Tag Archives: Freight forwarder software

LSPs plan increase in outlay on IT – Survey, Looking to improve operational efficiency to remain competitive

“Information Technology high on the Agenda of Logistics Service Providers” reveals the recent survey on “IT in LOGISTICS in INDIA” conducted by Softlink, the leading logistics software solutions provider. This is the second such survey carried out by Softlink among cross section of logistic service providers including international logistic players in the country. Respondents from over 500 logistic companies participated in the survey which provides an insight into the factors influencing the IT adoption of LSPs.

Not Come Across Suitable Software’, say a sizeable number of the respondents when asked about the barriers in adopting IT. This is a quite significant finding of the survey. Overwhelming number of the respondents believe that an ERP solution would be beneficial to their organization says the report. The survey also took into account the perceived barriers and benefits in adopting IT and threw some interesting facts.

Significant numbers of the logistics companies have planned an increase in investment on information technology for 2011. There is an increase of 12% in IT investment outlay for 2011 in the range of Rs.10 Lakh to Rs.25 Lakh (1 Million – 2.5 Million) as against 2010. It was also noted that respondents from large and SME’S are planning to increase their budgetary outlay for 2011 in certain category while reducing in others. In the above 1 Crore (10 Million) category there is a 75% hike in the planned investment among large companies compared to 2010 but however the percentage of SME’s investing in IT in this bracket has seen a decline.

Barriers in adopting IT – The LSP perspective

Lack of Expertise in IT has turned out to be the biggest barrier for the LSPs in IT adoption. Untrained Manpower and Employee Fear of Change were the other barriers, the survey reports. A Majority 46% of the respondents believed Lack of Expertise in IT as the hurdle in adopting IT as against a 44% perceiving Untrained Manpower as the barrier.  Employees Fear of Change according to 39% of the respondents is a barrier in adopting IT.

The LSPs take on Benefits of IT

LSPs are looking for Quick Response and Access to information by implementing information technology reports the survey. Improved Customer Service and Enhanced Competitiveness were cited as the other major benefits in adopting IT. According to 83% respondent’s Quick Response and Access to Information was the cited as the major benefit from IT, 73% cited Improved Customer Service and 45% said Enhanced Competitiveness.

What motivates LSPs to invest in IT

The survey covered various aspects like the motivational factors which impel LSP’S to invest in technology, their plans and perceptions on investing in technology. The survey highlights that Improved Operational Efficiency and better Customer Service are the key motivating factors for logistic providers to invest in Information technology. With 43% of respondents saying that Improving Operational Efficiency is the key motivating factor and Improving Customer Service being cited by 25% it is clear what the LSPs intend to achieve from IT.

Mr. Amit Maheshwari, CEO of Softlink says, “In our survey conducted last year we had very positive trends from the LSPs on investment in IT. This year too large number of LSPs are planning to increase their outlay for IT. It is not surprising considering the high rate of growth in the industry and the heightened competition. The LSPs are looking to improve their operational efficiency in order to provide enhanced customer service and this has been emphatically endorsed by the survey.” He further adds “Many ERP solutions are now available in the market including our own Logi-Sys. These state-of-art software made with cutting edge technology are designed to optimize the processes of logistics service providers enhancing their operational efficiency.”

The findings of the survey reveal that the logistic sector is evolving rapidly showing signs of growth. In a bid to tap the growing opportunities and power growth within the logistics sector many large, mid-sized and small scale logistics service providers are bringing about change in their traditional style of functioning and implementing modern systems and technologies. As compared 2010 there are notable changes in the outlook of logistic players towards IT says the survey. The detailed report of the survey will be made available soon.

About Softlink

Softlink was established in the year 1992, with the sole aim of simplifying operations of organizations in the logistics industry worldwide through highly specialized software products and solutions. Softlink is a leading product company which exclusively provides software solutions across the logistics sector to Freight Forwarders, Custom Brokers and 3PL companies along with Exporters and Importers. Softlink has a presence in every major city in India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Softlink’s products are used by more than 60,000 users in over 3,000 organizations. Softlink’s clientele include organizations like DHL Express, TNT India, FedEx, Videocon, Times of India, The Future Group, ABG Shipyard, Onida, Parle Products, Moser Baer India, AFL Dachser, Nippon Express, DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel, Agility etc. Key PSUs and Government Departments like Air India, Indian Oil Corporation, Dredging Corporation of India, and Embarkation HQ benefit from Softlink’s products.

