Latest news with #Logistics
Forbes
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
From Tracking To Intelligence: The Next Leap In Fleet Digitalization
Aliaksandr Kuushynau is Head of Wialon at Gurtam, a fleet digitalization software company that connects 4 million fleet vehicles worldwide. Let me start with a cliché: Not long ago, we lived in a very different world. When shipping goods, we had no idea exactly which route the driver would take or how long the trip would last. If a delivery was delayed, the only way to get answers was a dispatcher's call to the driver—assuming, of course, there was network coverage in the area. And when it came to managing drivers, trust—simple, blind trust—was often the only system in place. But then came GPS tracking. Having worked in the fleet management industry for over 15 years, I can say that GPS tracking didn't just change how fleets operate—it redefined the very meaning of fleet management. It was the long-awaited breakthrough that made some operations visible, measurable and—perhaps for the first time—digital. Taxi businesses and food delivery services were among the first to adopt GPS tracking (and, in my view, they're still leading the way when it comes to embracing new telematics technologies). Then, other businesses followed—ones where knowing the location of assets also made a difference: logistics providers, security companies, construction firms, vehicle rental services, farms and many others. Soon enough, it became clear that nearly everything could be, and was, tracked. And surprisingly, we didn't mind. GPS trackers became increasingly accurate, while GPS monitoring systems grew more capable and multifunctional. Technology evolved in step with market demand, and the market wanted it all: reliable hardware, deeper visibility into fleets and drivers, flexible configuration and instant cost savings. One by one, fleet management system developers started providing a wide range of powerful solutions for businesses: driver behavior monitoring, fuel and maintenance management, video telematics and more. These tools enabled the digitization of key operations and began delivering real results—including improved driving behavior, reduced fuel consumption, theft prevention and, ultimately, optimized operating costs. As one of those software providers, we told businesses: 'We want you to cut costs and grow—just start using new technologies.' But not every business was ready to take that step. As the systems became more advanced, so did the cost and complexity of implementation. With that came something few businesses welcome: a delayed return on investment and more time required to integrate new tools. First of all, there's a natural reluctance to invest in technology when the return isn't immediate. Fuel sensors and dashcams obviously aren't free, and neither is the development of advanced software features. The fear that the investment might not pay off makes some fleet owners pause. The second reason is time. It does take time to understand and start using new features. Telematics and fleet management service providers aim to fill this gap, acting as both the head and hands of business transformation. But not all providers emphasize the true business value of advanced features—many still focus primarily on basic GPS tracking. And not all tailor their solutions to the specific needs of each business. To address the financial concern, proven, relatable case studies that clearly demonstrate the impact of new technologies tend to work well, especially when the example comes from a similar business in the same region. We hear that fleet managers are saying, 'I want the same,' which is a great sign. To help service providers become more targeted and relevant to different industry needs, the most effective approach includes ongoing education on advanced features, hands-on support during the first implementation and encouragement to think beyond standard offerings. It's a gradual process, but in many cases, it's already producing positive results. Despite the slow but steady adoption of new technologies across the industry, a significant—and growing—gap remains between tech-forward companies that have embraced innovation and those still hesitant to move beyond basic GPS tracking. The frontrunners have a powerful advantage: data. By making the most of their fleet management systems, they start accumulating valuable data about their vehicles, personnel and operations—insights that are nearly impossible to capture manually. Armed with this information, these companies can spot patterns, identify seasonal trends, make accurate forecasts and scale their business with confidence. For them, data isn't just a resource—it's a strategic engine powering smarter decisions and long-term growth. 'Can our business boost productivity without adding headcount?' 'How much can I save by servicing vehicles preventively instead of waiting for a breakdown?' 'What does equipment downtime really cost—and what's the profit potential of avoiding it?' These are the questions data-driven fleets are equipped to answer—and act on. Meanwhile, businesses that remain on the sidelines risk falling further behind, missing out on the efficiency, agility and foresight that only data-backed strategies can deliver. So, here's what I wanted to highlight: We've already come a long way from blind trust. At first, it was about simply knowing where our vehicles were. Now, we have the opportunity to understand how the entire fleet operates—and more importantly, how it can operate better. The tools are here. The data is available. And yes, I'll say it again: 'We want you to cut costs and grow—just start using new technologies.' And hopefully, you want the same. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ZTO Express (Cayman)'s (NYSE:ZTO) Returns On Capital Are Heading Higher
