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AFS Logistics recognized with two accolades for technology platform
Award-winning AFSmart technology suite honored for providing shippers with critical data for fast decision making
SHREVEPORT, La. (May 30, 2023) –AFS Logistics (afs.net), a non-asset based, non-asset biased third party logistics (3PL) provider, announces it has been named a top 3PL technology company by Inbound Logistics magazine, with its AFSmart suite recognized as a best-in-class solution. AFSmart Audit, one of the tools that makes up the integrated AFSmart package, is also a CIO 100 award winner, named by CIO.com to its annual list of 100 innovative IT solutions that deliver business value.
“Logistics operations face significant challenges, from constant disruptions and complicated pricing to lack of visibility and invoice overcharges,” says Nathan Johnson, Chief Information Officer, AFS Logistics. “AFSmart is the robust technology suite that logistics professionals need to handle logistics data with the level of speed required by today’s complex market.”
The technology suite offers responsive controls, clear visuals and intuitive navigation and search functions for instant access to relevant data, presented through a unified, cohesive user experience. The AFSmart platform consists of several cloud-native tools designed to help logistics professionals automate their operations and more effectively manage their logistics networks across modes of transportation.
• AFSmartAudit (CIO 100 winner) – Freight audit and payment (FAP) processing solution that provides a comprehensive view of freight expenses across modes to uncover and resolve overpayments, billing errors and discrepancies, while identifying new opportunities to streamline processes.
• AFSmartTMS – Transportation management system (TMS) that allows users to stop wasting time searching for critical information and instead rely on an intuitive, state-of-the-art portal that fully integrates with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage everyday freight tasks in one location, from creating quotes and bill of lading documents to confirming shipment information and filing claims.
• AFSmartTrack – Provides full shipment visibility with real-time updates and analytics for all inbound and outbound freight, equipping users with the most informed perspective for critical logistics decisions. Users can get regular, daily reports with key metrics to help manage operations with greater efficiency.
• AFSmartClaim – Automates the creation, tracking and management of overage, shortage and damage (OS&D) claims for faster, easier resolutions and access to additional LTL coverage. Integration with AFSmartTMS allows for easy retrieval of key documents, information, contacts and more.
• AFSmartAnalytics – Provides easy access to a comprehensive range of critical metrics through standard or customized reports, including high-level aggregate data sets and transactional metrics to track lanes, carriers, accessorials, spend, service levels and more.
About Inbound Logistics Top 3PL Technology Companies
Best-in-class technology solutions play leading roles at many third-party logistics providers. The list of 3PL technology companies acknowledges 3PLs offering some of the top technology solutions in the industries.
About CIO 100
The CIO 100 Awards celebrates 100 organizations and the teams within them that are using IT in innovative ways to deliver business value, whether by creating competitive advantage, optimizing business processes, enabling growth or improving relationships with customers. It is an acknowledged mark of enterprise excellence.
About AFS Logistics
AFS Logistics helps more than 1,800 companies across more than 35 countries drive sustained savings and operational improvements, while turning their logistics operations into competitive, customer-centric differentiators. As a non-asset based and non-asset biased 3PL, AFS provides a range of logistics services, featuring freight and parcel audit, parcel cost management, LTL cost management and transportation management, which includes freight brokerage and freight forwarding. Founded in 1982 and employing a team of more than 380 logistics teammates in eight major locations across the U.S. and Canada, AFS is regularly part of the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies. To learn more, visit www.afs.net.
BELTON, MO (December 10, 2024) – KPI Solutions (KPI), a leading supply chain consulting, software, systems integration, and warehouse automation supplier today announced the retirement of Larry Strayhorn and appointment of Michael Cavanaugh as Chief Executive Officer.
Larry serves the material handling industry with a position on the MHI Board of Governors and was a key figure in the 2021 formation of KPI Solutions. His 40+ year career includes executive roles at leading supply chain and enabling technology companies, including WEPCO, Paragon Technologies, TGW, Diamond Phoenix, and Dematic. Going forward, he will join KPI’s Board of Directors and act in an advisory role for the new CEO.
With his unique expertise in operations, finance, and business transformations, Michael will be responsible for enabling a culture of excellence that drives client success, boosting company growth and performance, establishing long-range goals, and strengthening capabilities in engineering and advanced software.
