind hisnicheattheEYorganization.Consequently,heisnow abletofullyutilizehisvaluesforthebenefitoftheEY teams.

Whileworkinginclientservice,Larryhadaclientwho neededananswertoaspecificquestion.Hereachedoutto thepersonininternalserviceswhomhethoughtcouldhelp; however,unfortunately,hedidnotreceiveareturncall, likelyowingtotheprevalentbeliefatthetimethatinternal serviceswerenotresponsibleformakingmoneyforthe organizationasclientservicewasresponsibleforgenerating revenue,andinsteadeitherjustsavingoravoidingspendon purchases.

However,ashereflected,hewascertainthatinternal servicesatEYcouldaccomplishmuchmoreifonlythe teammembershadabetterunderstandingofthefullscope ofEYservices.Byadoptingtheleadingpractices,mindset, andinnovativesolutionsofaclient-server,itcouldbea “win-win”situationfortheEYorganization.InJuly2009, hisbossaskedhimtodedicatethreemonthstohelpthe internalservicesteamexaminespendingandother prospects;hisbosswascertainthathisexpertisein analyticsandexperienceasaclient-servercouldcontribute tomakingsomevaluableimprovementrecommendations.

Despiteneverreturningtoaclientservicerole,Larryhas maintainedacloseconnectionwithEYconsulting,strategy, andtransactionscapabilities,understandingtheirbreadthof knowledgeandexperiencewouldbevitalindriving change.Afteroveradecade,Larryisstillbringingabout transformationastheChiefSupplyChainServicesOfficer atEYGlobalServicesLimited,alwaysleaningonEY Consulting,Strategy&Transactionsthoughtleadership. Initially,Larrymerelysoughttosupporttheorganizationas bestaspossible,howeverthisledtothecreationofanew career.EmployedintheSupplyChainServices(SCS) operations,Larryidentifiedanopportunitytodevelopthe functionfurther,leveragingittodelivervaluebeyondcost savingsfortheEYorganization.

HowLarryappliedlifetimelessonsandinspiredateam toachievegreatness

Hehadavisionofsuccessandwasdeterminedtounlock thepotentialofinternalservicesandSCSbyassemblinga strongmanagementteamandincorporatingbrandvalue concepts.Heappliedhislifetimelearningsduringthe processandprovedthatachievingsuccesswasnotan overnightfeat.Furthermore,hewaspassionateaboutSCS andinternalservicesandrealizedthatitrequiredinspiring andleadingtheentireteamratherthanworkingalone. Consequently,hewasabletosucceed.

Whenteammembersareunitedandhavemutualtrust, amazingthingscanbeachieved.Tostrengthenhis communicationskills,Larryimplementsthetechniqueof “LunchwithLarry”whereverheisintheworld.During thesemeetings,helistenstohisteamandencouragesthem toinnovatebyworkingoutideasonawhiteboard.Bydoing this,Larrycreatesanenvironmentwhereideasandvisions canbeexchanged,ultimatelyleadingtogreatachievements thatalignwiththeEYoverallpurpose.

Buildingabetterworkingworld

TheEYpurposeistobuildabetterworkingworldthrough insightsandqualityservicesthathelpcreatetrustand confidenceinthecapitalmarketsandineconomiesacross theglobe.Theystrivetodevelopoutstandingleaderswho worktogethertofulfilltheirpromisestoallstakeholders, enablingthemtoplayacriticalroleincreatingabetter workingworldfortheirpeople,clients,andcommunities.

Inaworldthat’schangingfasterthanever,theirpurpose actsastheir“NorthStar”,guidingmorethan300,000 peopleintheirworkeveryday.Fromfightingdatapiracyto helpinggovernmentsincash-flowcrises,unlockingnew medicaltreatmentswithdataanalytics,andpursuinghighqualityauditstobuildtrustinfinancialmarketsand business-theyarecommittedtohelpingentrepreneurs, companies,andentirecountriessolvetheirmostpressing

challenges.Withtheirpurposeastheirguidinglight,they strivetomaketheworldabetterplace.

Maintainingcommunicationandcohesion

TheEYorganizationhas25regionsacrosstheglobe, rangingfromdevelopedtoemergingmarkets,andemploys morethan600peopleintheirSupplyChainServices(SCS) function,comingfromdiverseculturesandspeaking multiplelanguages.Despitethelogisticalchallengesof maintainingcommunicationandcohesionamongthoseso spreadoutacrosstheworld,Larryfirmlystandsbythe valueofkeepingeveryoneintheSCSteaminformedand uptodate.

Usingengagementtechniquessuchascommunicationand appreciation,Larryisabletokeephisteammotivatedand informedevenduringthepandemicof2020.Having establishedthesepracticesbeforehandallowedhimto continueteambuildingremotelywhilestillbeingableto monitorthephysicalandmentalhealthofhisteam. Consequently,hewasabletomoveforwardwithminimal issuesrelatedtooperatingremotely.

AtEYandspecificallywithinSCS,buildingstrongteamsis akeypartoftheirculture,allowingteammemberstolearn whotheirleadersareandtrustthem,creatingasenseof beliefintheirgoalsasaunit.Thisteam-buildingprocess requiresamindsetoflifelonglearningandawillingnessto sharetheknowledgegained,despitesomepeoplefeeling threatenedbythisideaoftransparency

Unlockteamsuccessbysharingwhatyoulearn

Sharingwhatyouhavelearnedinthepastandarestill learningtodaywithyourteammembersisthebestwayto makethemostofyourknowledgeandexperience.Doingso fosterstrustandsuccessamongthemembersoftheteam, whichimprovesoverallperformance.Thisleveloftrustand successisnotachievedovernightandneedstimeandeffort tobuild.Therefore,itisimportanttobeopenandhonest withyourcolleaguesandtoinvesttimeintherelationship.

Itmayseemdauntingtothinkaboutinvestingyearsinto thistypeofprocess.However,whatyouwilldiscoveris thatfollowingthismethodtoachieveprofessionalgrowth isextremelyencouraging.Thejourneyistherewarding part,andsuccessissimplytheinevitableresult.

Makingyourfunctionindispensable

Asafunctionheadinalarge organization,itisessentialtoensure thatyourteam’sworkstandsoutin termsofqualityandimpact. Doingsowillhelpyoutogain theattentionandappreciation ofseniorexecutiveswhile alsohelpingtomakeyour functionindispensable. However,itcanbe challengingtoachieve thisinanenvironment whereallfunctionsare competingfor recognitionand resources.By investingtimeand effortindevelopinga clearstrategyand ensuringthatyour team’sworkisofthe highestquality,youwill bewell-placedtomake yourfunctionindispensable andpropelthebusiness forward.

Throughtheirdedicationand hardwork,LarryandtheEY SupplyChainServices(SCS) teamhaveachievedremarkable success.Ithasbeenalongjourney, howevertheireffortshavebeenwellrewarded-board-levelexecutiveshave

cometorecognizetheimportanceofSCSinbetter understandingthecompany’sfutureandenablingits growth.Consequently,EYConsultingandStrategyand Transactions’clientserviceshavebeeninstrumentalinthis success.

