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InfinityQS Client Survey Reveals 52% of Manufacturers Have Sights Set on Digital Transformation
With manufacturers rebounding from the pandemic, more are now actively looking to invest in digital transformation and prioritizing advanced analytics, IIoT, and cloud technologies
FAIRFAX, Va. – June 1, 2021 – InfinityQS® International, Inc. (InfinityQS), the global authority on data-driven enterprise quality, announced the findings of its 2021 Customer Satisfaction Survey, which revealed more than half of manufacturers now have their sights set on digital transformation to address concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. 52 percent of respondents reported they are currently exploring or already adopting digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational performance, with advanced analytics (24 percent) cited as their top technology priority.
This growth in the number of manufacturers looking to optimize their operations by leveraging digital transformation comes after a challenging year for the industry. Many organizations were forced to put their strategic agendas on hold while they contended with unprecedented operational challenges, market volatility, and economic uncertainty.
Jason Chester, Director of Global Channel Programs at InfinityQS, commented, “The pandemic exposed significant and often widespread operational weaknesses within incumbent manufacturing environments. It brought into sharp relief where legacy systems and outdated processes exacerbated the problems that manufacturers faced, alongside new challenges such as the rapid shift to remote work and supply chain disruption. Digital transformation is the key to addressing these new challenges. Data, for example, is a great way for manufacturers to increase visibility into their operations as it can provide important insights into each stage of the production process. These insights can then be leveraged to make more informed and tactical decisions to secure long-term resilience and growth.”
In addition to advanced analytics, the other most popular technologies on the priority list for respondents included the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and cloud computing. These technologies can support anytime, anywhere access to real-time data for proactive decision-making, enabling manufacturers to maximize performance, respond to fluctuations in demand, ensure flexible operations, and even build resilience for future "black-swan" events—all while maintaining high levels of product quality and safety.
Jason concluded, “For manufacturers to stay ahead of competition and remain at the top of their industry, they need to constantly adapt to their environment by making tactical digital investments. It is great to see the majority are rebounding from the pandemic and embracing digital transformation to increase their agility and maintain competitive edge. Companies that do so are better equipped to improve their operations at a faster speed and even anticipate changes before they occur.”
About InfinityQS International, Inc.
For over 30 years, InfinityQS has been the leading global provider of Manufacturing Quality Intelligence software and services. Powered by a robust Statistical Process Control (SPC) analytics engine, the company’s solutions—Enact® and ProFicient™—deliver unparalleled visibility and strategic insight across the enterprise, from the shop floor to the boardroom. This extensive deep-dive capability enables manufacturers to improve product quality; decrease cost and risk; improve compliance; and make strategic, data-driven business decisions. Headquartered near Washington, D.C. and with offices in Seattle, London, and Beijing, InfinityQS has thousands of customers around the world, including Ball Corporation, Boston Scientific, Graham Packaging, and Medtronic. For more information, visit www.infinityqs.com.
With a free signup, businesses gain access to over 1,000 vetted partners across 4,000+ locations, helping users to access container availability and pricing insights on 10,000+ routes at no cost.
This exposure helps businesses access real-time trusted information and insights to help make informed operating decisions and trusted container transactions, thereby gaining more control over the negotiation process.
Survey: Trust and transparency, cornerstones of resilience for container logistics
Container xChange conducted a survey in January 2025, with participation from 800 representatives of container trading businesses from around the globe. The results revealed that 78% of container trading companies are facing challenges in establishing trusted partnerships due to ongoing geopolitical and trade challenges.
“My first purchase of containers was a fraud, and I lost $11000 in one transaction when I started my journey in container trading. We believe that the biggest challenge in this industry is trust. xChange helps us establish trusted relationships without having the risk of fraud, that gives the buyer a real sense of security.” shared Denise chavez, Container Chiq, a shipping container supplier based in California, United States, in a fireside session conducted in December 2024 by Container xChange.
Additionally, 81% of respondents confirm that they are focusing on two key operational strategies this year: finding trustworthy partners to face these geopolitical uncertainties and enhancing transparencyin container pricing and availability data.