“I am excited to welcome an experienced and accomplished leader who brings a fresh perspective to KPI Solutions and will continue our growth trajectory through a focus on data-driven designs, intelligent software, and best-of-breed automation,” stated Larry Strayhorn, retiring CEO. “Michael thrives on enhancing operational strategy by empowering teams, creating shared vision, and encouraging innovative approaches to problem-solving, ultimately enhancing client success and company value.”
“I look forward to working alongside the talented associates at KPI Solutions to deliver successful projects for our clients, enabling them to meet the challenging needs of the fast-evolving market,” stated Michael Cavanaugh. “As businesses increasingly demand improved throughput and faster fulfillment, KPI is in a unique position to serve clients with innovative engineered designs combined with proven automation and robotic technology, intelligent warehouse execution software, and lifetime services.”
Michael brings over twenty years of executive leadership experience in high-growth companies including Indicor, Honeywell, Smiths Group, Safran, General Electric, and United Airlines. He holds an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a Bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest College.
About KPI Solutions™:
KPI Solutions provides end-to-end supply chain services and automation to transform our clients’ distribution operations. We analyze, design, implement, and support flexible and scalable engineered solutions that optimize order fulfillment, build capacity, and reduce reliance on labor. Our data-driven operations strategy delivers resilient designs and our technology-neutral approach allows a blend of automated technologies for a customized solution. Our comprehensive offerings include consulting, network strategy, engineered facility design, material handling systems integration, robotics, intelligent warehouse software, and lifetime services.
Roboteon, provider of a powerful software platform for warehouse robot enablement, announces breakthrough simulation capabilities in its platform for robotics and other warehouse automation. The new tool help companies make better decisions across multiple time horizons, from initial automation planning through real time execution on the floor.
Interest in Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and other robotics is high, but there remains much uncertainty about use cases, the number of AMRs and humans needed across different time horizons, expected operational improvements, and cost savings from the robotics investment.
Companies also lack tools to optimally balance and release work to the DC floor based on demand and available human and robotic resources.
The good news: Roboteon’s Warehouse Robotics Fulfillment platform addresses all these challenges and more in a way unique in the market , adding a new dimension to the Roboteon platform’s powerful capabilities to integrate, manage, orchestrate, and optimize robot-enabled warehouse processes.
Key features and capabilities of the new simulation tool include:
• The ability to assess the number of robots and humans that will be needed for a potential robotics initiative.
• After the initial deployment, the ability to test different operating plans, such as what is required for peak season success.
• “Digital twin” functionality that enables real-time optimization of resource assignment and order release.
• Native support for multi-client environments, as required by many 3PLs.
• Ability to run simulation using actual past order history or generate synthetic demand based on profiling order patterns without the need to gather all that data.
• Highly flexible configuration parameters for running the simulation, including the facility layout, speed of the robots, speed of human workers, time to complete picks and other work, use of other automation such as goods to person systems, and more.
• More than two dozen metrics generated by the simulation, including cost per pick, lines or unit per hour, robot and human dwell times, and many more.
• Extensive use of machine learning to improve the optimization results over time.
The combination of Roboteon’s simulation capabilities, ease of use, and robot vendor agnostic orchestration provides a breakthrough in the warehouse robotics sector.
Companies would typically work with Roboteon early in a robotics initiative to understand automation options, ROI, costs, as part of the solution design. Once robots have been deployed, the simulator supports short to mid-term planning for placement of robots and humans on the DC floor.
Benefits of Roboteon’s simulation tool include:
• Support for testing and building the business case for automation
• Improved visibility over flexible time-horizons
• Enhanced decision-making based on real-time data
• More consistent ability to meet service-level commitments and client scorecards
• Higher productivity and throughput
“With the release of this simulation tool as part of our Robotics Fulfillment Platform , Roboteon has further enhanced our sector-leading capabilities for successful robotic enablement in the short and long term” said Dan Gilmore, chief marketing officer.
About Roboteon
Roboteon Inc.™ is a unique market innovator whose vision is to enable rapid deployment and efficient operation of robotics in distribution. Our software platform enables interoperability across robotic technologies and vendors. It also optimizes order planning, picking and other process execution while automatically considering dynamic conditions such as robot and human resource capacities on the floor. Combined with deep domain expertise, our technology speeds time-to-value and supports agile change. You can learn more at www.roboteon.com.