Conversationsthatchangedthegame

Convincingthoseattheboardlevelabouttheimportance ofone’sjobrequiresconstantcommunicationinorderto raiseawarenessofwhatonedoes.Thiswasespecially thecasefortheroleofSCSattheEYorganizationin 2009,whichwasthenknownasProcurementand wasseenasrelativelyinsignificantbyexecutives. Fortunately,thishasimprovedovertheyears, nevertheless,itisstillimportanttocontinue communicatingone’svaluetotheboardlevel.

Foryears,businesseshavebeencontentwith thetraditional“buyingprinters”and“buying paper”approachtosavemoney,however inefficientlyandwithlittlethoughttothe procurementprocess.However,thishas changed,andbusinessesarenow increasinglyawareoftheimportanceof takingamorestrategicapproachto procurement,withaServiceChainSystem (SCS)functionbeingimplementedinstead. Thisteamhadtodemonstratewhythisnew approachwasbetterthanthe“procurement” modelthathadbeeninplacefordecadesand, insodoing,raiseawarenessofthepotentialof SCSforimprovedprocurement.Thus,by adoptingamorestrategicapproach,businessescan savemoneyandensureamoreefficientprocurement process.

EYteamsneededtodemonstratethevalueofthe proposedchangestotheirbusiness.Todothis,they employeddataanalyticstobackuptheirproposalsandheld conversationafterconversationtodrivehomethepoints theyweremaking.Althoughitmaysounddaunting,this

strategyprovedsuccessful,andtheSCSfunctionattheEY organizationistestimonytothis.

Fromrejectiontoresults

Gettingapprovalforanymajorchangescanbeadaunting task,especiallyifexecutivesareresistanttochange.For SCSattheEYorganization,thereisaneedtoberelentless intheireffortsbyusingdataanalyticstouncovertrendsthat couldbenefitthebusinessandthenpresenttheirdatabackedproposalstotheboardlevel.Whileenthusiasmwas necessary,theideashadtobeaccompaniedbyreliabledata tobesuccessful,andtheyhadtobepreparedtoface criticismandrejectionswithouttakingthemtoopersonally

Despiteresistancefromsomeboardmembers,Larryhas beenrelentlessinhispursuitofsuccess,providingdataand factstobackuphisworkanddemonstratingitspositive impactonthecompany’soverallperformance.Evenwhen officialsarenotinterestedintheSCS,Larrystillmakessure tokeeptheminformedoftheirprogress,allowingthemto appreciatehowtheireffortsarecontributingtothe organization.Thisapproachhasworkedsowelloverthe pastdecadethatLarrynowsitsonaglobalservicegroup consistingof125EYtopleaders,givinghimfurtherideas tointegrateintotheirplans.Assuch,hisrelentlessattitude hasbeeninvaluableinhelpingtheSCSfunctionachieveits goals.

HowtheEYorganizationchangedmindsetsand revolutionizedthesupplychainin2009

Changingpeople’smindsetsisoneofthemostchallenging aspectsofbringingaboutbusinesschange;however,itis essential.ThiswasexemplifiedattheEYorganizationin 2009whenSCSneededtoshiftstrategically,andexecutives hadtobeconvincedattheboardlevelusingdataandfacts thatthechangewasnecessaryandnotjusttosavemoney Moreover,itwasimportanttoemphasizethatSCSchange shouldalsoinvolvesolidifyingthesupplychainsothatif onesupplierhasgeopoliticalissues,thereareotheroptions readytogo.

Inordertoachievesuccess,theyhadtostartbydigginginto thedatafrom2009andunderstandinghowmuchtheywere spendingwithsuppliersandthelengthofthecontractsin place.Althoughthedatawasavailable,itwasn’torganized inawaythatcouldbeeasilyused.Bybringingmultiple dimensionstothedata,theywereabletobeginmaking accuratepredictionsabouttheorganization’sgrowth,thus enablingthemtobesuccessful.Consequently,organizing thedatawasacrucialstepintheirsuccess.

TheSCSteamoftheEYorganizationachievedan incrediblefeatwhentheycreatedacomprehensivesupply chainstrategythatunifiedandstrengthenedtheorganization asawhole.Thiswasevidencedbytheirsuccessinreal estatemanagementforthe800officesworldwide,byusing datatoidentifythemostsuitablepropertiesatreasonable pricesandsavingtheorganizationagreatsumofmoney whilesimultaneouslypromotingtheirbrand.Their accomplishmentswerefar-reachingandimmensely beneficial.Initially,executivesfeltthefacilitiesmanagement piecewastoomuchfortheteam,butwiththeprogress madeoveracoupleofyearsandthecloserelationship betweenthetwo,theywerereadytotakeonthechallenge. Thisispartofanongoingprocessofreinventionanda testamenttotheteam’ssuccess.

Undoubtedly,theSCSteamhasalonglegacyofdriving change,andtheirhardworkisclearlypayingoff;other functionsnowtrustthemandrelyontheirdataanalyticsto makeinformeddecisions.Takingadvantageofthis,they havedemonstratedtheirvaluetotheboardlevel,providing regularreportsandtrackingthedirectionoftheEY organization.Thiscreatesacycleofimprovement,where theireffortsarecontinuallyrewarded,thusleadingto ongoingsuccess.

Furthermore,theystrivetocontinuouslyreinventhowthey dothingsfromanSCSlevel,lookingforwaystoimprove theprocessandexpandwhatthey’redoing.

Withthisinmind,executivesattheboardlevelarenever allowedtofeellikethey’ve“fixed”theSCSprocessand

cangobacktoignoringit,asSCSteammembersstriveto bringanewstorytothemwithimprovementsasoftenas possible.

Acceleratinggrowthandretainingclients

TheEYorganizationrequiresthatallfunctions,eventhose thatdonotdirectlygeneraterevenue,beofinvaluable supporttothefunctionsthatDOmakemoney.Inparticular, theSCSteamneedstofocusonimprovingspeedtomarket sothattheEYorganizationcanserveitsclientswithout delay.Ifadelayarisesduetothelackofapieceofsoftware neededtoproperlyservetheclients,thiscouldleadtoaloss oftheclient’sbusiness.Therefore,SCSneedtoensurethat allfunctionsareprovidedasquicklyaspossibleinorderto maximizethechancesofretainingtheclients’business.

TheSCSteam’smainobjectiveistoassessthepresentstate ofthebusinessandforeseeitspotentialgrowthareas. Additionally,theymustascertainwhethertheirinfrastructure canmanagesuchgrowth.Crucially,theymustalsoconsider theEYteam’srequirementsforsoftwaresothattheycan acquireitintime;otherwise,thebusinesscouldpotentially besetbackbyseveralmonths.Thisistheprimaryvalueof theirrole,andtheimportanceoftheirjobcannotbe overstated.

HowEYSCSteamistransformingthebusiness landscape

WithinSCS,theymakeuseofmultipledatapointsto collectdataandmeasurethespeedtomarketforprojects. Furthermore,theycanusethisdatatoassesstheir performance-bothintermsofmeetingdeadlinesand deliveringbetterresultsinthefuture.Consequently,they areabletocreatebrandvaluebyendeavoringtoimprove speedtomarket,mitigateriskandoptimizetheirtechnique, thusresultinginabetterbrandvalueforthebusiness. Usingdataanalyticsasyourbuildingblocks,youcan translateanyaspectofthebusinesstogaininsightintoits currentpositionandbegintopredictthenextstepsthe businessshouldtake.LeveragetheexpertiseofEY Consulting,Strategy&Transactionstoguideyour predictionsandtrackwhichonescometofruition.

