FREIGHTSOFTWAREGUIDE\\\
Fargo Systems takes a look at developments and trends within the freight soſtware industry
The shipping and transport industries, like every other business sector, are having to rethink IT in light of advances such as Cloud Computing and “virtualisation.” For businesses IT has typically been time- and capital-intensive with firms buying their own hardware and soſtware, paying IT personnel to maintain and update it, and then renewing the equipment every few years. The latest advances are seeing IT provision evolve more along the lines of an out-sourced utility like electricity and gas, paid for as you go.
Cloud’s flexibility and its ease of
access by any mobile web browser make it of particular interest to carriers who increasingly rely on continuous updates of technologies such as GPS, and of those which give the status of the vehicles and of the cargo in their system. Cloud gives access to vast
computing resources hosted by providers such as Google, that users connect to and use as and when they need. Soſtware providers deliver your application, already developed to your needs, via the Cloud or the SaaS (Soſtware as a Solution) route. Instead of holding information on its own servers, a company’s data
AEB (International) Ltd
AEB is one of Europe’s leading providers of supply chain management software and has been delivering solutions to customers for over 30 years. The company has over 6,000 customers worldwide, supported by offices in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore and the US. AEB’s core product, ASSIST4, is the comprehensive
solution suite for all logistics processes in global business. ASSIST4 supports each business at the right place to facilitate efficient logistics operations as well as compliant global trading. ASSIST4 creates transparency and provides a reliable basis for making the right decisions about the planning, monitoring, control and continual optimisation of supply chain networks – from procurement and distribution to fulfilment - even beyond the boundaries of the business. The system offers a modular software set-up, flexible integration capabilities and different delivery options, including computing centre hosting and software-as-a-service (SaaS). Many companies run separate software systems
for different parts of their supply chain operations. With ASSIST4 it is possible to operate a single system for end-to-end logistics, including international goods movements, making it possible to standardise and automate business processes in supply chain execution. ASSIST4’s wide range of modules comprises Warehouse Management, Transport & Freight Management, Customs Management, Compliance & Risk Management and a Visibility & Collaboration Platform. Transport requires preparation – and follow-up:
ASSIST4 Transport & Freight Management streamlines processes, frees up manpower, minimises freight costs and maximises cash flows. Sales orders are consolidated and the most affordable carrier is selected, for both procurement and distribution. Automatic prompts guide users through all requirements for documentation, packaging and electronic messaging. Effective control of your transport costs and options is provided at all times through advance freight cost calculations and automated billing processes, using self-billing and e-billing strategies. ASSIST4 supports your business within and alongside
the supply chain and is geared towards increasing operational efficiency, streamlining workflows,
automating processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, reducing supply chain costs and facilitating continued business growth. Discover the benefits of ASSIST4 and visit
www.aeb-
international.co.uk, or contact info@aeb-international.
co.uk, or call +44 (0)1926 801 250.
AEB (International) Ltd Pure Offices Plato Close Tachbrook Park Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV34 6WE Tel. ++44 (0)1926 801 250 E-mail:
info@aeb-international.co.uk URL:
www.aeb-international.co.uk
Airport Bureau Systems
http://www.abs2000.co.uk +44 (0) 1784 425400
Albacore
www.albacore.co.uk/ 023 8073 7100
Artisan Brandt
www.artisan-brandt.co.uk/ Tel: 020 8760 9173
Association of Freight Software Suppliers (AFSS)
Formed in 1993, the Association of Freight Software Suppliers brings together and represents the majority of leading suppliers of software to the freight and transportation industry. Members of AFSS supply not only software but also hardware, communications and consultancy to companies of all sizes involved in freight, customs broking and international trade. Members conform to a published code of conduct.