Media Contact Dan Gilmore Roboteon dgilmore@roboteon.com
International law firm Reed Smith today published From A2B: Decoding the Global Supply Chain, an in-depth exploration of the rapidly evolving supply chain landscape. The report examines the worldwide forces shaping global logistics today and into the future, offering businesses strategic insights to navigate the challenges and opportunities arising in this increasingly complex field.
Spearheaded by Reed Smith’s global Transportation Industry Group and drawing from the perspectives of the firm’s global network of 30+ offices, the report addresses critical themes that include climate change, regulatory shifts and technological advancements. The guide serves as a roadmap for businesses to stay agile and resilient in the face of global disruptions.
Key themes
Regulatory and compliance challenges. Businesses are navigating a complex web of compliance issues, including the U.S. semiconductor ban, sanctions, antitrust risks, and the EU’s AI Act. National security screenings and money laundering threats further heighten the need for robust risk mitigation strategies.
Technological innovations and future trends. From 3D printing and autonomous ships to augmented reality and digital product passports, cutting-edge technologies are reshaping supply chains. Reed Smith emphasizes balancing innovation with legal and operational considerations.
Environment and sustainability. Sustainability is now central to supply chains, with a focus on green methanol, LNG transitions and deep-sea mining. EU laws and global plastics treaty negotiations are driving ESG integration while green innovation offers new investment avenues.
Financial and investment considerations. Financing innovations, insurance solutions and evolving investment opportunities in shipping and freight are key to managing supply-chain disruptions effectively.
Operational and logistical challenges. From negotiating logistics agreements to addressing HR impacts and managing international employee mobility, businesses must tackle operational hurdles to ensure efficiency.
Jurisdiction-specific supply-chain challenges. Regional nuances, from U.S. state laws and China’s export controls to Middle Eastern drone opportunities and UK trade policies, reflect the global nature of supply chain challenges.
Transportation Industry Group Global Chair Richard Hakes reflects on the unique challenges of this fast-changing field: “The pace of change in the supply chain is relentless. Helping clients through the legal side of it requires a strong understanding of law, but you also need to keep up with all the latest trends, industry developments, technologies and regulations.
“Logistics is going through a massive transformation right now. New technologies are coming in, and customer expectations are changing just as fast. ‘From A2B’ digs into these shifts and gives our clients tools to stay flexible and thrive amid constant change,” Hakes says.
Remarking on how the global supply chain impacts everyday life, Hakes says, “The supply chain isn’t some far-off, industrial concept anymore – it’s something that’s touching us all, right where we live. Every day, the things we buy and use make their way to us through a massive network that spans the globe. It’s something that matters to everyone, whether you’re a consumer, a worker or a business – it’s just part of how we live now.”
As a global law firm, Reed Smith provides strategic advice to transportation and logistics clients in complex regulatory matters, high-stakes litigation and major transactions. By addressing critical topics such as sustainability, digital transformation and compliance, From A2B: Decoding the Global Supply Chain reflects Reed Smith’s commitment to helping clients thrive in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
Reading, Pa. – Nov. 18, 2024 - Penske Truck Leasing is lighting up a new solar-powered initiative seeking to boost efficiency, minimize energy costs, and reduce emissions initially at select truck leasing,truck rental, and truck maintenance locations in the U.S. with the installation and activation of its first-ever rooftop solar-powered systems.
The company’s new state-of-the-art facility in Channahon, Illinois, is now fully operational, and is predominantly powered by an onsite photovoltaic (PV) solar system, expected to generate roughly 80% of the building’s energy needs at 200 KW capacity. Any remaining required energy will be supplied by the local utility provider.
A Grand Rapids, Michigan, location will be active in the coming months and Penske’s Linden, New Jersey, location is expected to go online in 2025. These facilities are also new state-of-the-art locations.
The new facilities incorporating solar systems in Channahon, Illinois, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Linden, New Jersey, are part of the company’s LEED building program.
Under a power purchase agreement with Sunrock Distributed Generation, seven additional Penske facilities in California are expected to be retrofitted with new PV solar systems in the next year, which are expected to yield roughly 600 KW of renewable energy across all locations. These facilities are located in Fresno, Hayward, La Mirada, National City, Riverside, San Diego and San Leandro.
