Weekly Roundup - Uber Freight´s New API, Google Cloud & SAP Partnership and Revolution of E-commerce

Uber Freight has introduced a piloted rollout of a new scheduling API, marking the first implementation of the Scheduling Standards Consortium’s (SSC) Technical Standard in the industry. This innovation, designed for Uber Freight’s transportation management systems, is set to be fully released for general availability in the second half of 2024. The company's head of product emphasizes the collaborative partnerships emerging from the SSC, aiming to enhance speed, efficiency, and savings for carriers and shippers through technology. The scheduling API aims to streamline operations for all stakeholders in the freight ecosystem, offering faster appointment scheduling, increased visibility, and stronger partnerships for customers and carriers. It empowers seamless integration between logistics technology platforms and carrier scheduling systems, delivering substantial benefits such as simplified integrations, improved appointment accuracy, and increased operational efficiency.

Google Cloud has made its internal SDK for leveraging SAP solutions available as a free download for its customers. This SDK facilitates the integration of SAP and Alphabet's internal systems, enabling AI and ML solutions to drive decisions and automate business processes. Google Cloud's ongoing partnership with SAP provides SAP-certified infrastructure for its customers' SAP systems, including SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP Ariba, and SAP Business Technology Platform. Alphabet, Google's parent company, utilizes SAP S/4HANA systems on Google Cloud to manage critical business operations, consolidating transactions and processing large amounts of data. The SDK has been powering Alphabet's business operations since 2019 and is now accessible to Google Cloud customers, aiming to help organizations enhance logistics operations and supply chains through data and AI.

The global shipping and logistics service UPS has reported a significant 30% increase in ecommerce shipping volumes since 2022, leading to the emergence of 'omni supply chains'. The report 'Revolutionising eCommerce' highlights the transformative impact of ecommerce on the logistics industry. The rise of online shopping is projected to grow by over 10% annually in the next three years, with 99% of surveyed retailers experiencing an increase in shipping volume. This surge has given rise to the 'omni supply chain' model, integrating physical and digital channels to meet customer demand.

The rapid growth of ecommerce has posed logistical challenges, such as capacity limitations and fulfilment speed issues. The report reveals that 77% of companies are incorporating AI-enabled technology to enhance efficiency and inventory management in omni supply chains. Logistics problems, including handling return services, have become a focal point, with 60% of surveyed merchants reporting a significant volume of returns. Despite this, inventory management is seen as a potential competitive advantage in the omnichannel space.

Read more on recent highlights

• Heineken sustainable sourcing producing Scope 3 results
• Germany's mine-to-motor lithium supply chain takes shape
• Supply chain bottlenecks ‘will delay’ German North Sea grid
• Appointment scheduling tech saves 7.4 hours per load
• France calls for stronger farmer protections in supply chain negotiations
• Supply chain challenges expected to impact mycotoxin levels
• J.P. Morgan research on impacts of the Red Sea shipping crisis
• Logistic execs target new countries amid supply chain overhauls

Dive deep into research

"Opening the black box of big data sustainable value creation: the mediating role of supply chain management capabilities and circular economy practices" by Riggs, R., Roldán, J., Real, J. and Felipe, C.(2023)

"A configurational approach to last mile logistics practices and omni-channel firm characteristics for competitive advantage: a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis" by Risberg, A., Jafari, H. and Sandberg, E. (2023)

Events

Industry Strategy Symposium Europe

When: 6.- 8. March 2024

Where: Vienna, Austria

What: In the rapidly evolving global semiconductor landscape, Europe is poised to play a strategic role in driving the growth of the industry, fueled by digital transformation. 2024 is the year of the EU Chips Act implementation which will shape Europe's future for years to come. From fostering innovation and bolstering R&D to enhancing supply chain resilience, European sovereignty and sustainability, this year's Industry Strategy Symposium will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Discover how Europe can contribute to the development of the complex semiconductor ecosystem while positioning itself as a relevant player in this most dynamic and competitive industrial sector.

iMobility

When: 4.- 7. April 2024

Where: Stuttgart, Germany

What: Welcome to i-Mobility, the ultimate destination for both e-mobility novices and experts. Discover a wealth of resources, including insights from the State Ministry of Transport, covering a comprehensive array of initiatives and visions for the future of mobility under the theme of "Sustainable and Digital Mobility." Immerse yourself in cutting-edge research projects, environmentally conscious urban planning concepts, and visionary ideas for the future of local public transport. At i-Mobility, you'll find a diverse range of offerings tailored to provide unparalleled support as you journey into the future of mobility.

Aerospace TechWeek Europe

When: 17.- 18. April 2024

Where: Munich, Germany

What: Aerospace Tech Week is the largest gathering of aerospace technology, airlines, avionics, aerospace testing, flight ops and MRO communities. It consists of multiple events all under one roof with dedicated respected conferences tracks for its core technologies as well as a large central exhibition.