What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in ZTO Express (Cayman)'s (NYSE:ZTO) returns on capital, so let's have a look. AI is about to change healthcare. These 20 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10bn in marketcap - there is still time to get in early. For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on ZTO Express (Cayman) is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.19 = CN¥12b ÷ (CN¥93b - CN¥29b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2025). Therefore, ZTO Express (Cayman) has an ROCE of 19%. On its own, that's a standard return, however it's much better than the 13% generated by the Logistics industry. See our latest analysis for ZTO Express (Cayman) In the above chart we have measured ZTO Express (Cayman)'s prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free analyst report for ZTO Express (Cayman) . Investors would be pleased with what's happening at ZTO Express (Cayman). The numbers show that in the last five years, the returns generated on capital employed have grown considerably to 19%. The company is effectively making more money per dollar of capital used, and it's worth noting that the amount of capital has increased too, by 67%. This can indicate that there's plenty of opportunities to invest capital internally and at ever higher rates, a combination that's common among multi-baggers. For the record though, there was a noticeable increase in the company's current liabilities over the period, so we would attribute some of the ROCE growth to that. Essentially the business now has suppliers or short-term creditors funding about 31% of its operations, which isn't ideal. Keep an eye out for future increases because when the ratio of current liabilities to total assets gets particularly high, this can introduce some new risks for the business. All in all, it's terrific to see that ZTO Express (Cayman) is reaping the rewards from prior investments and is growing its capital base. Given the stock has declined 50% in the last five years, this could be a good investment if the valuation and other metrics are also appealing. So researching this company further and determining whether or not these trends will continue seems justified. On the other side of ROCE, we have to consider valuation. That's why we have a that is definitely worth checking out. For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amazon's Secret Weapon? How These AI Initiatives Could Be a Game Changer for the Stock.
Amazon is using AI to become more efficient and drive productivity. The company has already begun to see some solid operating leverage, but more should be on its way. These AI initiatives should be a big earnings driver for the company in the years ahead. 10 stocks we like better than Amazon › Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced several new artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives this month. While much of the investor focus when it comes to AI and Amazon has been on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its cloud computing AI offerings, Amazon is also looking to use AI to improve its e-commerce business. The company has been laying the groundwork to use AI as a way to improve efficiency across its logistics and warehouse networks. Let's look at how these moves could be a game changer for the stock. Amazon recently unveiled a new initiative at its Lab126 unit to build smarter, more flexible warehouse robots. Unlike current models that are designed for a single task, Amazon is looking to use agentic AI to create robots that can understand natural language commands and act autonomously. The company said the robots would be able to do such things as unload trailers and then retrieve parts for repairs if needed. This type of advancement would ultimately help reduce labor costs and boost productivity. On the delivery side, Amazon is rolling out an AI platform called Wellspring to create highly detailed maps to help drivers navigate tricky drop-offs at places like large apartment complexes. These maps are already being used in the U.S. and could be integrated into smart eyewear that provides hands-free, real-time navigation. The goal would be to cut delivery errors and time, so drivers would be able to make more deliveries in a day. Its new SCOT (Supply Chain Optimization Technology) platform, meanwhile, is using AI to help predict customer demand for certain products based on price, customer location, convenience, weather, and sales events. While it's easy to know not to stock winter coats at a Nevada warehouse in the summer, the technology is more nuanced and can cater to different regional consumer tastes. For example, it would be able to predict which books may sell better in New York City than Boise, Idaho. Overall, the technology should help Amazon better allocate inventory, improve delivery times by having inventory closer to buyers, and help both increase sales while lowering costs. Another area where AI is starting to have a positive impact for Amazon is its e-commerce marketplace. It has AI tools that make it easier for merchants to create new, more compelling listings for its marketplace. Meanwhile, its ad unit has AI tools to help brands and merchants create more compelling ad campaigns and better target potential customers. Amazon's sponsored ad business has grown to become one of the largest digital advertising platforms in the world, and this high-margin business is one of Amazon's fastest-growing revenue streams. It also recently launched an AI agent, called Nova Act, that can navigate the web and perform tasks like shopping on behalf of users. Amazon is investing heavily in AI and not just in its AWS cloud computing business. The company is beginning to embed AI across its entire e-commerce ecosystem through things like AI-powered warehouse robots, better inventory forecasting, and faster last-mile delivery. This will all help Amazon drive efficiencies, lower costs, and increase productivity. Amazon's early efforts in these areas have already led to solid operating leverage within its e-commerce segment. For example, last