Doingsonotonlystrengthensyouraccuracyinpredicting futurestepsbutalsoprovidesvaluableinsightintothe business.

TheSCSattheEYorganizationhaschangedsignificantly overtheyears;however,thereareorganizationswhoseSCS functionshaveremainedlargelythesameforadecadeor more.Whenspeakingwithexecutivesinsimilarpositions, theyunderstandthegeneralideasbehindtheprocess; howeverdesiretofast-forwardtothelevelthattheSCS teamattheEYorganizationiscurrentlyoperatingat.It’s importanttoremember,though,thatreachingtheendstate doesn’tjusthappenovernight;itrequireshardworkand dedicationtodevelopthebestmethodsandprocesses. Consequently,itcannotbeachievedbysimplysnapping one’sfingers.

Attheboardlevel,itisimportantforthemtowitnessthe processinactionandtoobservehowcredibilityis developedovertimetogaintheirtrustintheprocess.This willleadtothedesiredoutcome.Themethodsusedbythe SCScanbeimplementedinotherfunctionswithintheEY organizationandwillhelptomakethefunctionanessential partoftheorganization.Itisnecessarytomakesurethat otherfunctionsareawareofthefunctionandtrustthe techniquesusedsothattheboardcanrecognizeitsstrategic value,evenifitappearstobeatransactionalfunctionat firstglance.

GlobalSubscripon

AAAFREIGHT SERVICES

A Trusted Global Partner in Integrated Chemical Logiscs and Supply Management

Theglobalizationofmarketshasbroughttheworld’s businessescloserthaneverbefore.Businessesare thrivingbyhavingseveralmediumsandoptionsto sourcetherequiredmaterialsandlogisticsfromalloverthe world.Rawmaterialsandotheressentialresourcescannow beexportedandimportedtoandfromanycornerofthe worldwiththehelpoflogisticspartners.

Logisticsandsupplymanagementbusinessesarethe backbonesofglobalmarkets.Findingatrustablelogistics partnerisimportantforbusinessestohaveasustainable solutiononalong-termbasis.

Thesourcedmaterialcanbeofanytype,shape,andsize.To handleitsafelyandshipittotheintendedlocationrequires alogisticsfirmthathastheexpertise.Theessential equipment,systems,andexpertteamshouldalsobein placetocarryoutthetaskwiththeutmostcare.

OnesuchfirmisAAAFreightServicesLLC.Ithas establisheditselfasagloballytrustedlogisticspartnerfor years.Thecompanyofferslogisticsservicesforbusinesses ineverycorneroftheworld.Itoffersavariedrangeof solutions,includinglogistics,removals,projectforwarding, warehousing,anddistribution.

CompanyOverview

Establishedin2006,AAAFreightServicesisledby MohammadAshraf,theChairman,withahighperformanceteamcommittedtopassionatelyserving customersinvariousaspectsofoperations.Itisanintegratedlogisticsproviderspecializedinawiderangeof warehousing,transportation,andsupplychainmanagement solutions.

Itnowhasa23,000-square-meterstate-of-the-artwarehousingfacilityforChemicalandGeneralcargodesignedfor

The AAA management possesses solid background backed by the key team comprising of Aijaz, Aizaz and Aifaz who handles different verticals in the business along with many other dedicated staff.

storagefacilityofhazardousgoodswhichcaterstoawide segmentofthemarket.Thecompany’sheadquartersarein Dubai-UAE,withofficesinJAFZAandAbuDhabi.

Thecompanyprovidescustomizedservicesinthe followingareas:

FreightForwarding

AAAFreightServicesisarenownedcompanyfor deliveringhigh-qualityroadtransport,sea,andairfreight services,aswellasprovidingfullyintegratedwarehousing,logistics,andfulfillmentsolutionsfortheB2B,B2C, ande-commercesectors.

AAA’sFreightsolutionsoffertheflexibilitytomeeta varietyoftransitrequirementswhileallowingtomanage transportationcostseffectively Theteamprovides professionalhandlingservicesforseafreight(less-thancontainerandfull-containerloads),heavyloads,and transportationofhazardousgoods,aswellasspecial solutionsforautomotive,fashion,healthcare,andfood, thusprovidingdoortodoorservices.

Asalargevolumehandler,thecompanyisinapositionto offercustomersextremelycompetitivefreightratesacross multiplelocations.Withitsstrongteamofinternational alliances,itaimstobetheone-stopserviceproviderto ensureeffectiveandpracticalsolutionstotailorcustomer requirements.

ChemicalWarehousingandDistribution

AAAFreightServicesexcelsinprovidingchemicalstorage, warehousing,andlogisticsservices,leveragingthe experienceinstoringandhandlingflammableand hazardouschemicals. Qualityandefficiencyarethebywordsforeveryaspectofitsoperations.

Advancedsafety,environmentalprotection,qualitycontrol systems,andstrictadherencetoindustrystandardsand regulationsensureuncompromisingsafetyandquality. AAAFreighthandlesthefullrangeofchemicals,including flammable,corrosive,toxic,andtemperature-sensitive products.Thecompany’sgoalistoharmonizeitsservices withcustomers’specificationsinsuchawaythatthey obtainthemaximumvalue-addedbenefits.

TemperatureControlledStorageSolution

Utilizingitsindustryexperienceinthissector,AAAisable toprovideanextensivesupplychainsolutionforseveral industriesfortemperature-controlledstoragesolutionsfor BeverageLogistics.Itsspecializedservice,including pickingandpacking,meetsawiderangeofcustomer requirements.CustomerspartnerwithAAAFreight Servicesforalltheirdistributionandwarehousingneedsin ordertoreducecostswhilemaximizingefficiency.

Asasupplychainspecialist,ithandlestheinbound clearance,storage,anddistributionforitsrespective customers.Thecompanyisreckonedinthemarketto providededicatedwarehousingandfulfillmentservicesfor customersseekingacustomizedfacilitytailoredtotheir specificneeds.

ProjectLogistics/Oil&GasLogistics

AAAFreightprovideslogisticssupportthatincludesheavyliftandout-of-gaugecargomovementsforcapitalprojects, oilandgasprojects,andmarineservices.Thehighlytrained teamdevelopsrouteplans,costmodeling,andprojectsupporttoolsvitaltocustomerswithcomplexmovements thatrequirecarefulstaging,sequencing,andcoordination.

AAAProjectLogisticsisexperiencedindelivering equipmentandsupplies,bulkorpackagedgoods,and heavy-lifttransportaspercustomerdemands,whichis solelybytheteam’scommitment,flexibility,andexperience.

Theservicesofferedvaryfromfullcharter/partcharter, Multi-ModalTransport,specialequipmenttransport, backedbytheFreightnegotiationskillsandadministrative support(customclearanceandtradedocumentation) extendedbytheAAAteam.

IntermsofOil&GasLogistics,thesupportextendedby theAAAteamisdrawnbycorecompetenciesinthesupply chain,offshore,andagencyservicescomplementedbya portfolioofintegratedshipping,logistics,andmarine solutions.

