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InfinityQS’ Global Client Survey Shows Positive Upturn in Manufacturing in the Wake of COVID-19
Research reveals nearly three-quarters of manufacturers are now working remotely and reporting they are ‘optimistic toward the future’
FAIRFAX, Va. – Aug. 11, 2020 – InfinityQS® International, Inc. (InfinityQS), the global authority on data-driven enterprise quality, shares green shoots of recovery are emerging within the manufacturing industry, as evident in new findings from the company’s 2020 Global Client Survey. The results show a positive upturn in the industry, with nearly 74% of respondents reporting that they are optimistic toward the future. These manufacturers are adapting and rebounding in the wake of the pandemic, adopting new technologies and processes for managing production and controlling quality, including 75% who noted more of their workers are now working remotely.
To enable this remote work and build greater flexibility and resiliency into their processes, these manufacturers are rapidly adopting technologies, such as cloud computing. Additional results from InfinityQS indicate that an acceleration in digital transformation initiatives is occurring, where the number of proofs of concept for InfinityQS' cloud-native quality intelligence platform Enact® has steadily quadrupled in the last three months.
There has also been an uptick in demand for the company’s training classes designed to educate clients in how to effectively use new tools for remote collaboration. In June, InfinityQS even saw a 316% spike in its professional services hours—compared to March when the outbreak occurred—with clients seeking support as they begin increasing their production to pre-pandemic levels.
Jason Chester, Director of Global Channel Programs at InfinityQS, discussed what the research can tell us: “As we have seen over the last four months, the impact of coronavirus has been a massive wake-up call for all industries and manufacturing is no exception, particularly as a sector still heavily dependent on manual processes and legacy technologies.”
“Manufacturers are rapidly moving away from outdated pen-and-paper processes in favor of cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, enabling plant staff to efficiently monitor and optimize their production processes in real time from anywhere. This is in stark contrast to our traditional notion of manufacturing, which is centered around being onsite, on the shop floor, or in close proximity to physical production processes. The research also shows the sheer urgency of those transformation projects over the last three months, evident in the very significant increase in our professional billing hours to support those initiatives.”
Jason explained, “As some plants restart and others adapt to a new normal, we are seeing a sharp rise in our customers seeking to expand their digital capabilities so they can improve agility, productivity, efficiency, and ensure the safety and quality of their products, as well as have access to process data while away from the shop floor to ensure social distancing, or when working from home. The increase in requests for our professional services shows manufacturers are taking advantage of the flexibility offered by the cloud and this has been further reflected in the increased demand for our online technical training programs.”
Jason concluded, “It is fantastic to see the tentative signs of a recovery and the increased demand for cloud-based Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Quality Intelligence technologies, which can ensure agile and cost-effective support to manufacturers now and into the future. The fact that 74% of our customers are now reporting an optimistic posture toward the future shows they are confident that these technologies will help them maintain continuity and succeed in the post-COVID reality.”
About InfinityQS International, Inc.
For over 30 years, InfinityQS has been the leading global provider of Manufacturing Quality Intelligence software and services. Powered by a robust Statistical Process Control (SPC) analytics engine, the company’s solutions—Enact® and ProFicient™—deliver unparalleled visibility and strategic insight across the enterprise, from the shop floor to the boardroom. This extensive deep-dive capability enables manufacturers to improve product quality; decrease cost and risk; improve compliance; and make strategic, data-driven business decisions. Headquartered near Washington, D.C. and with offices in Seattle, London, Beijing, and Delhi, InfinityQS has thousands of customers around the world, including Ball Corporation, Boston Scientific, Graham Packaging, and Medtronic. For more information, visit www.infinityqs.com.
Chicago, IL, October 1, 2024 - Hub International Limited (HUB), a leading global insurance brokerage and financial services firm, announced today an exclusive referral and broker program partnership throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico with MAS Seguros, the largest trucking insurance broker in Mexico. The partnership is a response to Mexico’s growing influence in the global economy and a reflection of HUB’s and MAS Seguros’ commitment to expanding its capabilities to better serve clients doing business throughout North America.