quarter its North American segment saw a 16% increase in operating income on only an 8% rise in revenue. However, as these AI initiatives continue to progress, Amazon should be able to see even greater operating leverage. Of course, no investment is without risks. Amazon isn't immune to broader economic headwinds or trade tensions. However, AI has the potential to significantly improve the company's cost structure, which in turn should drive strong earnings growth. While investors like to focus on revenue growth, they shouldn't completely ignore how companies like Amazon can drive earnings growth by becoming more efficient. Amazon is leading the way in this regard, but expect this to be a big AI theme in the coming years across industries. You also can't ignore the strong growth Amazon is seeing with AWS. This is its largest segment by profitability, and it has a long runway of growth ahead as customers continue to use its services to build AI models and apps and run them on its infrastructure. While its valuation has risen off its recent lows, Amazon's stock is still attractively valued trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of around 35. That's well below where it's traded historically, making it a solid buy at current levels. Before you buy stock in Amazon, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Amazon wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $657,871!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $875,479!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 998% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 174% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2025 John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Geoffrey Seiler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Amazon's Secret Weapon? How These AI Initiatives Could Be a Game Changer for the Stock. was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
12-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Anderson's Supply Chain & Logistics Students Achieve 100% Pass Rate in CIFFA Certification Exams
TORONTO , June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Anderson College is proud to announce that its Brampton Campus, Supply Chain and Logistics (SCL) graduating students who sat the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFFA) certification examinations all achieved a 100% pass rate – on their first attempt. As part of the program curriculum, students are required to successfully complete two CIFFA modules: International Transportation and Trade and Essentials of Freight Forwarding. These modules, administered directly by CIFFA and supported by Anderson College faculty, involve rigorous coursework including a midterm, final exam, and multiple assignments. "We are incredibly proud of our students; their success reflects a tremendous commitment to their studies, and passing both modules on the first attempt is an exceptional achievement," said Elizabeth Evangelista , Brampton Campus Director for Anderson College . "CIFFA certification is a key industry-recognized credential and will open doors to a variety of opportunities within the global logistics and supply chain sectors for these graduates. With this program and certification success they are poised to make a significant impact in the field." "At Anderson we are truly committed to giving our students the competitive advantage; we design programs to address market needs and curriculum of the highest calibre," said Cheryl Russell-Julien , Director of Academics and Quality Assurance for Anderson College . "The SCL industry is shifting and evolving on a global scale and skilled professionals are in high demand. A 100% CIFFA certification pass rate demonstrates that these graduates are indeed ready to meet the challenge, and we are thrilled to see where the opportunities lead them." "Not only does this achievement speak to the tenacity of our graduates, but the commitment of Elizabeth and the Brampton SCL instructors, empowering students with their industry expertise and hands-on practical training, paving the way for real-world success," said Rose Elia, Chief Operating Officer of Anderson College. "These graduates have exceeded any expectation we may have had, and they deserve our highest accolades. "Empowering our students to reach their potential, to build careers that will transform their lives, is the mission behind all we do, and while we are not surprised, we are certainly thrilled by their success," offered Heather Yang, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anderson College. "I also want to acknowledge Elizabeth, and our incredible team and instructors for their dedication. Their expertise and guidance have been invaluable, and this is a significant win for them as well." Anderson's Supply Chain and Logistics program is 46 weeks and includes a 16-week practicum with on-the-job training, offsite with potential employers – from traditional manufacturers and retailers to supply chain specialists, such as consulting firms and transportation service providers. Students are exposed to the modern practices of logistics and supply chain management as a vital part of corporate success in the local and global marketplace. Graduates of the program are eligible to receive the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association ( CIFFA) certification, along with membership to the Supply Chain Management Association. To find out more about how you can train in this field, visit Anderson's Supply Chain and Logistics program. Anderson College is one of Canada's oldest colleges, having opened its first location in 1885. Anderson has trained more than 100,000 students over its 140-year history and continues to be an empowering partner for students overcoming career challenges and transitioning to the next phase of their lives. With ten locations in Ontario , it is recognized for its high-calibre faculty, hands-on, real-life career training, and supportive culture. Visit to learn more.