Contact: Ken Gower Tel: +44 (0)1474 703453 Email:
kg@afss.org.uk www.afss.org.uk
and websites are hosted on the provider’s servers. Even though the web-browser
tools that are used to access the Cloud may not have programmes installed on them, “virtualisation”
means the tool looks as if, for example, Windows or Linux are running on it so end-users feel familiar with the browser tool. The Cloud approach certainly
seems to be here to stay. One industry forecast is that SaaS revenue will top US$12 billion in 2011 (from $10 billion in 2010) and reach $21.3 billion by 2015. Hemant Patel, joint managing at
director Fargo Systems,
which specialises in soſtware solutions for the shipping and transport industries, says: “Cloud computing will continue to grow. It allows companies to outsource their IT, drastically reduces the capital costs of equipment purchase, offers the security of maintenance and warranty programmes and back-up, and is suitable for companies of any
ASM
Issue 3 2012 The future’s all up in the Cloud
size.” For the transport and logistics
sectors the systems are highly attractive as they allow total mobility throughout the logistics chain. Whether at a conference, with a customer, on a sales trip, in a hotel, at home or on the road, personnel can use their iPhone, smart Android phone, laptop or other Windows mobile device to access all the data available to them on their office desktop. The future will also be built
around higher speed and greater efficiency, typically using 64- bit processing and advances in internet access via Wifi and 3G. Hemant Patel continues: “The
main operating systems for back- end database processing are still likely to be based around MS Windows Server and various
Unix Flavours such as Linux and SCO-Unix. End-user tools will be mainly based around mobile and tablet-based devices running Android, Windows 7 or Apple iOS. “For the freight sector these
IT changes will be significant thanks to the declining cost of new technology and an increased awareness among transport operators of the technology’s potential benefits. “IT advances could deliver
even greater gains for non- integrated as
intermodal electronic users documentation
replaces the paper trail that follows cargo movements, and as customer service and status requests take place via electronic data interchange.”
www.fargosystems.com
Helping customers exceed the demands of today and meet the challenges of the future A mutual company limited by guarantee, ASM is
ASM (UK) Limited - the leading provider of customs clearance and data management soſtware for the freight forwarding community, focused on international trade and actively representing its customers’ technology-related interests. Dedicated to providing a one-stop soſtware and
representative solution across the international freight supply chain, ASM commissions, develops and supports efficient, cost-effective soſtware systems designed to match its customers’ complex requirements. This also includes facilitating links and functionality between freight forwarders, their business partners and community systems. Offering unbiased representation to enable freight
forwarders to have an ‘industry voice’, ASM ensures their interests are represented and recognised. This includes promoting customers’ interests and representing their technology-related interests on key committees and institutions. ASM’s unique role among freight soſtware suppliers enables them to actively represent its customers (plus the wider freight forwarding community) in IT-related matters at national and local level with both government and industry. ASM’s UK-based Help Desk Team provides
unrivalled support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and approaches every issue from a business viewpoint. Incorrect or delayed information costs money. That’s why ASM is dedicated to providing a single point of reference for customers’ problems, and that includes downstream or third-party issues. Through
continuously monitoring, reviewing
and evaluating the impact of new legislation and the potential effect on freight forwarders business coupled with the ability to ‘horizon scan’ for prospective or forthcoming legislation, ASM ensures there are no ‘surprises’ for its customers.
owned by its users, with an elected board of working freight executives who voluntarily perform their duties. Without equity holders to satisfy or short-term profitability goals, ASM works for the benefit of its stakeholders - its members. With profits re-invested in the business, ASM is uniquely placed to devote the time and effort needed to provide freight forwarders with active industry representation and cost effective soſtware solutions. In 1986 ASM was formed as a representative body
for the air freight industry by the Institute of Freight Forwarders (now BIFA). With the introduction of CHIEF in 1994, ASM commissioned its first soſtware, ASM2000, to provide forwarders with an affordable customs clearance solution. Subsequently, ASM moved soſtware development in-house, constantly evolving its solution through ASM2000NT and GeMS to meet changing legislative and customer requirements for customs clearance solutions. Freight forwarding in the 21st century requires a ‘new generation solution’ ASM has now developed the unique Sequoia
Customs Clearance Platform. Designed to match the freight forwarding demands of today and in the future, Sequoia provides the highest levels of productivity, connectivity, compliance and reliability. Sequoia’s design, architecture and function meets the demands of freight forwarders today and tomorrow. With outstanding soſtware, an authoritative industry
voice and an unrivalled 24x7 Help Desk, ASM is the optimum solution for the freight forwarding industry.
Key Contact: Peter MacSwiney Email:
Peter.Macswiney@
asm.org.uk Agency Sector Management (UK) Ltd. Ashford House 41-45 Church Road Ashford, Middlesex TW15 2TQ Telephone: +440)1784 242200 Web site:
http://www.asm.org.uk/
ATMS
http://www.atmsglobal.com/ +44 121 628 9000
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