Due to changing global political relationships and policies*, there has been a significant move for manufacturing operations to Mexico, which comes with increased risk and insurance challenges when transporting goods cross-border. Organizations face regulatory compliance issues, crime, product damage, catastrophic weather events and accidents. Additionally, more transportation firms from Mexico are moving to the U.S. As a result, there is an emerging transportation and logistics need to manage risk and insure freight, property and assets while transporting goods into Mexico for manufacturing and then back to the U.S. and Canada.
“The changing landscape of Mexico’s economy, modernization of trade agreements and the growing trend of companies nearshoring production closer to North American markets have fueled an increased demand for on-the-ground guidance and a seamless cross-border insurance, risk and compliance supply chain solution,” said Lisa R. Paul, CPCU, Chief Strategy Officer, Transportation Specialty Practice at HUB International.
Both organizations’ clients will have access to best-in-class capabilities through an established network of insurance, risk and claims professionals as well as referrals to legal professionals in all three countries. They will also have access to an integrated, user-friendly digital interface to manage their telematics data and transportation operations through HUB’s proprietary technology platform, HUB Drive Online. The seamless cross-border solution is for any product transported across North American borders by air, sea, truck or rail.
Headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico, MAS Seguros has more than 30 years of experience in heavy trucks and provides risk advisory to clients by offering insurance products, coverage programs and best-in-class services from underwriting to claims management. With 26 locations across Mexico, they serve more than 4,500 clients with over 65,000 insured units.
“Partnering with HUB is a game-changer for our operations as it helps expand our reach beyond Mexico and offer a truly North American solution,” said Alejandro Rentería, Managing Partner and Co-CEO of MAS Seguros. “By combining our deep knowledge of the Mexican market with HUB's extensive network, expertise, and technology platform, we are well-positioned to deliver seamless cross-border insurance and risk management solutions to our clients. We look forward to working with HUB, which will make us stronger and more competitive to face the growing need for trusted advisors as complexity grows in the manufacturing and transportation industries.”
For more information on the HUB Transportation Specialty Practice, click here.
About Hub International
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker and financial services firm providing risk management, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management products and services. With more than 18,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub’s vast network of specialists brings clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy, so clients are ready for tomorrow. For more information, visit Hub Media Center.
Charlotte NC, September 23, 2024 (McLeod User Conference ) – HOPTEK, a global leader in AI-driven trucking and fleet transportation solutions, has been selected by Xtreme Trucking of Wisconsin, one of the U.S.’s leading technology-first transportation and logistics providers, for its Dispatch Engine® solution, a digital platform providing instant visibility and access to the spot load market, while matching available carrier capacity across thousands of possible options. HOPTEK’s “digital twin” will provide real-time visibility and enable Xtreme to boost operational efficiency and fleet utilization, while reducing driver turnover and deadhead miles, resulting in material cost savings and profitability.
Started as a small independent operation in 2006, Xtreme Trucking was formally established in 2009 to become a quality diversified transportation provider, with a growing revenue profile and extensive coverage across the United States. Through HOPTEK’s Dispatch Engine®, Xtreme has leveraged real-time data visibility and dynamic decision-making to drive operational velocity to achieve up to a 20% increase in both Revenue per Hour and Weekly Revenue Miles per Driver – a clear competitive advantage.
Travis Nelson, President and Founder of Xtreme Trucking said: “Between supply chain complications, market shifts, and driver shortages, the past several years have been a rollercoaster ride for our industry. Selecting HOPTEK’s Dispatch Engine solution addresses several seemingly intractable challenges, enabling us to optimize fleet utilization, increase driver satisfaction, and reduce deadhead empty miles. HOPTEK’s robust visibility platform enables us to make the best available decision, even as fleets remain dynamic, and routing and load scenarios shift constantly. We at Xtreme immediately recognized the value of HOPTEK’s strategic offering to our operation and how it would support the achievement of our goals.”
