412: Maximize Warehouse Efficiency and Profitability, with CargoWise

Martin Hespeler & Graham Burford talk about warehouse management; challenges & opportunities; & how tech is helping logistics providers navigate market forces.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [08.21] Introductions to Martin and Graham, and their roles at CargoWise and AWA Logistics. [09.54] The traditional approach to warehousing and how, and why, that approach has evolved. “The traditional methods are in the rear-view mirror, and we’re moving quite quickly with technology.” “In years past, people would ask ‘how do I reduce my labor cost?’… Since the pandemic, the conversation has shifted dramatically to ‘how do I optimize?’ because labor is not readily available anymore.” [13.10] How the pandemic, and other disruptions, have driven change; and a closer look at the current logistics and warehouse management environment. “The industry has changed, but the labor force has also changed, and that’s the biggest thing we’re seeing with automation. We’re being driven by the labor.” [15.38] The biggest challenges logistics providers face now, as they balance a rapidly changing market with a dated infrastructure. “Now, many companies are dealing with the reverse logistics component which has been a nightmare, quite frankly, for decades!” “One of the big things we’re starting to be managed on is opportunity cost. If we haven’t returned or delivered in a certain KPI, what does that lost opportunity cost? Customers now aren’t just looking at freight spend or delivery cost, they’re looking at the time in transit and what a lost sale is costing them.” [21.51] The importance of thinking about warehousing from a cross-border perspective and updating the traditional approach so that logistics providers are cross-border adept. “When you can provide visibility to both the logistics provider and their customer, it’s extremely powerful.” “We’re starting to see a lot of manufacturers move production to Mexico and other Central American countries to get access to this market, and to avoid additional duties and taxes.” [27.49] How CargoWise is creating a highly integrated and capable global solution; and why thinking on a global scale is crucial. “It’s all about the data… without data being in a system that can transmit electronically to multiple countries and systems, we can’t move cargo. Having a database and resource that allows us, not only to have that data accessible but in the correct format to transmit it, is critical.” [33.10] The importance of market awareness and keeping that global thinking approach, when it comes to sustainable growth and expansion. [35.57] How CargoWise technology is helping AWA logistics to optimize, stay competitive, and navigate unpredictable global market forces. “The technology has allowed us to continue to be competitive in the market… it’s really changed us from a manual process… It’s taken out 12 hours of pick time, on one lane, per week… and we’ve cut down our errors by 80%.” [41.22] How CargoWise has created an effective communication process for AWA Logistics, helping them to expand their business. [45.55] The key warehouse management trends we should be paying attention to, and Martin and Graham’s advice for organizations as they think about the years ahead. “Integrated solutions, with centralized data management, is key.” “You have to be really forward thinking – if you’re not looking for what’s coming next, you’re not with the right provider.”   RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to CargoWise’s website now to find out more, or download their FREE Global Warehousing eBook. You can also connect with CargoWise and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, YouTube, X (Twitter) or Facebook, or you can connect with Martin or Graham on LinkedIn. If you want to hear more from CargoWise, you’re in luck! Check out 406: Unlock the Opportunities of Cross-Border Ecommerce, with CargoWise, 346: Enable and Empower Your Supply Chain, with WiseTech, 367: Going Beyond Visibility – Unveiling The Invisible, 369: From Chaos To Clarity: Simplifying Global Customs Compliance, 371: Going Beyond Visibility – From Risk to Resilience: How Technology Is Transforming Global Supply chains, or 373: Going Beyond Visibility – Culture and Digitization.