These strategies are crucial as businesses grapple with pressing challenges in 2025, including:
Tariff wars.: The implications of tariffs (and resulting counter tariffs) continue to create uncertainty in international trade.
Ongoing trade and military conflicts: These conflicts exacerbate the difficulties in forming reliable partnerships.
Chokepoints at critical locations: Issues at key transit points such as the Panama Canal and the Red Sea, often influenced by climate conditions and geopolitical tensions, further complicate logistics, thereby creating a need for diversions and alternate routes.
This survey presents the urgency for solutions that promote transparency and foster trust in the container trading market. Container xChange's initiative to launch a free One-Way leasing network directly addresses these challenges by providing businesses with access to a vast network of vetted partners and real-time data on container availability and pricing.
“We're on xChange daily. When we see better offers or new partners, we accept them immediately online instead of searching through random chat groups.” said Gulnur Maksutova from Railship Global (UK).
“The current global geopolitical landscape has introduced significant complexities for container trading and leasing businesses. In recent years, we have witnessed a surge in interest towards new sourcing locations and alternative trade routes, resulting in heightened activity on our platform. By offering free access to our platform, we’re addressing the industry’s biggest challenge—building trust and connecting with reliable partners. This initiative democratizes access to key tools and insights, empowering businesses to face uncertainties with transparency, efficiency, and confidence, a vital step in advancing our mission to simplify global trade logistics," shared Christian Roeloffs, co-founder and CEO of Container xChange.
This initiative aims to improve transparency and accessibility in the shipper-owned container (SOC) leasing market. SOC containers provide businesses with greater flexibility and control over their logistics, especially in a volatile market like now. “With our free access initiative, we’re enabling companies to adopt SOC leasing strategies with ease, backed by real-time data and a trusted partner network.” shared Roeloffs.
“With this effort, our objective is to create trust in a market that is inherently risky. ” added Roeloffs.
●Market Price Visibility: Access transparent price ranges for one-way leasing to make informed decisions.
●Global Partner Network: Connect with over 1,700 vetted suppliers across 2,500 locations based on routes and business needs.
"Whenever we explore a new route, xChange connects us with multiple suppliers instantly. It saves us days of effort," shared Teresa Tang from Dele International Logistics (China).
Container xChange is a leading neutral online marketplace for container trading, leasing, and management. Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, xChange connects over 1,700 trusted partners across 2,500 locations worldwide, simplifying logistics for businesses in the shipping and container industry. With innovative tools that enhance transparency, efficiency, and trust, xChange empowers companies to optimize costs, reduce risks, and access real-time insights on container availability and pricing.
PITTSBURGH, PA / CINCINNATI, OH –January 23, 2025 – Freespace Robotics, an innovator in autonomous robotics for material handling and logistics, today announced a strategic partnership and investment from the Automation Solutions business of Matthews International Corporation (NASDAQ:MATW), a leading provider of warehouse automation software, controls, and order fulfillment systems. This partnership combines Freespace Robotics’ groundbreaking high-density, dynamic storage cube with Matthews’ industry-leading software, unlocking transformative capabilities for warehouse and last-mile operations.
Freespace Robotics’ pioneering solution leverages advanced robotics to deliver high-turnover, small-footprint, high-rise AS/RS (Automate Storage and Retrieval System) technologies. These innovations incorporate traditionally external conveyor functions – such as sortation, sequencing, each-picking, order buffering and pre-staging – into a seamless end to end operation. Combined with Matthews robust software suite and dashboard, which unify product information and inbound and outbound material flows, the Freespace solution offers unmatched versatility across diverse industries and specialized workflows. Together the companies are poised to strengthen core processes and improve KPIs for efficiency, scalability, throughput and cost-effectiveness.
“This partnership bridges the gap between cutting-edge hardware and proven software,” said Gary Cash, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Matthews Automation. “Freespace Robotics brings next-generation automated hardware advancements that complement and extend our software’s capabilities to achieve unprecedented order management and task efficiency in warehouse operations. Over the last decade, customers have experimented with automating some or all their logistics and warehouse operations, to varying degrees. Today they are more discerning in their choices and investments. We see Freespace as delivering on the promise of greater versatility and performance with a smart systems approach and the higher ROI customers expect.”
