CargoWise edi: Invest in IT Systems Now

Many business leaders think now is the wrong time to expend capital in implementing new business functions due to the current economic climate. However, this could be the perfect opportunity to thoroughly evaluate current business operations and systems to maximize performance in the long run, says CargoWise edi Marketing Manager Lisa Tree.

 

CargoWise edi provides integrated international supply chain logistics management systems to forwarders, customs brokers and logistics service providers focused on supply chain execution capability in an integrated ERP-like globally capable system.

 

The company is an innovative provider of low-cost, high-value software solutions and services for the freight forwarding, NVOCC, express courier, customs brokerage, contract warehouse, container freight station, ships agency, local cartage and other supply chain services.

 

According to Tree, “With the logistics and freight forwarding industry in the midst of economic challenges, this may be the perfect time to assess company business processes and consider implementing newer and leaner operating systems that will provide ongoing benefits.”

 

“Typically, when business is slow, company management has more time to evaluate how they are conducting business in the current market environment and consider options available to them that can help them to not only weather the storm, but better position themselves to meet future expansion requirements for when the economy rebounds. Optimizing their business practices and systems now can influence the degree to which they maintain or gain a future competitive advantage,” she adds.

 

Tree recommends IT optimization, which is one area often neglected during an economic downturn due to perceived capital outlays. While she believes that today’s economic condition may not be ideal for large capital expenditures, and loans may be difficult to attain, monthly licensing options (ODPL) provided by enterprise service providers can require minimal cash outlays to apply new IT enterprise systems.

 

Implementing an integrated IT system is one area commonly disregarded by company managers that can achieve immediate and long-term benefits with little upfront costs.

 

“If freight forwarders are uncertain how to get a feel for market conditions and exactly what their IT needs are to optimize their own freight forwarding process, they can turn to a software service provider for assistance,” states Tree. “Some software service providers, like CargoWise edi, offer consulting services to help forwarders and shippers evaluate solutions for the most efficient and cost effective enterprise system with maximum results. This is always a good place to start and can often reap significant lasting benefits.” 

 

A weak economy frees up management time, and also often provides increased time and IT personnel availability to assess company software requirements and more carefully concentrate on the most efficient IT-based operating platform that best fits the company’s supply chain requirements in both the short-term and long-term.

 

“Weak or slow economic conditions can provide the needed window of opportunity management and IT staffs need to carefully analyze the best manner in which to implement operational technologies that can provide IT optimization platforms across extended supply chains,” says Tree. “Most companies will find that establishing a single, robust cross-departmental IT solution across all business functions within an enterprise can play a significant role in minimizing the degree of economic risk a company absorbs in unstable economic times. It will also improve ROI performance and long-term growth.”  

 

She also stresses that it is during these times of introspect that IT staffs have the time and ability to focus not only on the implementation of new software systems and enhancements, but for the adequate training of all personnel that will be utilizing any new enterprise system put in place.

 

“Shippers and freight forwarders have a variety of training options available to them today,” she says. “Companies can undertake IT training programs that are best-suited to their personnel and financial needs. Some will opt for on-site training, while others may select remote or self-training programs, or a combination of all three options. The point is, with more time to analyze supply chain and IT needs, forwarders can tailor their training programs to fit their budgets and operational requirements.”

 

Tree advises that instead of simply preserving the status quo in these times, collaborating with an enterprise solution provider, freight forwarding companies can collect important insights through consultation into what IT operating solutions can efficiently enable them to maximize economic performance and decrease economic risk no matter what the market looks like.

 

“These economic conditions will eventually level out and return to normal,” she adds. “In the meantime, freight forwarding management should view this economic climate as a real opportunity to step back and determine how it can help to cost-effectively improve their business practices with robust IT-based systems that optimize their operating performance in the long-term.”

 

Every day, 1,300 logistics service providers, consisting of 33,000 users in 45 countries, move goods through the global supply chain using CargoWise edi's flagship product ediEnterprise. CargoWise edi offers supply chain logistics management systems that provide full integration across all departments and functionality for domestic, regional and global customers. Headquartered in the U.S., Australia and now in the UK, the company operates from 12 worldwide offices across the U.S., Europe and Asia.