Every year, over 3000 industry experts gather for CSCMP’s annual conference to share best practices and learn new trends that are impacting the industry. Participants come from a diverse group of industry practitioners, executives, and universities in a forum that is focused on education and networking. With so many changes going on, this is an extremely exciting time to be involved in logistics! There are some hot topics that we see on the agenda, many of which are areas where Descartes is working with customers and partners to provide solutions.

Here are the hot topics and sessions we recommend:

  • Expanding the role of logistics in the customer experience
  • Logistic networks, digital supply chains, and analytics
  • The latest trends with the capacity crunch

Expanding Role of Customer Experience on Logistics

Amazon is setting the standard by continuously introducing innovation and raising the bar on customer experience. This is moving from the B2C segment to encompass the B2B sphere and impacting all participants in the supply chain. This is driving shippers such as Penguin Books to develop an Agile Supply Chain Creating Competitive Advantage. Similarly, Cabela’s former Executive Vice President & Chief Information Technology & Supply Chain Officer will address this topic in View from the Top: Turning Supply Chain Into Organizational Strategic Advantage.

These shippers, together with their partners and carriers, collaborate tightly to ensure the customer experience and competitive advantage is delivered. Doug Waggoner, CEO of Echo Logistics, a Descartes customer, will share his perspective on How Data and Analytics Are Shaping Transportation and the Customer Experience.

Logistic Networks, Digital Supply Chains and Analytics

Logistics networks are expanding dramatically with more trading partners, increasing ways to connect, and more sophisticated collaboration. This is creating huge amounts of “big data” which was never available before and opening up new opportunities to analyze and further optimize logistics. The challenges can be where to start, and how to ensure data drives value.

Companies need to assess how aggressive they should be based on corporate culture, competitive landscape, and other factors. Executives from JB Hunt are presenting a session on Digital Transformation - Evolution or Revolution?, which offers an excellent opportunity to assess your company’s approach. Developing the approach is one step; for industry executives involved in the second step, there is a session on Transforming to a Digital Supply Chain – How to Make This Happen. Finally, organizational change needs to take place within the context of a business plan. Learn more from the 2nd Annual Big Data Analytics Survey: The Path to Profit and Performance, presented by industry experts including Dale Rogers, Professor, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Arizona State University.

Capacity Crunch: The Latest Trends

Digital transformation and creating unique customers experience are strategic drivers; however, they cannot be fulfilled without flawless execution. When the rubber meets the road (literally) there has to be capacity. The current capacity crunch is being driven by three major factors: the driver shortage, ELD mandate, and economic growth. With peak season looming, this is all coming together and technology can help companies prepare.

Managing the Storm Before it Happens: Collaboration & Committed Capacity provides a proactive view that will help shippers and 3PLs alike. The question is how long will the current situation last? Kevin Abbott, Vice President, Truckload, C.H. Robinson provides his perspective in the session A New Normal? Today's Trucking Environment.

Descartes is Innovating and Delivering in these Key Areas

Many of the companies presenting are Descartes customers. Descartes is providing extensive solutions in E-commerce and Home Delivery to shape the customer experience, and the Descartes Global Logistics Network™ and Descartes MacroPoint™ real-time visibility network are enabling digital transformation. Finally, Descartes announced Descartes MacroPoint Capacity Matching to address the capacity crunch.

For more ways to connect with Descartes at CSCMP Edge 2018, join our session with the CEO of Echo Logistics on Monday, Oct 1, at 2:15 PM in Bayou E.: How Data and Analytics Are Shaping Transportation and the Customer Experience. You can also come by booth #403, talk with our team, and power up with an espresso drink!

Let Descartes Help You Get the Most from CSCMP Edge 2018

In keeping with the educational spirit of CSCMP, Descartes would also like to offer you a personalized best practice session. At CSCMP Edge 2018, we will be highlighting best practices in a number of areas including:

  • Routing, Mobile & Telematics: How real-time optimization and GPS-based mobile technology are changing fleet performance
  • Transportation Management & Visibility: The power that real-time visibility brings to transportation management
  • Retail Operations: Wining strategies for inbound logistics, store and ecommerce fulfillment, and home delivery
  • Global Trade: Supply chain strategies and tactics for addressing changing global trade policies and tariffs

Learn how our logistics solutions and expertise can help transform your operations. Sign up Now for a Best Practice Session at CSCMP!