The collaboration will emphasize software interoperability and multi-system integration driven by customer need. Together, the companies aim to address the unique challenges of fragmented cross-docking operations and meet the specialized needs and workflows in sectors like 3PL, e-commerce, food, beverage, manufacturing and industrials.
“Software innovation has outpaced hardware advancements in warehouse automation,” said Robert J. Szczerba, CEO of Freespace Robotics. “Our system closes that gap by delivering unparalleled performance, flexibility and scalability in a more sustainable solution. Matthews’ expertise and proven software enhance our system, enabling us to supercharge automation for the most demanding industries while offering a more attractive total cost of ownership.”
Key benefits of Matthews Automation’s turn-key software suite paired with Freespace Robotics’ AS/RS:
End-to-End Task Management: Seamlessly integrates with industry-standard WMS platforms like Manhattan, Oracle, and SAP to handle inventory management, order picking, and replenishment.
Scalable, Modular Design: Adapts to diverse facility configurations, uneven floors, and unconventional layouts with high-rise options up to 70 feet. The modular rack design enables vertical and horizontal expansion to meet future business requirements, unknown demands and changing product characteristics without demolition, retrofitting, or new builds.
Cost-Effective Maintenance: Robotics and components are positioned outside the cube for easy servicing, while domestically sourced parts ensure reliability, availability and resilience.
Versatile Inventory Handling: Supports standard and large trays, full cases, and individual each-picks, accommodating loads up to 100 pounds.
Sustainable Operation: Powered by rail systems, eliminating costly and fire-prone battery dependencies while reducing environmental costs, fire risk and insurance outlays.
Shipping Buffers: Optimizes operations with seamless sorting, buffering and sequencing in a single process inside the cube for timed delivery to docks
Cross-Docking Operations: Reduces labor, equipment needs, and operational footprints while improving safety on the floor.
Last-Mile Delivery Potential: A mobile version brings goods directly to drivers in dolly order, eliminating the need to enter the trucks. This offers breakthrough performance for multi-stop delivery operations, minimizing shift time, labor and fuel costs and mid-route rescheduling.
Matthews Automation Solutions joins United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X)(“U.S. Steel”) and 3PL leader NFI Industries as corporate investors in Freespace Robotics. Matthews’ decades of expertise and 24×7 system support, paired with Freespace Robotics’ groundbreaking technology, positions this partnership to transform logistics and warehousing operations while setting new standards of efficiency, adaptability, performance and reliability.
Freespace Robotics will also showcase its solutions at the prestigious Startup Pavilion, in booth E11200SP, during ProMat 2025, North America’s largest conference and expo for material handling and logistics professionals. The event is being held March 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
ProMat attendees can find Matthews Automation’s latest advances in Warehouse Execution System software, picking systems, and print-and-apply labeling automation at booth S4355, found in Hall A of McCormick’s South Building. Matthews’ exhibit will feature these integrated technologies – including the Freespace solution – working together to provide scalable, end-to-end applications for dynamic supply chains.
About Freespace Robotics
Freespace Robotics, a spin-out company of venture studio Carnegie Foundry, is a leading innovator in autonomous robotics solutions for the logistics and warehousing industry. By combining advanced robotics, modular design, and unmatched versatility, Freespace Robotics delivers breakthrough advances that redefine how businesses approach storage, retrieval, order fulfillment and the movement of goods. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Freespace Robotics thrives at the intersection of industrial innovation and artificial intelligence. To learn more about Freespace Robotics, please visit www.freespacerobotics.com.
WALNUT, CA, Jan. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Armlogi Holding Corp. (“Armlogi” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BTOC), a U.S.-based warehousing and logistics service provider that offers a comprehensive package of supply-chain solutions related to warehouse management and order fulfillment, today announced the integration of Amazon Shipping into its suite of shipping solutions. This new addition is expected to enhance Armlogi’s shipping capabilities, providing customers with more efficient and cost-effective options for parcel delivery.