Globe and Mail
11-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Smart Warehousing Market to Witness Notable Growth Analysis, Opportunities, and Future Scope Forecast 2030
Smart Warehousing Market by Offering (AGVs, AMRs, AS/RS, AIDC, Palletizing & Depalletizing Systems, Conveyors & Sorters, TMS, WMS, Order Management), Technology (AI, IoT, Blockchain, Big Data & Analytics, Robotics & Automation) - Global Forecast to 2030. The global smart warehousing market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% between 2025 and 2030, from an estimated USD 31.21 billion in 2025 to USD 46.42 billion by 2030. Rising e-commerce demand, the requirement for real-time inventory management, and the growing use of cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AI, robots, and cloud computing are all factors propelling the smart warehousing market's expansion. Predictive maintenance, data-driven decision-making, and a decrease in human error are all made possible by these technologies. Modernization of logistics infrastructure is also being driven by the increasing expectations of consumers for delivery that are more precise and timely. Government programs that encourage the digital transformation of logistics also help the global market grow. Download PDF Brochure@ Services segment by offering is poised for the fastest growth during the forecast period The services segment in the smart warehousing market is expected to grow fast during the forecast period due to increasing demand for system integration, maintenance, and support services. As companies adopt IoT, AI, and robotics, expert services are needed to implement and manage these systems effectively. Additionally, the shift to cloud-based solutions drives demand for ongoing technical support. Customization and scalability offered through services also appeal to businesses seeking agile operations. This makes services essential for optimizing smart warehouse performance. Robotics & Automation Technology will register the largest market share during the forecast period The robotics and automation technology segment is expected to register the largest market share in the smart warehousing market due to its ability to significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce labor costs, and enhance accuracy in inventory management. As e-commerce and omnichannel retailing grow, the demand for faster order fulfillment and real-time inventory tracking increases, driving the adoption of automated systems such as autonomous mobile robots and robotic picking solutions. These technologies streamline repetitive tasks, minimize human error, and enable 24/7 operations, making them indispensable for modern warehouses. North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period North America is projected to dominate the smart warehousing market due to its early adoption of IoT, AI, and robotics. The region has a strong presence of key market players and a well-established logistics infrastructure. High e-commerce penetration drives demand for efficient and automated warehousing solutions. Additionally, significant investments in digital transformation and supply chain optimization support market growth. Government initiatives and favorable policies also contribute to technological advancements in the sector. Request Sample Pages@ Unique Features in the Smart Warehousing Market Smart warehousing leverages Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensor-based systems to track inventory in real-time, monitor environmental conditions, and streamline logistics. These technologies enable warehouse managers to make data-driven decisions, reduce manual errors, and ensure better inventory visibility and accuracy. The market is witnessing a surge in the use of AGVs, drones, and robotic arms for material handling, picking, and sorting. These systems enhance operational efficiency by reducing reliance on human labor, optimizing workflows, and improving speed and safety in warehouse operations. AI-driven analytics play a critical role in demand forecasting, warehouse optimization, and inventory management. Predictive models help businesses anticipate stock shortages, manage seasonal fluctuations, and plan replenishments, leading to minimized downtime and increased cost savings. Cloud-enabled WMS platforms offer scalability, real-time data access, and remote monitoring. These systems allow seamless integration with ERP and supply chain platforms, supporting centralized management across multiple warehouse locations and enabling agility in operations. Major Highlights of the Smart Warehousing Market The smart warehousing market is experiencing rapid growth driven by rising e-commerce demand, global supply chain disruptions, and the need for operational efficiency. Enterprises are increasingly investing in automation and digitalization to remain competitive and meet consumer expectations for faster deliveries. While traditionally used in logistics and retail, smart warehousing is now expanding into sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, food & beverage, and automotive. This cross-industry adoption is fueled by the need for improved inventory control, compliance, and streamlined distribution. Rather than fully replacing human labor, smart warehousing technologies are being used to augment workforce capabilities. Automation handles repetitive tasks, while human workers focus on complex decision-making and value-added services, improving overall productivity and job satisfaction. AI and machine learning are becoming mainstream