Transportation and logistics are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Xtreme fuels that economic growth by delivering best-in-class operations, innovative technology solutions, and a talented workforce. The company was seeking a solution that would address very specific issues related to driver miles, route efficiency, and utilization in one platform. Achieving these goals required a unique set of capabilities. HOPTEK’s Dispatch Engine® solution closes these gaps by creating dispatchable recommendations that consider the entire fleet, at any given moment. It gets critical information to dispatchers, planners, drivers, and other stakeholders in near real-time, supercharging efficiencies and profitability.
Balaji Guntur, CEO and Co-founder of HOPTEK said: “We’re excited and honored to have been selected as a long-term partner to Xtreme Trucking. Their keen eye for innovative technologies and solutions that genuinely add measurable value attests to why the industry will view Xtreme as a trend setter and leader in small to mid-size fleet tech adoption. We believe they have selected a solution that will enable them to achieve their technology goals, while at the same time supporting their efficiency mindset and profitability targets.”
About Xtreme
Xtreme Trucking LLC delivers superior reefer transportation and dedicated services across the United States. With a leading view on technology and a modern truck and trailer fleet, we are an essential solutions provider for customers who value the integrity of their supply chain and require safe, and exceptional service. Moreover, Xtreme strives for leading on-time delivery and customer service, and as a technologically minded fleet, and remains deeply committed to promoting both customer and driver satisfaction. To find out how Xtreme Trucking Delivers, please visit: https://www.xtremetrucking.com/
About HOPTEK
HOPTEK was founded in 2021 when global strategy and management consultancy Kearney brought its transportation and tech expertise together to help transform the trucking industry. After HOPTEK’s AI-powered system helped a leading U.S. fleet solve major operational challenges and drastically boost their performance, the company opened that technology to fleets across the U.S. With transformational technology tools such as Fleet Scanner®, Freight Finder®, and Dispatch Engine®, trucking and logistics companies can actively analyze fleet performance, identify and reduce wasteful wait times, and optimize dispatching in responsive real-time. For more information, please visit: https://www.HOPTEK.ai/
About Kearney
Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm. For nearly 100 years, we have been the trusted advisor to C-suites, government bodies, and nonprofit organizations. Our people make us who we are. Driven to be the difference between a big idea and making it happen, we help our clients break through. For more information, please visit: https://www.kearney.com/
Fort Worth, TX – September 10, 2024 – EP North America, a fast-growing, lithium-ion focusedmaterial handling equipment provider offering innovative and competitive options to the market, today debuted two new forklifts. The CPD45F8/50F8 and EFLA251 help warehouse and DC managers provide powerful lithium-ion solutions that will upgrade any fleet of diesel and LPG warehouse vehicles and are available today via EP North America’s dealer network.
“EP North America continues to expand its portfolio to solve a wider range of material handling applications, leveraging our unparalleled strength in lithium-powered solutions,” said Jason Bratton, general manager, EP North America. “Whether leading occasional or multi-shift operations, these lithium-ion powered solutions provide exceptional value, quality and dependability that we believe our dealer network and their customers have been looking for.”
The CPD45F8/50F8 is an IPX4 Rated, pneumatic forklift designed for outdoor use to suit applications up to 10,000 lbs. The CPD45F8/50F8 utilizes an integrated EP Energy 80V lithium-ion battery, requiring zero maintenance and eliminating ongoing fuel costsassociated with diesel/LPG units. By removing the internal combustion engine, it reduces fatigue by eliminating vibration, heat, noise and exhaust, which creates a more comfortable and productive work environment.