For further details please contact

Abhishek Tripathi

Phone: (0) 9821585856,

Email: abhishek.tripathi@softlinkglobal.com

Please visit www.softlinkglobal.com for more information

ICSA rolls out Softlink’s Logi-Sys Plans to optimize its logistics operations and bolster customer interactions

Mumbai, March 24th, 2011 — Softlink today announced that ICSA Group, an international logistics service provider, is implementing the next-generation Logi-Sys, a comprehensive ERP for logistics.

International Clearing & Shipping Agency is the flagship company which acts as the focal point of the Group’s activities. ICSA group’s range of services covers the various aspects of the logistics domain with the flexibility to tailor services to suit the precise requirement of each client. The group’s activities include Freight Booking, NVOCC, Customs Clearance, IATA, Ship Agency, Projects and other value added services. ICSA Group also operates one of the largest fleet of Transport vehicles in South India with about 200 vehicles of various types and capacities including Container Terminal operations for DP World Terminals in the Ports of Chennai and Vallarpadam. To provide a truly global service they have also developed a good working relationship with associates world-wide whose services and facilities complement those of the company. ICSA Group selected the Softlink solution to integrate its operations and rollout a unified service optimization plan.

“At ICSA, we’re committed to providing the highest standards of customer service and dedicated to optimizing our services by deploying best practice solutions and processes,” comments Mr. Deepak Ramaswamy, Managing Director, ICSA Group. “Having carefully assessed the different logistics solutions available in the market, it became clear that only Softlink’s Logi-Sys could offer a completely integrated logistics approach across all the different activities. Moreover, our decision to choose Softlink as our technology partner reflects its strong reputation in the industry and proven ability to deliver comprehensive logistics solutions.”

“In addition to the efficiencies we’re targeting logistics optimization and a more integrated client reporting, we’re also deploying Logi-Sys to bolster our customer interactions to give us a greater understanding of our customers’ needs,” says Mr. Raghu Sankar of ICSA Group. He continues. “We’re particularly excited about the implementation of Logi-Sys, as we’re convinced that it can give us real competitive differentiation.”

Adds Mr. Amit Maheshwari, Managing Director, Softlink, “We’re delighted that an industry leader such as ICSA Group has selected Softlink as its logistics technology partner. Given the breadth of ICSA Group’s pan-Indian operation, it was important for the company to have a logistics optimization approach that could be configured to meet specific demands for different activities. We look forward to ICSA Group reaping the benefits from deploying Logi-Sys including all the value that comes from a integrated logistics solution—such as the ability to increase quality of service through fewer resources and at a lower cost.”

In choosing Logi-Sys to help streamline its logistics operations, ICSA Group is targeting benefits such as more effective planning and scheduling, comprehensive operational reporting through Logi-Sys’s integrated business intelligence tools, and increased insight and market intelligence with enhanced customer interactions. Softlink has a track record of success in helping major organizations optimize their entire supply chain process and realize logistics goals. Softlink’s Logi-Sys is being implemented as part of ICSA Group’s broader pan-Indian approach that combines an integrated and optimized approach.

About ICSA Group
Today, ICSA Group has emerged as a one of the leading players in this industry, and the services it offers across the industry has set high standard. International Clearing & Shipping Agency is the flagship company which acts as the focal point of the Group’s activities. The group has Freight Forwarding, Freight Booking, NVOCC, Customs Clearance, IATA, Ship Agency, Projects & other value added services are its core competency areas. Through exclusive tie ups & dedicated space, ICSA Group provides storage & warehousing facilities of various kinds. This includes customs bonded storage as well as specialized closed storage for sensitive cargo including cold stores for perishables. The group handles virtually any shipping requirements of its customers.

About Softlink

Softlink was established in the year 1992, with the sole aim of simplifying operations of organizations in the logistics industry worldwide through highly specialized software products and solutions. Softlink is a leading product company which exclusively provides software solutions across the logistics sector to Freight Forwarders, Custom Brokers and 3PL companies along with Exporters and Importers. Softlink has a presence in every major city in India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Softlink’s products are used by more than 60,000 users in over 3,000 organizations. Softlink’s clientele include organizations like DHL Express, TNT India, FedEx, Videocon, Times of India, The Future Group, ABG Shipyard, Onida, Parle Products, Moser Baer India, AFL Dachser, Nippon Express, DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel, Agility etc. Key PSUs and Government Departments like Air India, Indian Oil Corporation, Dredging Corporation of India, and Embarkation HQ benefit from Softlink’s products.