Lashing,Crating,andPackagingServices

AAA’spackingdivisionprovidesbespokesolutions, listeningtocustomerrequirementsanddesigningthe packingtothespecificneeds.AAAFreightServicesis engagedinprovidingpackingandcratingofpre-shipment goodsforbothindustrialandcommercial,fordifferent modesoftransportationbyAir,Sea,andLand.

Thecompanydeliversonitspromiseswithday-to-day activitiesthatrepresentvalueformoney,quality,continuity, innovation,andmaximumreach,offeringservicesin August, 2023 www.insightssuccess.com

specializedmaterialshandlingservices,surfacetransportation,pipe/yardmanagement,lashingandsecuringservices, warehousing,and(project)cargomanagement.

MarketReputation

Thecompanyisbackedupbyanimpeccabletrackrecordin thelocalmarket.Itsreputationforreliability,integrity, efficiency,andeffectivenesshasbeenwellrecognizedby clients.AAA’steampossessessolidexperienceinvarious aspectsoflogistics.Itssolutionsareflexibleandcustomizedinordertoeasilyfulfillitsclients’requirements.

HighlyEfficientTeam

AAAhasevolvedintoasophisticatedenterprisebyderiving strengthfromitsdisciplinedandhighlyefficientteam.The AAAmanagementpossessessolidbackgroundbackedby thekeyteamcomprisingofAijaz,AizazandAifazwho handledifferentverticalsinthebusinessalongwithmany otherdedicatedstaff.Itisguidedbyadistinctvisionanda goal-orientedmission.Itsteamboastsin-depthmarket knowledgeandadeepunderstandingoflogistics&supply chainmanagement.Theysustainanintensefocuson customerandserviceexcellence.

VisionandMission

AAA’svisionistoprovidesecure,practical,intelligent,and durablelogisticsandsupplychainmanagementsolutions forthebenefitofalltypesofbusinesses.Itaimstobethe

pioneerintheWarehousingandLogisticsindustryand evolveintoadistinctglobalplayerandcontributeexponentiallytothegrowthanddevelopmentoftheindustry.

Thecompany’smissionistoelevateitsexcellencelevelto world-classbycontinuouslyenhancingitsfacilitiesand offeringsuperior,innovativewarehouseandlogistics solutions.ItfocusesondeliveringdependableandreasonablypricedLogisticsandSupplyChainManagement solutionstomaximizecustomervalue.

Toaccomplishitsmission,thecompanyfollowsbelow steps-

1.Deployssmarttechnologies

2.Adaptsthebestpractices

3.Adheretothehigheststandardofethics

4.Continuallyintegratetheprinciplesofexcellence

ExpansionPlans

Engagingforimpactfollowedbyadaptingproactivelyto changesgivesAAAtheresultofdeliveringreliably The companyisplanningtofurtherexpanditsservicesboth locallyandinternationally

Onthelocalfront,ICAD-AbuDhabiandDubaiSouth (DWC)-Dubaiarethetwolocationsthatareintendedtobe builtin2022and2023.Whereasontheglobalfront,itis lookingattheopeningofficeintheUnitedKingdomand Uzbekistan,whicharecurrentlyintheinitialstageof establishment.

Optimizing Supply Chain Efciency through AI

Intoday'sglobalizedandfast-pacedbusiness environment,supplychainefficiencyisacrucialfactor thatcanmakeorbreakacompany'ssuccess.Awelloptimizedsupplychainensuresthatgoodsandservices reachcustomersontime,minimizecosts,reduceswaste, andenhancesoverallproductivity.Oneofthemost promisingtechnologiesthatcanrevolutionizesupplychain managementisArtificialIntelligence(AI).AI'sanalytical prominenceempowersbusinessestomakedata-driven decisions,predictdemandpatterns,streamlineprocesses, andimproveoverallefficiency

Further, we will explore how AI is transforming the supply chain landscape and leading the way to enhanced analytical prominence:

PredictiveDemandAnalysis

AI-drivenpredictiveanalyticsisrevolutionizingtheway companiesforecastdemand.Traditionalmethodsof demandforecastingreliedonhistoricaldataandoftenfailed toaccountfordynamicmarketchanges.AIalgorithms,such asmachinelearning,cananalyzevastdatasets,considering variousfactorssuchasconsumerbehavior,weather patterns,economictrends,andevensocialmedia sentiments.Byleveragingtheseinsights,businessescan makemoreaccuratepredictionsaboutfuturedemand, enablingthemtooptimizeinventorylevelsandminimize overstockingorstockouts.

Real-TimeInventoryManagement

Inventorymanagementisacriticalaspectofsupplychain efficiency.Maintainingoptimalinventorylevelsisa

delicatebalancingact,asexcessinventorytiesupcapital, whileinsufficientinventorycanresultinmissedsales opportunities.AI-poweredinventorymanagementsystems cancontinuouslymonitorstocklevels,trackconsumption patterns,andautomaticallyplaceorderswhensuppliesrun low Thesereal-timeinsightspreventstockoutsand overstocksituations,resultinginimprovedworkingcapital utilizationandreducedcarryingcosts.

SupplyChainAutomation

AIandautomationgohandinhand,andtheirintegration intosupplychainprocessescansignificantlyenhance efficiency.Repetitiveandtime-consumingtaskssuchas orderprocessing,invoicing,anddataentrycanbe automated,reducingthelikelihoodofhumanerrorsand expeditingtheoverallprocess.Furthermore,AIcan optimizerouteplanningforlogistics,choosingthemost efficientpathsandtransportationmodes,leadingtoreduced deliverytimesandlowertransportationexpenses.

EnhancedQualityControl

Maintaininghigh-qualitystandardsisessentialtoensure customersatisfactionandloyalty.AI-poweredquality controlsystemscananalyzedatafromvariousstagesofthe supplychaintoidentifypotentialissuesordefects.For instance,machinevisionsystemscaninspectproductsfor defectsinrealtime,ensuringthatonlytop-qualityitemsare shippedtocustomers.Thisnotonlyreducesthechancesof productrecallandcustomercomplaintsbutalsoenhances thebrand'sreputation.

SupplierRelationshipManagement

Arobustsupplychainreliesonstrongrelationshipswith suppliers.AIcanplayapivotalroleinoptimizingsupplier relationshipmanagementbyanalyzingsupplierdata, performancemetrics,andfeedbackfromvarioussources. Withthisinformation,businessescanidentifyreliable suppliers,negotiatebettercontracts,andmitigaterisks associatedwithsupplychaindisruptions.Additionally,AI canmonitorsupplierperformanceandprovideearly warningsforpotentialissues,enablingproactiveactionsto avoiddelaysorqualityproblems.

Demand-DrivenProduction

Traditionalproductionplanningwasoftenbasedonlongtermforecasts,whichcouldresultineitheroverproduction orunderproduction.AI-drivendemand-drivenproduction

takesintoaccountreal-timedemanddataandadjusts productionschedulesaccordingly.Thisapproachensures thatmanufacturersproducewhatisneededwhenitis needed,reducingexcessinventoryandassociatedcarrying costs.Asaresult,companiescanrespondmoreswiftlyto changesincustomerpreferencesandmarketdemands.

