November 20166 logisticstechoutlook.comCIOReview's circulation is audited and certified by BPA International (Audit Pending). Copyright © 2016 Valley Media Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine and accordingly, no liability is assumed by the publisher thereof.NOVEMBER - 01 - 2016Mailing AddressValley Media Inc.44790 S. Grimmer Blvd Suite 202, Fremont, CA 94538T:510 230 0396, F:510-894-8405 November - 01 - 2016, volume 02 - 05 Published by Valley Media Inc. To subscribe to Logistics Tech OutlookVisit www.logisticstechoutlook.com Managing EditorLinda JamesEditorial StaffSalesAaron PeterEileen SinghGeorge ThomasMatthew JacobMerlin Watson Shirley FaithVisualizerStephen ThomasAngela ParkerRay William ray@logisticstechoutlook.com510-974-2083EditorialLinda James Managing Editoreditor@logisticstechoutlook.comAs the logistics sector adopts an integrated approach, 3PLs have to adapt to the ensuing supply chain intricacies and tackle the demands for wider reach. The huge growth envisaged in emerging markets will necessitate 3PLs to control, analyze and glean intelligence to tailor effective business strategies. The new focus calls for a detour from current technologies and approaches to incorporate an innovative ensemble of solutions and functionalities that can streamline shipments and result in sustainable and shorter delivery cycles.Today, with global container capacity tipping at 35 million TEUs, the success factor for the 3PL will rest on the pillars of technology that will save time and operational costs. With RFID chips tagging every product, the whereabouts of the shipment can be continuously tracked, in tandem with IoT and GPS. The chips, while transmitting vital metrics on varied parameters assist in increased traceability and in-transit visibility of shipments. The added advantage by way of mobile apps which enable the customer to gain instant information of the shipment, vastly increases the customer satisfaction measure. These investments in cloud-based solutions are bringing about greater business continuity.Newer entrants into the 3PL arena such as automated transportation management system, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and GPS are restructuring workflows and processes while reducing errors and irregularities. With hovering drones, driverless vehicles, IoT and augmented reality on the horizon as nascent entrants, the advantages could be significant for the 3PLs in terms of offering competitive pricing, maintaining round the clock delivery, and saving on labor costs.Interestingly, innovations such as 3D printing are set to profoundly impact the supply chain timelines. Soon, manufacturers will have the option to print out finished products instantly and not pile up on the inventory. The predictions foretell that 3D printing can eventually bestow customers with the option to print out their product. The 3PL providers can deliver the raw materials needed to produce the product rather than the end product, thereby shortening the supply chain."What's next?" The refreshing question lingers. In this regard, we present the Top 10 3PL solution providers who are at the helm in orchestrating the right symphony towards strengthening customer relationships for the 3PLs and forging profitable growth strategies.Beyond the TimelineTony Fernandes3PL Technology Special
< Page 5 | Page 7 >