IT\\\


Issue 1 2019 - Freight Business Journal


27 Tigers leaps into action with freight management system


Hong Kong-headquartered supply chain services enabler Tigers has updated its SmartHub:Connect Cloud-based platform to include a dedicated freight management element. The portal now incorporates freight, e-commerce and logistics (inventory and warehousing) elements in one, offering customers full end-to-end visibility of their supply chain, from transport to e-commerce to fulfillment. SmartHub:Connect is based


around the Microsoſt Azure Cloud computing service, with WiseTech Global’s CargoWise supply chain logistics management solution at its heart. It has a mobile app for those on the move as well as those accessing the platform via their desktop or laptop computer. It offers connectivity to


various e-commerce services and systems, including Amazon, WooCommerce, the Tigers


eShop, big US, European and Australian retailers and couriers via integration partners, as well as to the offerings of the shipping lines and airlines that would be expected of such a platform. It also incorporates a Rejected


Orders Portal that allows users to manage website orders and e-requests using validation rules. “Our platform is unique because


it delivers glass pipeline visibility of both global transportation and e-commerce fulfilment from factory to shop floor,” enthuses Andrew Jillings, Tigers CEO, who has a long history of senior management leadership in global supply chain service providers. “We are a global logistics and


transport company with a history of delivering innovative supply chain and enterprise solutions, and our focus from the outset has been on technology, particularly on disruptive technologies,” he adds.


K+N explores an ocean of digital possibilities


Global supply chain services giant Kuehne + Nagel (K+N) has begun offering new capabilities on its Sea Explorer digital sea freight platform. Representing a “smart gateway for all liner services in container shipping”, Sea Explorer offers coverage on lanes between 1,200 ports “to and from every corner of the world”. The system’s new advanced


path-finding algorithm offers data on lanes between more than 63,000 port pairs that are connected either by 750 direct weekly services or by a multitude of transshipment options. Sea Explorer offers information


on realistic lead times on direct services, which can be compared with carriers’ predicted transit times, allowing users to make real-time decisions on what K+N believes to be “the world’s largest sea freight service network”. Otto Schacht, the member of the


managing board of Kuehne + Nagel International responsible for sea freight, enthuses: “This extension takes Sea Explorer to the next level and complements Kuehne + Nagel’s intelligent sea freight


offering. “With powerful features, like


comparing realistic lead times for direct services and an intuitive navigation, customers will be able to unlock new opportunities for their day-to-day operations.” Moreover, he notes: “For the


first time a platform provides full visibility of CO2


emissions across


carrier and individual services. Also, in the light of the upcoming IMO [International Maritime Organization] 2020 regulations this will enable shippers to contribute towards a green economy and sustainable global maritime transportation.”


Ongoing improvement


K+N first launched the Sea Explorer platform in March 2018 but envisages the product as an evolving entity whose capability will be developed on an ongoing basis. These latest changes to its


capability can be regarded as both evolutionary and revolutionary in nature, Schacht tells FBJ. In terms of the expanded service connectivity


available now on the platform, “Besides port – port connections on any one service we now also show port-port via transhipment ports, and feeder


connections.


We also offer connections to and from key inland locations in China, Europe and the North America,” he observes. “For this Sea Explorer is using an


advanced path-finding algorithm. This algorithm is unique in the market as it searches for the best option per carrier. It prioritises paths with the least amount of transhipments and lowest transit time. It gives priority to connection options that have recently been operated by Kuehne + Nagel.” As for the realistic lead times on


direct services that it offers, this is a revolutionary developments, Schacht declares. “For the first


Moving forward This latest expansion of


SmartHub:Connect’s coverage and capability builds on the success of the platform achieved up till now. It was launched with its first customer in February 2016, and has grown steadily in its use since then. It is now being used by approximately 500 customers based around the world. Its value is multifaceted,


explains Jillings and Tigers’ chief information officer Mark Gatenby, lying principally in the following areas.


First, everything that


Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Tigers itself is Microsoſt Gold- certified, being part of the Microsoſt partner network. Third, the platform is modular


is


required by the shipper is in one place, they point out: capability for international freight shipping, for inventory (warehouse) management and e-commerce fulfillment. Second, it is extremely secure, as


well as being completely compliant with the European Union’s General


and scalable, and incorporates a smart business tool. It not only helps users to manage their supply chain, but also helps them to sell their products, Gatenby says. It offers its users genuine fourth- partly logistics (4PL) capability and, finally, SmartHub:Connect can be deployed extremely quickly – new users can be effectively up and running on the system in just about 24 hours.


Looking ahead


Because of the SmartHub:Connect’s modular format, it is already easily customisable and scalable for customer needs. It also has flexibility built in as standard; for


time, people can compare port – port transit times announced by carriers in proforma service and schedule information with the recently performed lead time (over the last two months). “In addition, Sea Explorer


provides insights on arrival delays of services at the port of discharge. Comparative functionality is enabled to review services based on realistic lead time performance. These lead times are constantly updated. Also, comparative functionalities are enabled to review services based on realistic lead time performance. Customers can now plan their container flows in their supply chain relying on real


example, its virtual warehouse solution will support customers post-Brexit by allowing them to split stock over two distribution centres and support their routeing of orders to the appropriate hub for fulfilment. Such activity is being seen


as more and more efficient today in the UK – Continental Europe market even before any conceivable future Brexit deal, says Tigers managing director – Europe Shahar Ayash. The potential value of new


technologies such as Blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) as they become realisable will also be readily built into the platform, says Gatenby. And, looking ahead, Tigers is


also testing a live quote engine facility, which will give customers access to instant quotes from across the world. Doozee is an integrated shipping rate and quote


objective lead time information for the first time. “ As for the future, the intention


is that Sea Explorer will be further extended with smart features for sea freight supply chains. “For this, Kuehne + Nagel is in close contact with customers which helps to set the right development priorities,” Schacht declares.


Evolving demand


Demand for products such as Sea Explorer is only likely to grow, K+N believes. “Sea freight supply chain planning will always be a challenge, with [so many] reliability issues and uncertainties,” Schacht opines.


engine and tests on the system have so far proved extremely successful, says Jillings. Tigers is hopeful of rolling out the product by the start of 2019, all being well. “The tech-savvy consumer is


ever-more demanding, and with the accelerated digitisation and democratisation of information we must be in a position to support our customers, so that they can deliver for the consumer, and grow and develop into new markets,” Jillings observes. With offices and facilities


throughout the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South Africa Tigers specialises in e-commerce fulfilment, transportation, and


supply chain solutions


worldwide. It has a team of 50 or so developers based in South Africa reporting to Gatenby whose expertise has been fundamental to the growth of SmartHub:Connect.


“Sea Explorer helps customers


to manage these uncertainties and supply chain risks much better. This will then help customers to reduce lead times, to better manage inventory levels and decrease the carbon footprint of their supply chain. “Sustainable and eco-friendly


products are already now very important for consumers and people talk a lot about an eco- friendly last mile logistics. So it is common sense to also put a focus on green sea freight transport. “So the demand for intelligent


features that support supply chain planning will certainly further increase.”


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