SustainabilityandEnvironmentalImpact

Asenvironmentalconcernsbecomemorecriticalfor consumersandregulatorsalike,supplychainsustainability isgainingprominence.AIcanhelpbusinessesoptimize theirsupplychainroutesandtransportation,reducing carbonemissionsandenvironmentalimpact.Additionally, AI-drivenanalyticscanidentifyopportunitiesforwaste reductionandenergyconservationthroughoutthesupply chain,aligningwiththecompany'ssustainabilitygoals.

Conclusion

TheintegrationofAIintosupplychainmanagementbrings analyticalprominencetodecision-makingprocesses, empoweringbusinessestomakemoreinformedanddatadrivenchoices.Frompredictivedemandanalysistosupply chainautomation,AItechnologiesarerevolutionizing supplychainefficiencyandstreamliningoperations.By harnessingthepowerofAI,businessescanstayaheadof thecompetition,respondquicklytomarketchanges, minimizecosts,enhancecustomersatisfaction,and ultimatelydrivesustainablegrowthintoday'shighly competitivebusinesslandscape.EmbracingAI'sanalytical prominenceisnolongeraluxurybutastrategicnecessity forcompaniesseekingtooptimizetheirsupplychain efficiencyandsecurelong-termsuccess.

- A. K. Tarade

AFSLogistics

Helping businesses save millions by opmizing their logiscs networks

Amajorfactorthatdecidesanorganization'ssuccess todayisitssupplychainmanagementstrategy.Its logisticsandtransportationnetworkinparticular canmakeorbreakabusiness,affectingcustomerservice levelagreementsandreal-timedeliverytracking.

Nomatterhowpreparedanorganizationis,minorormajor logisticschallengesareboundtooccurwiththedynamic natureofbusiness.Ifnotdealtwithproperly,those challengesmightcauseasubstantialfinancialloss.Many companiescollaboratewithanexperiencedlogisticsservice providertoreducecomplications,andminimizeorreclaim lossesinvolvedinsupplyingtheirproducttothemarket.

AFSLogisticsisathird-partylogistics(3PL)provider, knownforitsextensiveexperienceandexpertisein optimizinglogisticsspendandoperationswithtransparency andautonomy Theymanagesomeofthemostessential partsoftheshippinglifecyclefortheirclients,including shipmentexecution,tracking,invoiceaudit,payment, analytics,claimsandmoretounlockhiddenvalue.

AFS'sseasonedleader,TomNightingale(CEO),andhis motivatedandhighlyskilledworkforcehelpclientsachieve theirlogisticsobjectivesandproactivelysolveproblems beforetheyariseusingdata-drivenprocessesandbest-inclasstechnology

Let's explore AFS's history, services and their journey to become the most reliable logistics solution for their clients.

Fortyyearsofexcellence

AFSisanon-asset-based,non-asset-biased3PL headquarteredinShreveport,Louisiana.FoundedbyBrian Barkerin1982,AFScelebratesits40thanniversarythis yearandcontinuestoevolvebyassemblingthebestpeople, processesandtechnologytoequipclientsforsuccessina changingmarketplace.

While our roots are in FAP, we now offer a wide range of technology-driven logistics services that account for nearly $11 billion in transportation spending annually.

Overthepastfourdecades,the3PLhasgrowntobecomea top3PLintheU.S.andCanada.Ithasbuiltarosterofover 1,800clients,achievinganaverageclienttenureofalmost 12years,andgeneratingmorethan$183millionintotal annualclientsavings.

With22acquisitionsinits40-yearhistory,theorganization recentlyacquiredaToronto-basedfreightauditand payment(FAP)company,resultinginAFSbecomingthe new,largestFAPcompanyinCanada.

"While our roots are in FAP, we now offer a wide range of data-driven logistics services that account for nearly $11 billion in transportation spending annually,"saysthe company'sexecutiveteam.

Today,AFSauditsallmodesoftransportation,provides LTLandparcelcostmanagementandtransportation management,includingfreightbrokerageandfreight forwardingandofferscustomizedanalyticalsolutionsas well.

Data-drivenprocesses

DataisthefoundationofwhatAFSoffers.Themoredata itsdatascientistshave,themoreAFScanhelpcustomers reducewaste,drivedownrisk,increasethepredictabilityof pricingandimproveservicelevels.Dataandtechnologyare

criticaltoolsforadaptingtovarious supplychainshocks,andAFSnotes thatquickresponsetimesanddatadrivenalternativesarepartof providingaseamlessexperienceforits customers.

OneexampleisLTLcongestion.Asthe industryfacestruckingcapacity challenges,therecanbesituations wherecarriersreachcapacityand provideverylatenotice,sometimes leavingcustomerstofindanalternative solutioninjustonebusinessday To adapt,shippersmusthaveaccessto alternativesolutionsincludingapool ofadditional,pre-vettedcarriersorin somecasesadifferentmodeentirely.

DataenablesAFStoconfidently providenewoptionswithcomparable serviceandcost,ultimately empoweringclientstopivotquickly andkeeptheirbusinessmoving.But AFSusesdataformorethanjust solvingclientchallenges,theyalso haveadata-richpredictivetoolthat providesusefulfreightindustry insightsatnoadditionalcost.

AFSsays,“On a broader level, we leverage data from the over $11 billion in freight spend we manage to provide market-wide insights. Our team works with Cowen, a leading full-service investment bank to produce a quarterly freight index that not only provides historical insights but leverages machine learning algorithms to offer a forward-looking perspective on where the freight market is headed.”

Overcomingchallenges

Supplychaindisruptionhasbeena commontopic,fromthefiveo'clock newstolate-nightTVdebates.

Twomainfactorshaveprepared companieswellforthis,andAFShas beenatthecenterofboth:

TheVisionaryLeader

Tom Nighngale, CEO of AFS, is dedicated to service leadership. Over ten years ago, Tom founded Upgrade Soldiers, a non-profit group that encourages and inspires others to thank the defense services personnel through acts of kindness.

Tom also currently serves on the boards of several organizaons, including Syracuse University's Franklin Supply Chain Advisory Board, CSCMP, and formerly the Warehouse Educaon Research Council and Women in Trucking.

Prior to AFS, Tom served as President and CEO of Internaonal Package Shipping and its operang companies. Tom also held different leadership roles at GENCO (now FedEx Supply Chain), ModusLink, Con-way Inc. (now XPO) and Schneider Naonal.

Tom has over 25 years of leadership experience and brings a clear vision and unifying force to AFS.

Whatclients aresaying

"AFS has been a long-term ally and valued asset within our overall logiscs operaons. AFS connually demonstrates its commitment to our success. They work with our team toward common goals and have enabled us to focus on our core business rather than geng buried in the micro-management of carriers, claims and invoices. We know AFS always has our back!”

teamnegotiatedacontractthatcreateda14%reductionin overallparcelspendfortheirclient.

Expansionplansfor2022andbeyond

WhenaskedaboutthefuturescalingplansforAFS,CEO TomNightingalerespondedbysaying,“It is an interesting time in our industry. You have 3PLs like us at the nexus of all this chaos, helping customers respond quickly.”

Headds,“AFS has a legacy of innovation, and our approach is to continue to build out our suite of core services (FAP, LTL, Parcel, Transportation Management) on that foundation of data.”

Wordsofguidance

"AFS has become part of the Mann Lake team. My staff can go directly to them, they opmize our processes and take work off our plate so we can focus on our core business.”

