Logistics

Rising costs are the main challenge for supply chain, finds report

Vaibhav Vohra. (Image source: Epicor)

The 2024 Agility Index research study by Epicor and Nucleus Research reveals that nearly half of companies in the make, move, and sell industries consider rising costs as the primary challenge for supply chains.

More than half of these companies are using artificial intelligence, automation, or machine learning in at least one supply chain management application to tackle these issues. Notably, 63% of high-growth businesses — those with a revenue increase of 20% or more over the past three years — have already implemented generative AI in their supply chain operations to manage costs and operational challenges.

Nucleus Research surveyed over 1,700 supply chain management leaders globally to explore how they are utilising advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to overcome challenges like supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and skilled labour shortages. The study also highlighted planned future investments in these technologies.

“When workers are empowered to spend more time innovating — what humans do best — that’s where the real value creation happens. That is agility,” said Vaibhav Vohra, chief product and technology officer at Epicor. “Our 2024 Agility Index underscores the growing adoption of AI and other automation technologies as an essential factor in enabling supply chain businesses to better thrive and compete. These cognitive capabilities are coming together to empower workers and their businesses to more readily adapt to shifting market conditions and better serve their customers.”

Survey highlights

Survey respondents indicated they are integrating generative AI into digital supply chain operations across various functions such as product descriptions, customer service chatbots, natural language querying, reporting, and in-application assistance. Specifically, the adoption of generative AI in customer service chatbots, noted by 72% of organisations, is highlighted as the most prevalent use case. This widespread implementation is attributed to the technology's ability to streamline customer interactions across various sectors.

Similarly, 67% of organisations currently employ generative AI for crafting product descriptions, leveraging the technology's capacity to analyse customer sentiment and forecast market demand. This enables a more informed approach to product design and feature development.

Businesses are widely adopting machine learning, particularly in inventory optimisation (45%) and demand forecasting (40%), highlighting the importance of these technologies in managing stock levels and accurately predicting future demand.

Survey respondents indicated that the most anticipated benefits of automation technologies are increased efficiency and productivity (32%), cost savings (26%), and enhanced supply chain automation (23%). This demonstrates a strong confidence in the potential of these technologies to bring substantial improvements in supply chain management.

Sohar Port and Freezone enhances safety and emergency response

Sohar Port and Freezone has announced the operational launch of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation (SERO). (Image source: Sohar Ports)

Sohar Port and Freezone has announced the operational launch of the Sohar Emergency Response Organisation (SERO).

This strategic initiative represents a comprehensive and advanced approach to emergency response and safety at Sohar Port, with the capabilities to address a wide range of incidents within the industrial area. The organisation is operated by Unity Fire and Safety, a company that specialises in safety and emergency response.

Increasing collaboration

Through its mutual aid agreement, SERO extends its coverage to effectively handle additional scenarios, with the support of Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) and OQ.

This strategic initiative represents a robust method for emergency response and safety at Sohar Port, ensuring readiness for various incidents within the industrial zone. Unity Fire and Safety operates SERO, and through a mutual aid agreement, it extends its response capabilities to include the support of CDAA and OQ.

This partnership is part of a Public-Private Partnership that includes collaborations with both global and local entities, such as the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. This collaboration aims to ensure efficient emergency responses at the port. Key aspects of this partnership include advanced equipment and training, regulatory compliance, updated emergency regulations, and the implementation of an Emergency Response Plan aligned with international safety standards and best practices.

Captain Majid bin Saif bin Mohammed Al Barahi, Director General of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, said, “With the launch, we are prioritising the safety and protection of people above all. This initiative goes beyond traditional measures, significantly boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses. It serves as a robust framework, seamlessly safeguarding both individuals and the continuity of essential operations during challenging times.”

Batti bin Mohammed Al Shibli, harbour master of Sohar Port commented, “By embracing innovative practices and cutting-edge technology, the organisation is setting new industry benchmarks for safety and establishing a gold standard for operational excellence. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety, resilience, and efficiency within Sohar. Paving a future where emergencies are met with unparalleled preparedness and adaptability.”

The organisation has undertaken a series of emergency drills over the past few months, with the support of various partners within the system, in collaboration with the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety District team from the Port of Rotterdam, as well as a team from the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority. Furthermore, an audit was conducted to assess the system`s readiness in partnership with the technical partner, Kappetijn, ensuring the highest standards of efficiency and readiness.

How digital twin technology can enhance transportation management

A banner for the webinar with a train in the background and the title over the top reading 'Reimaging rail, road and transport operations'

The webinar will gather industry experts to discuss the growing role of technology in rail, road and transit operations. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

Technical Review Middle East will be hosting a free-to-view leadership virtual panel on 11 June in association with Bentley, exploring how to maximise productivity and achieve better results in transportation management by integrating digital twin technology

The transport sector in the Middle East and Africa is undergoing a transformative journey in line with consumer pressures and international influences. The growing urgency to minimise environmental impact in all sectors, the importance of delivering safe operations and the pressure to ensure interoperability among new systems across the region are but a few of the demands stakeholders tasked with delivering the transport systems of tomorrow must deliver on.

