Logistics Business Conversations

Could something as simple as a conveyor belt make a major difference to warehouse energy consumption?In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Paul Hamblin speaks with Sascha Goly, Global Segment Manager for Logistics and Sortation at Forbo Movement Systems, about the often-overlooked role of conveyor technology in reducing energy costs and improving operational efficiency.Sascha explains how innovative low-friction belting technology can reduce conveyor energy consumption by up to 50%, while also helping to extend equipment life, maintain high throughput and reduce carbon emissions.From major e-commerce distribution centres to high-speed airport baggage systems, the conversation explores real-world applications, the challenges of preventing unplanned downtime and the future of smart conveyor belts and predictive maintenance.Can a relatively small change to warehouse infrastructure deliver substantial long-term savings?Tune in to discover why conveyor technology deserves a bigger place in the sustainability conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cloud outages, rising automation demands and growing concerns around AI security are forcing businesses to rethink how their warehouses operate. Could hybrid warehouse management systems be the answer?In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter MacLeod welcomes back Smitha Raphael, Chief Product and Delivery Officer at SnapFulfill, to explore why the future of warehouse management may no longer be cloud-only.From keeping operations running during network failures to deploying secure AI agents directly within the warehouse, Smitha explains how hybrid WMS combines the speed and reliability of on-site technology with the visibility and flexibility of the cloud.They also discuss how AI agents could anticipate stock shortages, automatically adjust workflows and free warehouse managers from everyday firefighting.Is hybrid WMS set to become the new industry standard? And how much decision-making should warehouses really hand over to AI?Tune in to discover what's next for warehouse technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we on the brink of the biggest transformation in logistics since containerisation?Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way goods move around the world. But how close are we to a future where AI agents manage shipments, anticipate disruptions and make decisions that previously required human intervention?In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, recorded at the Port of Hamburg, host Peter MacLeod speaks with Jett McCandless, founder and CEO of project44 and LSP44, about the next generation of AI-powered logistics and why the industry could be approaching a turning point.Jett explains how AI agents are already communicating with carriers, identifying potential cargo theft and helping businesses make faster, smarter supply chain decisions. He also discusses how improved supply chain visibility helped one company reduce its inventory by approximately $150 million.But what does this mean for the people working in logistics? Will AI replace jobs, or will it create entirely new opportunities? And can businesses really trust AI with their most sensitive supply chain data? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could your business be wasting hundreds of thousands of pounds on packaging without even realising it?In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, recorded at Parcel+Post Expo in London, host Paul Hamblin speaks with Victor Queiroz from CMC Packaging Automation about why optimising packaging involves far more than simply making boxes smaller.Victor reveals how one customer identified an opportunity to save £200,000 annually on corrugated packaging materials through a relatively simple change to its automated packaging operation.But the savings don't stop there. From reducing material waste and shipping costs to improving warehouse efficiency, managing returns and integrating with automated fulfilment systems, the conversation explores the hidden costs businesses frequently overlook.They also discuss the growing importance of data-driven packaging decisions, how automation can deliver a return on investment in as little as 12–18 months, and why the next generation of packaging technology could play a vital role in fully autonomous warehouses.Is your packaging operation really as efficient as you think?Listen now to discover why the true cost of packaging goes far beyond the box. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robotics is transforming the warehouse — but how close are we really to fully automated logistics?In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Paul Hamblin is joined by Volker Sadowski of BEUMER Group to explore how robotics is changing parcel handling, warehousing and distribution.They discuss robotic picking, the challenge of handling exceptions, why AMRs are becoming increasingly attractive for flexible operations, and how automation can help address labour shortages and difficult working environments.The conversation also looks at why the final few percentage points of automation are often the hardest — and most expensive — to achieve, plus the potential for humanoid robots to work alongside people in logistics sooner than many might expect.From robot picking to the future of truck unloading, this is a fascinating look at where warehouse robotics is heading next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Small parcels are creating big challenges for logistics operations.Recorded live at Parcel and Post Expo in London, Paul Hamblin is joined by Gert-Jan Veelenturf of Eurosort to explore how the rise of e-commerce has transformed parcel profiles and placed new demands on sorting operations.They discuss why today’s mix of lightweight, irregular and awkwardly shaped items can be difficult for traditional systems to handle, how sorter technology is evolving to improve throughput and make better use of limited warehouse space, and the growing role of automation in reducing reliance on manual processes.The conversation also looks at labour shortages, the importance of designing operations for future growth, and where technologies including robotic induction could take parcel sorting over the next five years.An insightful discussion on how postal and logistics operators can build faster, more flexible and more efficient sorting operations for the changing world of e-commerce. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded at Parcel & Post Expo in London, Paul Hamblin is joined by Robert Jordan, CEO of iFactory, to explore why data strategy is becoming increasingly critical across logistics.From AI and anomaly detection to profitability, operational visibility and the growing volumes of information generated across supply chains, Robert explains how businesses can turn data into better decisions rather than simply collecting more of it.The discussion also looks at how AI could reshape the relationship between people and automated processes, why bringing together data from across finance, sales and operations matters, and the emerging challenges around data security, sovereignty and what Robert calls the coming “data junkyard”.Plus, Robert shares his practical advice for logistics businesses looking to get more value from their data today — and considers how the industry could change as we move further into the age of AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI is everywhere in logistics – but where is it actually delivering real business value?In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Paul Hamblin is joined by Conor Baker from Descartes to separate the reality of AI in transport from the hype.They explore how AI and machine learning are already helping logistics operations create more accurate route plans, improve delivery predictions and make better use of historical operational data. The discussion also looks at driver safety, where AI can help transport managers identify meaningful behavioural patterns, improve coaching and reduce accidents, infringements and compliance risks.They also discuss the importance of choosing technology based on genuine operational problems rather than simply investing in the latest AI-labelled solution, as well as the potential future role of agentic AI and unified logistics data.A practical look at where AI is making a measurable difference in transport management today – and where it could take the industry next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Automation can transform logistics operations – but only when it solves the right problem.In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Antonio DiCarlo of Intralox joins us to discuss why successful automation projects should start by understanding the customer’s operation, rather than choosing the latest piece of technology.Drawing on 30 years in the industry, Antonio explores the misconceptions companies often have about automation, why semi-automation can sometimes deliver better results than full automation, and how pilots and prototypes can build confidence before wider deployment.We also discuss how to measure the real value of automation beyond throughput, including productivity, ergonomics, maintenance and total cost of ownership – and why choosing the right solution can be a little like buying a car.Finally, Antonio looks at how parcel logistics has changed over the past three decades, what the next generation of simpler, lower-complexity automation could look like, and why delivering every parcel successfully has become such an important part of modern society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cross-border trade has become more complex, more volatile and potentially more expensive — but are businesses making it harder than it needs to be?In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Paul Hamblin speaks with Patrick Frith of Avalara, a global trade and customs compliance expert with more than 20 years of experience.They explore the hidden costs behind international trade, why HS classification can make or break a shipment, how rapidly changing tariffs are reshaping global trade lanes, and the four pieces of the compliance puzzle businesses need to get right.Patrick also explains why he believes customs delays can be completely avoidable, how automation and AI are changing trade compliance, and why geopolitics could make international logistics even more complicated in the years ahead.For businesses involved in cross-border logistics, customs, global trade, tariffs, supply chains, imports or exports, this episode reveals where the biggest risks really lie — and how technology could help remove them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.