Since its launch last week, Amazon Shipping has already enabled Armlogi to handle thousands of parcels daily. This service supports Armlogi’s commitment to offering versatile, reliable logistics solutions by ensuring timely pickup and delivery for a broad range of customer needs. Amazon Shipping is particularly noted for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to optimize their shipping and distribution strategies.
“The adoption of Amazon Shipping marks a significant enhancement in our logistics operations,” said Aidy Chou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Armlogi. “This service is expected to allow us to expand our shipping capabilities and provide our customers with additional low-cost, reliable shipping options. It’s an essential part of our strategy to continually adopt innovations that enhance service quality and operational efficiency.”
This new shipping channel is expected to improve customer satisfaction by providing more flexible delivery options and maintaining the reliability that Armlogi's clients have come to expect. The Company anticipates this enhancement will support ongoing growth and strengthen its position as a leader in the logistics sector.
About Armlogi Holding Corp.
Armlogi Holding Corp., based in Walnut, CA, is a fast-growing U.S.-based warehousing and logistics service provider that offers a comprehensive package of supply-chain solutions relating to warehouse management and order fulfillment. The Company caters to cross-border e-commerce merchants looking to establish overseas warehouses in the U.S. market. With eleven warehouses covering over three and a half million square feet, the Company offers comprehensive one-stop warehousing and logistics services. The Company’s warehouses are equipped with facilities and technology for handling and storing large and bulky items. For more information, please visit www.armlogi.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jan. 8, 2025 – Dematic is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 Dematic STEM Scholarship Program, presented in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). In its second year, this program highlights Dematic’s commitment to cultivating science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) innovators and its strong ties to the Grand Rapids community.
As a supply chain automation and software solutions provider, STEM is a core component of Dematic’s business. By supporting STEM students, Dematic is empowering the next generation of supply chain automation leaders.
“Investing in STEM education is essential to shaping the future of our industry and supporting innovation,” says Mike Larsson, President, Dematic, and KION Group Executive Board Member. “Grand Rapids has been our home for decades, and we’re proud to give back to the community that has been integral to our success. Supporting these students as they pursue their education at GRCC and is an honor and a privilege.”
Dematic invited GRCC students to apply by writing a short essay answering the question, “How does supply chain technology positively impact society?” The selection committee reviewed the applications, and each recipient was awarded $2,000 to support their studies.
The scholarship recipients from GRCC include:
Name
Hometown
Academic Pathway
Jeremy Agramonte Mejia
Azua, Dominican Republic
Nursing
Andrew Anderson
Middleville, Mich.
Engineering
Thanakrit Asawasuwannakul
Bangkok, Thailand
Computer Information Systems
Rosa Le
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Packaging
Muhamed Otajagic
Kentwood, Mich.
Cybersecurity
“The reliance on innovative technologies is crucial to enhance operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and respond to consumer demands more effectively,” wrote Le in her essay. “These technologies improve business operations and contribute to a positive social impact, such as reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.”
Dematic introduced its STEM Scholarship Program last year by awarding $1,000 each to five Grand Valley State University (GVSU) students. The scholarship celebrated the 10th anniversary of GVSU’s Mary Idema Pew Library and its Dematic Automated Storage Retrieval System (AS/RS) installation.
About Dematic
Dematic designs, builds, and supports intelligent automated solutions empowering and sustaining the future of commerce for its customers in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. With research and development engineering centers, manufacturing facilities, and service centers located in more than 26 countries, the Dematic global network of over 10,000 employees has helped achieve successful customer installations for some of the world’s leading brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION Group, one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions.
NORD’s specialized solutions for the poultry and meat processing industry are highly reliable, cost-effective, and built to withstand harsh wash-down environments.