In performing this duty and re-imagining rail, road and transit operations for the benefit of all, industry leaders are being ever-drawn to the advantages offered by modern technology such as digital twins. In the dedicated virtual panel session, speakers will:

• Explore present challenges and opportunities in the transport sector;
• Examine the role of digital technology as a catalyst for boosting productivity;
• Consider strategies for progressing towards a net-zero carbon future;
• Emphasise maintenance, asset management, and digital solutions.

Industry leaders in attendance

Between 2pm-4pm (UAE) on 11 June, Technical Review Middle East and Bentley will host the free-to-view virtual webinar that will investigate these exciting developments, bringing together leading minds from the industry in order to do so. Joining host Robert Daniels, Editor at Alain Charles Publishing, on the virtual platform:

• Mark Coates: Vice President, Infrastructure Policy Advancement at Bentley Systems;
• Khalil Al-Abbasi: Sustainability Consultant, The Department of Municipalities and Transport;
• Dr. Hamad Al Jassmi: Director of Emirates Centre for Mobility Research, UAEU;
• Debabrata Chakraborty: Sr. Regional Director, MEA & Turkey, Bentley Systems;
• Prof. Dr. Sabih Gatea Khisaf: Infrastructure Lead Engineer MENA, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc;
• Johannes Neethling: Director: Design Services (Act.) & Chief Engineer: Road Systems, Chief Directorate Road Programme Management, Transport
Department of Infrastructure, Western Cape Government.

Together, this formidable line-up of industry experts will explore the growing role of technology in rail, road and transit operations; provide key insights into innovative strategies; investigate detailed case studies; and examine practical solutions that are helping to unlock a new era of safe and reliable transport systems.

Click here to register for the virtual session

And click here to learn more about Bentley Rail & Transit solutions

Magna Tyres showcases its latest products

The new tyre products from Magna Tyres against a blue background with 'Tyre Innovations' along the bottom.

Magna Tyres latest releases have been delivered to push the boundaries of tyre technology. (Image source: Magna Tyres)

Magna Tyres, a global leader in tyre manufacturing, has launched five additions to its product portfolio

The development, that the company stated demonstrates its commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry, includes the expansion of the MB800 Series which will be available in a larger size: 355/65-15. This has been undertaken to enhance the versatility and efficiency of the product for a wide range of applications.

Elsewhere, the company has enhanced the M-STRADDLE tyre which is now available in size 450/95R25. Designed to withstand heavy loads and harsh working environments, the new release is catered to the specific needs of the material handling industry.

To meet the evolving demands of off-road and heavy-duty operators, Magna Tyres has introduced the M-TRACTION tyre that has been engineered with state-of-the-art technology. According to the company, the new product delivers superior traction, durability and stability to ensure optimal performance in the most challenging terrains and weather conditions.

For underground mining operations, the new MU26 tyre has been unveiled to deliver enhanced traction, durability and resistance to abrasions. Maximising both performance and longevity, it is being made available to ensure uninterrupted operations and reduce downtime.

The MA610 is the final addition to the new product line-up. Designed for short duration forklift shifts, the product is engineered with a strong base and wear-resistant tread compounds and is available in multiple sizes.

Hein de Wind, commercial director at Magna Tyres, explained, “We are thrilled to introduce these five new tyres, which represent the culmination of our tireless dedication to innovation and excellence. Each tyre has been meticulously engineered to exceed the expectations of our customers, offering unrivalled performance, durability, and value across diverse applications and industries."

The launch of these five new tyres underscores Magna Tyres' unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of tyre technology and delivering solutions that empower businesses to thrive in today's dynamic market landscape.

AJEX Logistics Services partners with Africa Union Holdings

The agreement was signed at the Saudi Trade Attaché’s office in Sandton, Johannesburg. (Image source: Ajex Logistics)

AJEX Logistics Services, a specialist in express distribution and shipping solutions based in the Middle East, is collaborating with the Africa Union Trading and Africa Union Aviation, subsidiaries of Africa Union Holdings.

The agreement was signed at the Saudi Trade Attaché’s office in Sandton, Johannesburg.

This partnership supports the strategic expansion goals of both companies: Africa Union Holdings aims to extend its presence across the GCC, while AJEX plans to expand its footprint across Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to the agreement, both parties will work together to streamline operations and maximise efficiencies in shipping, airfreight, trucking, rail freight, and last-mile delivery. As part of this framework, Africa Union Holdings Group will manage all AJEX cargo destined for Africa during the final leg of delivery. Conversely, AJEX will handle all Africa Union Holdings Group cargo destined for the Middle East during the final leg.

“This partnership between AJEX Logistics Services and Africa Union Holdings Group comes at a pivotal time when trade relations between Africa and the Middle East are poised for significant growth. With both regions seeking to diversify economic partnerships and reduce dependency on traditional trade corridors, this collaboration is a forward-looking initiative that aligns with the broader goals of increasing trade volumes and enhancing economic cooperation,” Mohammed AlBayati, Group CEO, AJEX Logistics Services.

“By leveraging each other’s strengths, AJEX and Africa Union Holdings are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities in sectors such as technology, agriculture, healthcare and energy, thereby contributing to the economic prosperity of both regions,” he added.

“We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with AJEX Logistics Services, marking a new chapter in our journey towards building stronger trade and logistics ties between Africa and the Middle East. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to enhancing our service offerings and expanding our reach, ultimately facilitating smoother, more efficient trade flows that benefit businesses and consumers alike,” said James Ndambo, CEO of Africa Union Holding.