Problem Statement

Torch 3PL, a prominent player in the Asia Pacific logistics sector, specializes in managing B2B logistics policies for shipments, including handling liquor consignments. Operating in a highly competitive and dynamic industry, Torch 3PL faced significant challenges in optimizing their bidding processes and maintaining accurate, up-to-date databases. Key issues included:

1. Manual Bidding Processes: Reliance on manual interventions for bidding using various price points stored in the database, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of human error.
2. Complex Bidding Scenarios: Difficulty in managing and executing complex bidding strategies that consider multiple factors such as weather conditions and shipment distances.
3. Database Management: Continuous updates to the database with daily transactions were time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to manual handling.
4. Collaboration with Logistics Partners: Inefficient communication and coordination with multiple logistics partners hindered the ability to secure the best prices and optimize bid submissions.
5. Feature Launch Delays: The need for IT involvement in developing and deploying new features slowed down the introduction of enhancements necessary to stay competitive.

These challenges impeded Torch 3PL’s ability to streamline operations, reduce costs, and maintain high levels of service quality, ultimately affecting their market position and profitability.

Solution

Torch 3PL partnered with Nected to implement a comprehensive automation solution tailored to their unique logistics and bidding requirements. Leveraging Nected’s advanced low-code/no-code platform, Torch 3PL achieved significant improvements in operational efficiency and scalability. The key components of the solution included:

1. Automated Bidding Processes

1. Custom Workflow Creation: Utilized Nected’s rule engine to design and implement automated workflows that handle complex bidding scenarios dynamically, factoring in variables like weather conditions and shipment distances.
2. Dynamic Price Optimization: Enabled real-time adjustment of bid prices based on predefined criteria, ensuring competitive and optimal pricing without manual intervention.
3. Error Minimization: Automated workflows reduced the reliance on manual data entry, significantly lowering the risk of human errors in bid calculations and submissions.

2. Streamlined Database Updates

1. Automated Data Integration: Integrated Nected’s platform with Torch 3PL’s existing databases to facilitate seamless, real-time updates of daily transactions and pricing data.
2. Real-Time Syncing: Ensured that all database updates occurred instantly, maintaining data accuracy and integrity across all systems.
3. Data Validation: Implemented automated validation rules to verify data accuracy before updates, further reducing errors and ensuring reliable information for decision-making.

3. Enhanced Collaboration with Logistics Partners

1. Seamless Communication: Leveraged Nected’s integration features to enable smooth and automated communication between Torch 3PL’s systems and their logistics partners.
2. Efficient Bid Submissions: Automated the submission of bids to multiple logistics partners simultaneously, streamlining the procurement process and securing the best possible prices.
3. Pricing Optimizations: Enabled dynamic pricing strategies that automatically adjust based on partner responses and market conditions, ensuring competitive and profitable outcomes.

4. Accelerated Feature Launches

1. No-Code Feature Development: Empowered business and product teams to develop and deploy new features without requiring extensive IT support, reducing development time.
2. Rapid Iterations: Facilitated swift iterations and enhancements through an intuitive user interface, allowing Torch 3PL to quickly adapt to market changes and client needs.
3. Scalable Solutions: Provided a scalable platform that supports the introduction of new functionalities and integrations as Torch 3PL expands its operations.

5. Secure and Scalable Deployment

1. Self-Hosted Solution: Deployed Nected’s platform within Torch 3PL’s secure infrastructure, ensuring data sovereignty and compliance with regional data protection regulations.
2. Robust Security Measures: Implemented role-based access controls, encryption, and regular security audits to safeguard sensitive logistics and pricing data.
3. Scalable Architecture: Ensured the platform could handle increased data volumes and complex bidding requirements as Torch 3PL grows its client base and expands into new markets.