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS will once again be exhibiting at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), the world’s largest annual poultry and meat processing industry event. This year’s convention will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA January 28-30, 2025. NORD offers a modular product system with over 20,000,000 standard options, enabling configuration of solutions that precisely meet application requirements without the need for costly custom components. Their poultry and meat processing solutions include hygienic, smooth surface gear motors, versatile electronic motors, intelligent variable frequency drives, drop-in ready overhead conveyor drives, and more.
Visit IPPE Booth B38075 to discuss these solutions and more with NORD experts:
Smooth Surface Gear Units and Motors
NORD utilizes a high-strength, lightweight, aluminum alloy for their smooth surface gear units and motors. The material offers high cooling capacity for thermal conductivity and innate corrosion resistance for additional surface protection. Smooth surface UNICASE™ gear units are highly durable and fully enclose all gear components and bearing points within the housing for a smooth, hygienic surface that is easy to clean and stands up to harsh wash-down environments. Available gear units include NORDBLOC.1® helical inline gear units, NORDBLOC.1® helical bevel 93.1 series gear units, UNIVERSAL SMI worm gear units, and the DuoDrive integrated gear unit and motor. NORD smooth surface motors can be combined with any of their gear units and offer additional protection options such as potted terminal boxes, condensation drain holes, and moisture resistant varnish-dipped windings to keep moisture and unwanted debris from entering the unit.
Overhead Conveyor Drives
Overhead conveyor drives feature high quality components, heavy-duty construction, and an output mounting flange and shaft designed with industry-standard footprints for easy drop-in replacement. They are engineered with a standard VL3 spread bearing design with oil safe dry cavity that enables high overhung loads and thrust loads to be efficiently absorbed, extending bearing life and reducing maintenance. The internal gearing is further protected with an optimized oil leakage protection system with QUADRILIP™ seals and an oil sight glass or optional oil proximity sensor. H1 low- and high-temperature food-grade lubricants are also available to withstand the harsh, hygienic environments commonly found in food processing applications.
Screw Conveyor Package
NORD’s Screw Conveyor Package is a compact, cost-effective drive solution available for UNICASE parallel 1/3shaft gear units and UNICASE helical bevel gear units. Closely stepped ratios combined with a direct motor or NEMA C-face input adapter eliminate the need for top motor mounts, pulleys, belts, or guards, effectively minimizing backstock parts and enabling easier system maintenance. This design results in increased reliability, durability, and superior drive performance with greater direct torque transfer. The package additionally includes a QUADRILIP sealing system, a standard CEMA flange and shaft assembly, as well as versatile mounting options with multiple bolt patterns.
IE5+ Synchronous Motors
IE5+ synchronous motors feature permanent magnet technology, enabling constant torque and high efficiency over a wide speed range, even at partial loads and low speeds. The non-ventilated variant (TENV) offers a compact, hygienic design with smooth surfaces for high corrosion resistance and easy cleaning. When supplied as part of a complete gear unit, IP69K rating is available for further protection against moisture and chemicals. Thanks to their constant high efficiency, IE5+ synchronous motors lower operating and maintenance costs and reduce the number of system variants.
DuoDrive Integrated Gear Unit and Motor
DuoDrive integrated gear unit and motor combines the high efficiency of IE5+ synchronous motors with a single-stage helical gear unit in one compact, smooth surface housing optimized for easy installation and space utilization. Full Plug-and-Play capabilities enable fast commissioning and minimum downtime when servicing or replacing units. Their high system efficiency of up to 92% results in a significant reduction in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a fast Return on Investment (ROI). They additionally feature high power density, quiet operation, and are available with IP69K ingress protection.
NORDAC ON/ON+
NORDAC ON/ON+ variable frequency drives are engineered to meet the special requirements of horizontal conveyor technology. They feature a version compatible with IE3 asynchronous motors (NORDAC ON) as well a version optimized for use with IE5+ synchronous motors (NORDAC ON+). The product series is characterized by an integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface, full pluggability for fast commissioning, and dynamic PLC functionality for drive-related functions, making it a compact, cost-effective solution for IIoT environments.
Learn more about NORD’s poultry and meat processing solutions featured at IPPE by visiting digital-trade-fair.nord.com/en-us/ippe.