418: Digitally Transform Your Logistics Business, with Newage Software and Solutions

Jon Phillips of Newage Software and Solutions & Chuck Simmons of E-Freight Solutions talk about collaboration, developing new software, & helping SME's compete.   IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:   [06.51] Introductions to today’s guests and what they do. [08.33] How, and why, Newage was founded, and its evolution over the years. “Our view has always been that a customer is looking for a forwarder to be their solution across multiple modes and activities – so how do we enable that?” [13.27] Newage’s varied client base, and how their tools are helping small and mid-size companies to keep up in a competitive market. “Our goal is to provide those enablement solutions to the small and mid-size forwarders that have always viewed them as unachievable.” [15.14] The early days of Newage and E-Freight’s partnership; and how they decided that Newage was the right partner for them. [16.27] Newage’s wide range of products and services. [19.19] The big challenges Newage is helping customers tackle with their solutions. [21.38] The challenges faced by E-Freight before their partnership with Newage; how they determined which solutions they needed; and why they partnered with Newage. “Newage wasn’t just selling us a software. They were selling us a partnership.” [24.34] The Newage solutions used by E-Freight, what they love about them; and how collaboration is key to both helping E-Freight tackle their biggest challenges and helping Newage to constantly innovate and improve their solutions. “Collaboration has been really helpful for us. The landscape is changing all the time, we only know as much as we know, and the more feedback and information we’re able to get, the more we can quickly adapt and bring value for our customers.” [27.13] Newage and E-Freight’s partnership; the importance of collaboration and customer experience; and Jon and Chuck’s advice for how organizations can achieve effective, collaborative relationships with their own supply chain partners. “Effective collaboration is about finding a partner that will listen, but also act. That doesn’t just take your feedback, but implements the changes you want to see... It utilizes and leverages everybody’s strengths – and that’s a win for the industry.” [31.23] The onboarding process with Newage. [36.45] A case study showing how Newage helped E-Freight keep up with rapidly changing detention and demurrage rules, helping them to achieve 100% invoice compliance and avoid potentially costly liability. [40.29] Newage’s recent launch of new solution NXT, and what we can expect; and why Chuck is so excited about getting to grips with the new software. “One of the biggest challenges with operating systems is how the data is visualized… being able to tailor data allows us to be more efficient and reduces oversights.” [46.11] The big trends and predictions to look out for in the second half of 2024. “It’s the role of AI, and how it will continue to make our lives easier... ultimately these technologies are increasing our efficiency.” RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:   Head over to Newage Software and Solution’s website now to find out more, and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with Newage and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (Twitter), or you can connect with Jon or Chuck on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed the show and want to hear more about logistics, check out Nicole Glenn on the Power of Hope and Transforming the Logistics Industry, 205: Time To Make A Move, with Knichel Logistics or 335: What You Need to Know About Space Logistics, with Ryan Duffy.