For further details please contact

Abhishek Tripathi

Phone: (0) 9821585856,

Email: abhishek.tripathi@softlinkglobal.com

Please visit www.softlinkglobal.com for more information

Tulsidas Khimji Pvt. Ltd. Implements Logi-Sys – An ERP Solution for International Logistics

Adopts Softlink’s Logi-Sys for managing its global logistics and accelerating growth

Mumbai Feb 23rd 2011: Softlink, a leading solution provider for the logistics industry, today announced the selection of Logi-Sys, a comprehensive solution for logistics solution provider, by Tulsidas Khimji Private Limited (TKPL) for its software upgrade. Companies, including Agility, DB Schenker, LP Group and many more large and medium logistic companies are turning to the solution, which seamlessly integrates their operations, to reduce costs, speed time to market and improve collaboration.

An ISO 9001:2000-certified company, TKPL is a leading global logistics solution provider and well known specialist with proven record of integrity and reliability in global logistics. They are one of the oldest Custom house agent and IATA Agent in India and specialize in customized Supply – Chain logistics solutions. The company has extensive worldwide agency network, which enables it to provide freight forwarding and Global logistics. One of the early pioneers, TKPL provides a range of services from air and ocean logistics to multimodal, consolidation, NVOCC, Customs brokerage, warehouse and consultancy. TKPL offers reliable, consistent and cost-effective logistics solutions with a clear focus on customer satisfaction as the key to its success.

“With Logi-Sys, we will be able to support a multi-pronged logistics process to set ourselves apart from our competitors and provide more value to our customers,” said Mr. Hemant Bhatia, Director, TKPL. “Logi-Sys will play an instrumental role in helping us collaborate more effectively with our customers and to achieve new levels of service customization, which will lead to a high percent of reduction in time to market for our customers. We have had a long association with Softlink and know them to be reliable and proficient technology partner.

All the top solution providers in the logistics scene were in the fray to bag the prestigious contract. The various software vendors were put through stringent evaluation process before the finalizing of deal. A panel of personnel from the IT, operations and finance department was entrusted the task of evaluation. One of the most critical assessments was of the accounting module as the operational accounting is crucial for sustaining the financial health in a logistics company.  One of the factors that turned the tide in favor of Logi-Sys apart from the quality was the fast delivery time. The software can be quickly deployed and can be made operational within a short time.

Logi-Sys will automate TKPL’s entire activities right from international freight forwarding to Customs clearing, financial accounting and sales and service. An ERP for logistics, Logi-Sys will provide improved productivity, control and visibility within the organization to enable effective decision making. The modular design of the software gives the flexibility to the users to pick and choose as per their business needs. The intuitive and unique architecture of the software makes it highly user friendly. The industry experience of Softlink has been leveraged in the design of Logi-Sys to provide distinctive benefits to the logistics service providers.

“Staying several steps ahead of the customer expectations calls for deep understanding of their requirements, domain knowledge and constant monitoring and maintenance of quality of the software.” said Mr. Amit Maheshwari, CEO, Softlink. “With Logi-Sys, logistics service providers can execute their processes successfully, reducing costs, improving innovation and quality and responding with speed and flexibility.” He further added.

About Tulsidas Khimji

Tulsidas Khimji Pvt. Ltd is the flag ship company of the TK Logistics Group, one of the oldest Custom house agent(CHA) and IATA Cargo agent in India with its head quarters in Mumbai and branches at 13 other locations in India. The company caters to customized logistics requirements of our customers. They specialize in customised Supply – Chain Logistics solutions. TK Logistics Group also has large warehouses at strategic locations in and around the port.

About Softlink

Softlink was established in the year 1992, with the sole aim of simplifying operations of organizations in the logistics industry worldwide through highly specialized software products and solutions. Softlink is a leading product company which exclusively provides software solutions across the logistics sector to Freight Forwarders, Custom Brokers and 3PL companies along with Exporters and Importers. Softlink has a presence in every major city in India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Softlink’s products are used by more than 60,000 users in over 3,000 organizations. Softlink’s clientele include organizations like DHL Express, TNT India, FedEx, Videocon, Times of India, The Future Group, ABG Shipyard, Onida, Parle Products, Moser Baer India, AFL Dachser, Nippon Express, DB Schenker, Kuehne + Nagel, Agility etc. Key PSUs and Government Departments like Air India, Indian Oil Corporation, Dredging Corporation of India, and Embarkation HQ benefit from Softlink’s products.

For further details please contact

Abhishek Tripathi

Phone: (0) 9821585856,

Email: abhishek.tripathi@softlinkglobal.com

Please visit www.softlinkglobal.com for more information