Theflexibilityofthatmodeliskey–notlimitedtoassets thatyouown,andyoucanusedatatorespondquicklyand ensurethatthesolutionsbroughttocustomershavenobias towardownedassetsandmatchthesituationathand.Itis aboutbeingabletorespondpromptlyandofferaseamless experiencetocustomers.

OneofAFS'sretailclientsreliedonthesamecarrierto delivermostoftheirparcelsforover20years.However, duringtheCOVID-19pandemic,serviceissuesbeganto arisewhenonlineshoppingincreasedandshippingcapacity waslimited.

Inthissituation,AFShelpedtheretailerswitchtoanother carrierwithcompetitivepricing–offeringthechanceto addressserviceandcapacityissues.Moreover,theAFS

Tomhasextensiveexperienceinthelogisticsindustry.The expertiseathislevelcanprovetobeinsightfulfora buddingentrepreneur Whenaskedwhathewouldwantto saytothoseaspiringtoentertheindustry,hesays,“Develop a service-driven mindset. Be eager to serve your team as a leader or subject matter expert and serve your clients by meeting their needs and exceeding their expectations.”

Awards

3PL services

Award: Who's Who in Logiscs 3PL

Source: Armstrong and Associates

Year: 2021

Product or service: Overall 3PL service

Women in trucking

Award: AFS staff member honored as part of "Women to watch"

Year: 2021

Other

Award: Top Companies for Women to Work for in Transportaon

Source: Women in Trucking Associaon

Year: 2021

1.Data,and

2.Amodelthatisnon-asset-basedandnon-assetbiased.

- Bo Rickes, Director of Operaons, Cavender's.

- Shana Rowlee, CFO, Mann Lake Bee & Ag Supply

e- WARECARGO

Exemplifying Technology Leadership!

Technologyhasbeenplayingaverysignificantrole inhumanupliftment.Beitsurpassingthewar crisis,enablingtheaccessoftheeasternhorizonto thewest,orthetransgressingage-oldproblemswithfutureproofsolutions,thetechnologicalinnovationshave surprisedtheworld.

Usheringwiththisunderstanding,thebusinesscommunity hasalwaysbeenscoutingclosetsthatconsistofproblems andareyetunresolved.Encounteringthebusinesschallenge becomesthefirst.Thesecondistoencompassallthe stakeholdersoftheproblemandfacilitatethemwitha solutionthatnotonlysatisfiesthedemandingurgeofthe businesscommunitybutalsoadvancestechnological supportwhileenhancingtheuserexperiencetoo.Asafinal hammertotechnologicalexcellenceinthelogisticsspace, businesseshaveusheredwithERPplatformenablingquick andeasyoperations.

Today,cloud-basedsystemsareintegratingtheAir Logisticsindustrywhilefacilitatingaseamlessexperience. Onesuchlogisticscompanydrivingthetransformative wheelintheaircargosegmentise-CARGOWARE.

SpearheadingthistransformationisMr.RameshDarbha. HeistheCo-founderandCEOofthecompanyandhasan enrichedexperienceandleadingthebusinessworldwithhis technologicalexcellence.

Let’sdiveintotheinterviewwhereRameshshedslighton thee-CARGOWARE’skeyofferingsandhisbusiness acumenthatledthecompanytoachieveitsdesiredsuccess.

Below are the interview highlights:

Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourcompany,itsUSPs, andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasoneofthemost reliablecompaniesinthelogisticsspace.

e-CARGOWAREhelpsAirlines,handlers,andsalesagents todigitizetheircargooperationsusingourcloud-based FR8Manage-ERPplatformandsuiteofFR8Apps.

We plug the gap between the smaller and larger players by providing a scalable digital platform that is costeffective for our customers to compete with the large players and are doing our part by creating a level playing ield for the small and medium-size air cargo service providers to compete with superior digital solutions and process thus moving our industry towards a less fragmented market

Ourplatformiseasytouseandisdashboarddriventhus significantlyreducingthetrainingcostsforourusers.

Aircargoisafragmentedindustrywithlargeplayers offeringa‘seamlessend-to-endintegrationandvisibility acrossthesupplychain’withahugefinancialbackingto investinITSystemswhilstthesmallerplayersrelyon legacytechnologysolutions.

Weplugthegapbetweenthesmallerandlargerplayersby providingascalabledigitalplatformthatiscost-effective forourcustomerstocompetewiththelargeplayersandare doingourpartbycreatingalevelplayingfieldforthesmall andmedium-sizeaircargoserviceproviderstocompete withsuperiordigitalsolutionsandprocessthusmovingour industrytowardsalessfragmentedmarket.

Shedsomelightonyourofferingsandhowtheyimpact theindustryandyourclients?

AtthecoreofourofferingisFR8Manage–a comprehensivecargoERPplatformforAirlines,Airports (CargoHandlers),andGeneralsalesagents.It’sintuitive andeasytouseandisinuseatseverallocationsgloballyto managetheircargooperations.FR8Managehelpsour customerstoreducerepeatactivitiesandincreasetheir productivity.

OurFR8Apps–Suiteofproductsisdesignedtoexpandthe digitalofferingofourcustomersandseamlesslyintegrates withanycargoERPplatforms.Someofthekeyproductsin thissuiteinclude:

FR8Quote:AnArtificialIntelligence/NLP-basedemail plugintoautomateanddigitallytransformthequotation dialoguebetweenAirlinesandForwarders.Itexpedites quoterequeststhusimprovingtheproductivityofSalesstaff andslowlyconvertstheinteractionbetweenforwardersand airlinestoonlineplatforms.

FR8BookingPlatform:Aself-serviceonlineSales platformforForwarderstocompareandbookairfreight shipmentswithourcustomers.

Whatarethecorevaluesuponwhichyourcompanyis built?

Weareafirmbelieverthateverybusinessisuniqueno matterhowsimilartheirproductofferingiscomparedto theircompetitors.Weworkwithourcustomerstoprovidea solutionthatisspecificfortheirbusiness,andwetendto partnerwithourcustomerstofunctionastheirextended technologypartner

Pleasebriefusaboutthefeaturedperson’s(s)journeyin theindustryandhowtheyhavecontributedtothe company’ssuccess.

FeaturedPersons:Mr.RameshDarbha&Mr.Arun Singh

Co-founders–ArunandRameshhavestartedthecompany withavisiontoofferacost-effectivedigitalERPplatform andFR8toolspoweredbyAItotheAirfreightindustry. Theyplayanactiveandhands-onroleindefiningthe productvisionandtechpositioningoftheplatform.

Withdeeptechnologyanddomainexperience,Rameshis August, 2023

hands-on,involvedinallaspectsofthebusiness,andis responsibleforleadership,strategy,andexecution.Whilst ArunwithseveraldecadesexperienceintheAirLogistics domainisresponsiblefordevelopingkeycommercial relationshipsandalsoprovidesoverallproductstrategyand guidance.

Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononhow theadoptionofmoderntechnologieshasimpactedthe logisticsindustryandhowisyourcompanyridingthe technologywave?