Penske is collaborating with San Francisco-based ForeFront Power as its lead project consultant on this solar initiative.
“Our solar program is an important piece of our renewable energy strategy and ForeFront Power continues to be an outstanding partner in helping us bring these projects to fruition,” said Drew Cullen, senior vice president of fuels and facility services at Penske. “These investments will allow us to directly generate our own renewable energy to power our locations and continue to support our customers with sustainable solutions.”
On average, four solar panel-powered Penske Truck Leasing facilities will generate an estimated 1-million-kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually and will result in an emissions avoidance of 442 metric tons (MT) CO2e, which is equal to powering nearly 90 homes for one year.
“The initiative to install solar systems at our locations is a part of our company’s LEED-certified facilities process,” explained Ivet Taneva, Penske vice president of environmental affairs. “Investing in solar has considerable economic impacts for our operations as well as the environmental benefits of further reducing emissions related to electricity use.”
Penske Truck Leasing is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. A leading provider of innovative transportation solutions, Penske operates and maintains more than 437,000 vehicles and serves its customers from nearly 1,000 maintenance facilities and more than 2,500 truck rental locations across North America. Solutions from Penske include full-service truck leasing, fleet maintenance, truck rentals, used trucks, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit pensketruckleasing.com for more information.
WIXOM, MI, October 14, 2024 - Integrated Systems Design (ISD), a leading provider of innovative material handling solutions, announced today that it has joined MHI's Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) product section group. This strategic move reinforces ISD's commitment to advancing automation technologies to its manufacturing and warehouse customers improving their warehouse, logistics, and supply chain systems.
MHI, the nation's largest material handling, logistics, and supply chain association, welcomes ISD to its AS/RS group, which focuses on promoting the development and implementation of automated storage and retrieval systems across various industries.
By joining this prestigious group, ISD gains access to a collaborative network of industry leaders, enhancing its ability to contribute to and benefit from the latest advancements in AS/RS technologies. This partnership will enable ISD to further refine its product offerings, including its flagship UltraStore Mid-Load AS/RS system, and provide cutting-edge solutions to its customers. ISD has been an integral part in years past leading efforts to create and implement the ANSI standard MH24.1 with the AS/RS product section group.
Ed Romaine, VP Marketing at ISD and former Vice Chair and Chairman of the AS/RS product section, expressed enthusiasm about the new membership: "Rejoining MHI's AS/RS group marks a significant milestone for Integrated Systems Design. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver state-of-the-art automation solutions that drive efficiency and productivity in material handling operations. Our UltraStore Mid-Load AS/RS system, ideal for goods-to-person storage and retrieval of pallet, case, and uniquely sized material, exemplifies the innovation we bring to the industry. We look forward to engaging with fellow industry leaders and contributing our expertise to shape the future of AS/RS technologies."
ISD's membership in the AS/RS group underscores the company's dedication to innovation and its commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends. As a member, ISD will participate in various initiatives, including educational programs, research projects, and industry events that promote the adoption and advancement of automated storage and retrieval systems.
The UltraStore Mid-Load AS/RS system showcases ISD's commitment to developing versatile and efficient solutions. This system is designed to meet the growing demand for flexible, high-density storage options in various industries, offering optimal performance for goods-to-person operations handling diverse load types.
ABOUT INTEGRATED SYSTEMS DESIGN - ISD
Integrated Systems Design is a comprehensive systems integrator of automated solutions for warehouses, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and wholesale applications improving processes and productivity while reducing operational costs. Whether providing consulting services to meet current issues or developing future scalable plans to address industry challenges, ISD creates value for a broad range of industries tailoring systems to clients' specific requirements.
ISD expertise ranges from handling, storing, and picking pieces (eaches), cases, pallets, build lines, and special or custom handling solutions. Products and services include: automatic storage and retrieval (ASRS), conveyor, robotics, batch stations, shuttles, pick-to-light, A-Frames, carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), controls, software (including inventory management, WCS, WMS, MES, and ERP).
About MHI
MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third-party logistics providers. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and MODEX, to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.
For more information about this release, please contact: Ed Romaine, VP Marketing & Bus. Dev., 215-512-2613, eromaine@isddd.com