in warehouse operations, from robotic automation to intelligent demand planning. The increasing availability of AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) and advanced analytics tools makes it easier for organizations to adopt smart technologies without heavy infrastructure investments. Inquire Before Buying@ Top Companies in the Smart Warehousing Market Some of the leading players in the smart warehousing market include Dematic (US), SSI Schaefer (Germany), Daifuku (Japan), Körber (Germany), and Blue Yonder (US). These players focus on strategic partnerships, continuous innovation, and AI, robotics, and IoT integration to enhance automation and efficiency. They invest in scalable cloud-based platforms, offer end-to-end solutions, and prioritize customer-centric approaches to meet evolving supply chain demands and gain competitive advantage. Dematic Dematic is a prominent player in the smart warehousing market, offering a comprehensive range of automation solutions to optimize supply chain operations. The company provides integrated systems that include automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and warehouse control systems (WCS) designed to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. Dematic's solutions particularly benefit e-commerce, retail, and manufacturing industries, where rapid order fulfillment and inventory accuracy are critical. By leveraging advanced technologies, Dematic helps businesses streamline their warehousing processes, improve scalability, and maintain competitiveness in the evolving logistics landscape. Körber Körber is one of the prominent players in the smart warehousing market, leveraging its core competencies in warehouse management systems (WMS), automation, robotics, and AI-driven supply chain solutions. The company emphasizes ecosystem development and end-to-end integration, aligning with global megatrends and technology advancements. Körber has strategically expanded through notable acquisitions, including MercuryGate, which has improved its transportation management capabilities, and the mail and parcel business from Siemens Logistics, which has strengthened its automation and software offerings. Additionally, a joint venture with KKR further supports Körber's growth and innovation initiatives. Through vertical integration and strategic partnerships, Körber delivers comprehensive, scalable solutions across diverse industries, solidifying its position in the global smart warehousing landscape. SSI Schaefer SSI Schaefer, based in Germany, is a global leader in smart warehousing solutions, offering integrated systems that combine automation, robotics, and intelligent software to optimize intralogistics operations. Their WAMAS® software suite, encompassing Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Warehouse Control System (WCS), orchestrates complex warehouse processes, ensuring real-time inventory tracking and efficient material flow . Innovations like the Order Verifier and advanced piece-picking robots with integrated image processing enhance accuracy in order fulfillment, particularly in sectors like healthcare and cosmetics where precision is critical . SSI Schaefer's modular and scalable solutions support businesses of all sizes, facilitating the transition from manual to automated warehousing while ensuring compliance with stringent industry regulations. Daifuku Daifuku Co., Ltd., founded in 1937 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a global leader in smart warehousing and intralogistics solutions. Renowned as the world's top supplier of automated material handling systems, Daifuku offers a comprehensive range of technologies, including Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), conveyors, sorters, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). These solutions are tailored for diverse industries such as automotive, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability. With a presence in over 25 countries and a significant footprint in India through Daifuku Intralogistics India Private Limited, the company combines Japanese engineering excellence with localized manufacturing to deliver scalable, high-performance warehousing systems. Daifuku's commitment to innovation is exemplified by its Hini Arata Kan Innovation Center in Japan, showcasing over 400 products and integrated systems, reflecting its dedication to advancing smart warehousing technologies Blue Yonder Blue Yonder, based in the United States, is a prominent provider of smart warehousing solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of AI-driven tools designed to optimize end-to-end warehouse operations. Its Warehouse Management System (WMS) integrates seamlessly with labor management, yard operations, and robotics orchestration, enabling real-time visibility and intelligent task prioritization across distribution centers and micro-fulfillment hubs. Recognized as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems for the 13th consecutive year, Blue Yonder serves clients across 19 industries, including retail, logistics, automotive, and life sciences. The company's cloud-native platform supports advanced features such as dynamic task sequencing, resource capacity smoothing, and automated escalation protocols, helping businesses enhance throughput, reduce costs, and improve service levels. Blue Yonder's solutions are trusted by global brands like Henkel and Silk Logistics, and its commitment to innovation continues to drive digital transformation in warehouse and supply chain management.