TheAirLogisticsindustrywasoftenconsideredless glamorousunderthebellyoperationsofanAirlinewhilst thepassengersideisclassier.However,duringapandemic whentheglobaltravelcametohaltandairlineswere strugglingtostayafloatitwastheAirlogisticsthat’skept theairlinesoperatingandisnowattheforefrontof digitalization,andAircargo[logistics]isoneofthekey growthdriversforanairlinetoremaincompetitive.

e-CARGOWAREwasborninthecloudandweconstantly innovateandstayaheadofourcompetition.Inaddition,we beinganindependent,agile,andinnovativedigitalpartner, itwasanobviouschoiceforourcustomerstoselectusas theirtechnologypartnerfortheircurrentandfutureneeds

asthelogisticsindustrycontinuestoembracedigitization. Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothelogisticsspace?

Logisticsisthebackboneofworldtradeandoneofthe largestemployershowevertheindustryisstillconsidereda laggardinadoptingnewtechnologies.Ifyouhavea genuineinterestinmakingadifferencetoworldtradeand haveabeliefinyourself,itisnowthetimetoventureinto thisspaceandneverlookback.

Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourorganization’s operationsandofferingsin2022andbeyond?

Withincreasedfocusonthelogistics,specificallyintheAir Logisticsmarket,asoneofthepreferreddigitalplatform providersintheindustry,weareexpectingsignificant growthin2022andbeyond.Tosupportourgrowthstrategy, weareexpandingourcustomersuccessteam.Wearealso investinginR&Dtohelpourcustomersavailthe advancementsofAI&MLtostreamlinetheiroperational processesandimprovetheproductivityoftheirstaff.

The Impact of Technologyon Modern Supply Chains

Intherapidlyevolvingworldofbusiness,technology hasbecomeadrivingforcebehindtransformative changesacrossindustries.Onesectorwhere technology'simpactisparticularlyevidentissupplychain management.Traditionalsupplychains,oncemarkedby manualprocessesandlimitedvisibility,havegivenwayto modern,tech-drivensupplychainsthatareagile,efficient, andresponsive.

In this article, we will explore the profound impact of technology on modern supply chains, tracing the tech trails that have revolutionized the way goods and services move from production to consumption:

Real-timeVisibility

Oneofthemostsignificantadvancementstechnologyhas broughttosupplychainsisreal-timevisibility Throughthe integrationofInternetofThings(IoT)devices,RFIDtags, andadvancedtrackingsystems,companiescannow monitortheirproducts'journeyateverystage.Thisrealtimedataenablesbusinessestopinpointpotential bottlenecks,anticipatedelays,andoptimizeroutes, resultinginimproveddeliverytimesandoverallefficiency

Data-DrivenDecision-Making

Gonearethedaysofrelyingsolelyongutinstinctsand historicaldatafordecision-making.Today,technology empowerssupplychainmanagerstomakedata-driven decisions.WiththehelpofbigdataanalyticsandArtificial Intelligence(AI),companiescananalyzemassivevolumes ofdatatogainvaluableinsightsintocustomerbehavior, demandpatterns,andmarkettrends.Armedwiththis

information,businessescanproactivelyadjusttheir strategiestomeetchangingdemandsandstayaheadofthe competition.

AutomationandRobotics

Automationhasrevolutionizedvariousaspectsofthe supplychain,fromwarehouseoperationstoorder processing.Roboticsandautonomoussystemscanhandle repetitivetaskswithspeedandprecision,reducinghuman errorandenhancingoverallproductivity Automated warehouses,equippedwithroboticpickersandpackers,can processordersatamuchfasterpace,significantlyreducing orderfulfillmenttimes.

BlockchainforTransparencyandSecurity

Blockchaintechnologyhasemergedasagame-changerin supplychainmanagement,providingunprecedented transparencyandsecurity.Withadecentralizedand immutableledger,businessescantracetheentirejourneyof aproduct,fromitsorigintotheendconsumer.Thislevelof traceabilitynotonlyhelpsinqualitycontrolandcompliance butalsobuildstrustamongconsumers,astheycanverify theauthenticityofproductsandethicalsourcingpractices.

PredictiveAnalyticsandDemandForecasting

Predictingfuturedemandaccuratelyisacriticalaspectof supplychainoptimization.Technologyhasenabled companiestoleveragepredictiveanalytics,machine learningalgorithms,andhistoricaldatatoforecastdemand patternswithhigheraccuracy Thishelpsbusinessesplan theirinventorylevels,productionschedules,andlogistics

moreefficiently,reducingtheriskofstockoutsor overstocking.

EnhancedCommunicationandCollaboration

Technologyhasbridgedthegapbetweendifferent stakeholdersinthesupplychain,fosteringbetter communicationandcollaboration.Cloud-basedplatforms andcollaborativetoolsallowsuppliers,manufacturers, distributors,andretailerstosharereal-timeinformation, coordinateefforts,andaddressissuespromptly This seamlesscollaborationstreamlinestheflowofgoodsand ensuresthateveryoneinthesupplychainisonthesame page.

Last-MileDeliveryInnovations

Last-miledeliveryhasalwaysbeenasignificantchallenge insupplychainmanagement.However,technologyis makingitmoremanageablethroughinnovativesolutions suchasdeliverydronesandautonomousvehicles.These technologiespromisetoexpeditelast-miledelivery,reduce deliverycosts,andofferamoreeco-friendlyapproachto logistics.

SustainabilityandGreenInitiatives

Withgrowingenvironmentalawareness,modernsupply chainsareincreasinglyadoptingsustainablepractices. Technologyplaysacrucialroleinachievingthesegreen initiatives.Fromrouteoptimizationtoenergy-efficient warehouses,technology-enabledsolutionshelpminimize thecarbonfootprintofsupplychains,contributingtoa moresustainableandeco-friendlyfuture.

Conclusion

Theimpactoftechnologyonmodernsupplychainsis undeniable.Fromreal-timevisibilityanddata-driven decision-makingtoautomation,blockchain,andpredictive analytics,technologyhastransformedthesupplychain landscape,makingitmoreefficient,agile,andsustainable. Astechnologycontinuestoadvance,wecanexpecteven moredisruptiveinnovationsinsupplychainmanagement, furtheroptimizingoperationsanddrivingbusinessestoward afutureofincreasedcompetitivenessandcustomer satisfaction.Embracingthesetechtrailswillbecrucialfor companiesseekingtostayaheadinanever-evolvingglobal marketplace.

- P. D. Bombarde

MGN Logistics

A True Logistics Solution Provider Catering to Global Business Ambitions

Today’sfreightmarketisultracompetitive,and ‘survivalofthefittest’istheresoundingmantra. Withconsumersallovertheworlddemanding greatervarietiesinproductsatthecheapestcostspossible, companiesarescramblingtobolstertheirsupplychainsand fulfillthe‘all-important’customer

Meanwhile,drivershortages,capacityimbalances,governmentregulations,andnow,theongoingpandemicare addingpressuretoalreadystrainedsupplychainsand continuestoimpacttransportationalcosts.Thisiswhy manyorganizationsareturningtoManagedTransportation Servicesproviderstohelpaddressthesechallenges. Unfortunately,veryoften,subparprovidersareprevalentin themarketandoperatewithoff-the-shelftechnology,failing tosupportorganizationsagainsttheircompetition.

Companieswanttoobtaincapacityatbelow-marketpricing whilestillprovidingexcellentservice.Theywanttoknow wheretheirproductisandwhetherornotloadswillbe deliveredon-scheduleandon-time.

Fortunately,thereisaleadingManagedTransportation Servicescompanythathasbeenthetechnologybackboneof manyofthelargest3PLsformanyyears.Beinganearly pioneerofweb-basedtransportationsolutions,MGN Logistics,Inc.,hascateredtomanyorganizationsallover theworld. Thislogisticsjuggernaut’sinnovativeand proprietaryManagedTransportationSoftware(MTS), continuestooutpacetheircompetitors.

BringingClaritytoCloudyVisibility

Originallylaunchedasafullyautomated,onlinefreight marketplacecalled‘logisticsquote.com’in2000,after exponentialusergrowth,thewebsitewassoldtoagroupof

MGN Logistics’ state-of-the-art, the next-gen platform offers seamless integration into existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or can be implemented as a stand-alone solution.

privateequityinvestorsin2004.Buildinguponthe company’searlysuccess,in2007,MGNacquiredaBostonbasedfreightmanagementcompanyandlaunchedanew MTSplatform.

Withafocusonnextgenerationtechnology,thecompany continuedtodevelopadvancedtransportationmodules, whichincludedpredictivepricing,extensivevisualization metrics,andintelligenttransportationrouting,which outpacedallmajorplayersinthespace.By2009,the companyhadofficesinPhiladelphia,Boston,andOrlando toassistwiththegrowingdemand.

Thenin2013,thecompanyopenedanofficeinSantiago, DominicanRepublictohandlethegrowinginternational needs.2014,thecompanycontinueditsexpansionand acquiredanichetruckloadbrokerageinNewJersey,andin thefollowingyear,madeanotherstrategicacquisitionofa tech-heavyChicago-baseddigitalbrokeragewithaunique proprietarytruckloadpricingapp.

Again,in2018,thecompanyacquiredoneoftheleading parcelauditingandmanagementfirmsinthecountry.Last

year,MGNmadeitsmostrecentacquisitionofaCaliforniabasednichelogisticsfirm.

Today,MGNoperatesremotelywithofficesinPennsylvania,NewJersey,Massachusetts,Florida,California,the DominicanRepublic,andPuertoRico.

WhatMGNbringstotheTable

MGN’scloud-basedplatformsupportsallmodesof transportation,includingtruckload,LTL,ocean,air,rail, intermodal,andparcel,providingcustomerswitha powerfulyeteasy-to-use,singlesolutionfortheirentire supplychain.MGNLogistics’state-of-the-art,next-gen platformoffersseamlessintegrationintoexistingEnterprise ResourcePlanning(ERP)andWarehouseManagement Systems(WMS)orcanbeimplementedasastand-alone solution.

Theservicesincludemodeandcarrierselection,rate optimization,automatedtrackingandtracing,including GPS,freightbillauditing,andpayment,businessintelligenceandutilizestheindustriesonlyblockchainand artificialintelligencemanagedMTSsupportedby sophisticatedanalyticaltoolsusingmachinelearning. MGNprovidesthehighestlevelofconsultingexperience coupledwithtechnologytoimplementbestpractices, compliance,andauditingtomaximizeallavailable opportunitiesforimprovement.

Technology,Innovation,andDedication

MGN’scorevaluesarebasedontechnology,innovation, anddedication.TheserepresentMGN’scorestrengthsand guidingprinciples.MGNlookstotechnologytosolvethe problemsthatexistinthetransportationandlogisticsspace.

Thecompanyexemplifieslookingbeyondcurrently availabletechnologyandcontinuestoinnovatenew conceptsandsolutionsthathavenotpreviouslybeen appliedtothesupplychain.

Andallofthisisdonebyadedicatedteamoftechnology andlogisticsexperts.Ateamnotonlydedicatedtosolutions buttoprovidingclientswiththebestexperiencepossible.

AttheForefrontofInnovation

Similartoeverythingelsetoday,technologyhasdramaticallyimprovedtheresultsofpriorgenerations.Simpletasks todaythatareautomaticallyformulatedorfullycompleted

wereoncedonemanuallyandbyhand,consuming significanttimedelays,exacerbatinginefficiencies,and creatingroadblockstogreatersuccess.

Thelogisticsspaceoverallhasbeenslowtoadoptsomeof thesechanges.Aperfectexamplewouldbetheindustries clingingtoEDItechnologyratherthanadoptingmore diverse,flexible,andpowerfulprotocolsofcommunication.

MGNhasalwaysbeenattheforefrontofinnovatingand haspushedforwardwithmoresophisticatedsolutions,even whenitwasaloneinimplementingthem.Thisnextgenerationtechnologyapproachhasallowedthecompany tostaywellaheadofthetechnologycurveandbecomethe industries’premierMTSprovider.

“GritandDiscipline”

InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccessmagazine,the FounderandCEOofMGNLogistics,MatthewTelesca,

Mahew Telesca Founder & CEO MGN Logiscs

The Logistics Veteran and Visionary Leader

Mahew Telesca is the Founder and CEO of MGN Logiscs. Telesca is a serial entrepreneur and successful businessman, having sold his first logiscs business to a private equity group in his late twenes. Aer early success, Telesca focused on building MGN Logiscs to be one of the supply chain industry’s premier technology companies.

Telesca’s background in finance and logiscs management, as well as soware development, posioned him perfectly to lead an industry that was only in its infancy with technological developments in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

wasaskedifhewouldliketosharesomeadvicetothe buddingentrepreneurswhowouldliketoventureintothe logisticsindustry. Hesaid-“Everyonewantstobesuccessful,andyet,forthemajority,successisveryelusive.Asan entrepreneur,youneedgritanddiscipline,aswellasthe abilitytogetrightbackupwhenyoufail.‘Younevertruly failunlessyoustoptrying’,aquotefromAlbertEinstein,I liveby.”

“Myadvicetobuddingentrepreneurswouldbetobe preparedtoworkaboveandbeyondeveryoneelse.Bethe firstoneintheoffice,thelastonetoleaveandbewillingto dowhateveryoneelseonlytalksaboutdoing.Beprepared tofail;failurecomeswithsuccess,andsuccesscomesfrom hardwork,”addedtheinspiringCEO.

ThePandemicRollout

WhileMGNhasmaintainedphysicalofficesthroughoutthe pandemic,nearlyallitsemployeesworkremotely.Sincethe companyhasbeencloud-basedfromearlyon,thetransition toremoteworkwasrelativelyeasyandstraightforward.

ForMGNcustomersthetransitionwasseamlessaswell, withveryfewevenrecognizingthatMGNLogisticshad switchedtoacompletelyremoteworkenvironment. “Tothisday,weremainfullycommittedtothesafetyofour employeesandcontinuetoremainworkingremotely,” commentedtheastutefounder-MatthewTelesca.

DominatingtheMarketsofFuture

MGNLogisticshasmadenumerousstrategicacquisitions, includingthemostrecentin2021.Asix-timerecipientof Inc. magazine’sprestigiousrecognitionasoneofthe country’sfastestgrowingprivatecompanies,MGNhas continueditsexplosivegrowththroughvariasacquisitions andorganicgrowth.Thisinspiringcompanypromisesto continuelookingformoreacquisitionopportunities.