EFLA251 is a Class I forklift engineered to provide a direct alternative in both utilization and cost to Class IV LP equivalent. Featuring a lifting capacity of 5,000 lbs., the EFLA251 is powered by an EP Energy 80V Lithium-ion battery with onboard charging as a standard feature and is capable of empty-to-full in just over two hours, eliminating all dependencies on LPG.
EP controls cost and supply through a vertical integration strategy that ensures readily available stock and consistently short lead times on factory orders. EP has loaded dedicated demo units to its fleet to make available through the remainder of 2024, supporting its efforts in driving conversion adoption from IC to E.
About EP North America
EP North America is leading the IC to E movement in North America, offering a range of material handling solutions from lithium-ion Class 1 forklifts to lithium battery solutions, stackers, pallet jacks and task support vehicles. For more information, visit epforklifts.com or follow us on social media.
GEODIS, a leading global logistics provider, today announced plans to hire 3,700 seasonal workers across its campuses in the U.S. and Canada to help manage the expected rise in volumes during peak season. This hiring initiative will bolster the company’s operational capacities in its warehouses and distribution centers in preparation for the holiday season, a time when consumer demand surges.
Emarketer noted U.S. holiday sales in 2023 increased 3.9% year-over-year as consumer spending grew even amidst uncertain economic times, and a similar pattern is projected for this year. Emarketer expects a substantial 4.8% increase in holiday retail sales for 2024, signifying continued growth despite factors such as inflation and consumer price sensitivity. In anticipation of this demand, GEODIS is seeking seasonal employees to join its nearly 17,000 teammates who power its operations across North America.
GEODIS is recruiting material handlers and equipment operators across 13 regions in the U.S. and Canada this peak season. The company offers competitive wages, peak premium pay incentives, peak and referral bonuses, and an expedited payment option that allows workers to receive up to 50% of their paycheck before payday through an on-demand program. Additionally, GEODIS provides flexible schedules with weekend opportunities and multiple shift options daily, allowing teammates to choose times that best suit their lives. Both part-time (under 30 hours a week) and full-time (over 30 hours a week) seasonal positions are available. Prospective teammates can also use GEODIS’ virtual recruiting assistant, Sophie, to find the right role, easily navigate the application process and receive fast answers to questions before being connected to a recruiter for next steps.
“We acknowledge the immense responsibility we have to our customers to deliver exceptional service every day, and this is especially true during peak season,” said Anthony Jordan, GEODIS in Americas Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Because peak season is the most business-critical sales period of the year for many of our retail clients, expanding our workforce is vital to ensure we have a flexible, dynamic team that can handle anticipated surges in demand.”
GEODIS’ culture puts teammates at the forefront by offering opportunities for employees to provide feedback and suggestions through surveys, personal check-ins and group meetings. The company also prioritizes teammate safety and ensures optimal work conditions in modern facilities with state-of-the-art technology. GEODIS invests in its teammates with paid safety-focused training, allowing them to gain hands-on experience so they can feel confident from day one of employment.
“GEODIS is committed to creating a diverse and supportive work environment where employee well-being is our top priority,” said Jordan. “Whether looking for extra income during the holidays or wanting to explore a long-term path at GEODIS, our teammates have the opportunity to make a difference and receive the training and support they need to move their careers forward.”
For more information on GEODIS’ seasonal positions, visit www.WorkAtGEODIS.com.
GEODIS – www.geodis.com
GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 53,000 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 5 in its sector across the world. In 2023, GEODIS generated €11.6 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.
Nulogy, a leading provider of supply chain collaboration solutions, is hosting a session during the Association of Supply Chain Management's ASCM Connect 2024. Nulogy, Kinaxis and Colgate-Palmolive executives will present “Orchestrating Digital Transformation: Nulogy & Kinaxis Empower Colgate-Palmolive’s External Network” on Monday, 9/9/2024, 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. CT in Ballroom E, Level 4.
In an era when digital transformation is paramount for sustainable growth, Colgate-Palmolive stands out as a leader in the consumer packaged goods space. With a strong digital transformation vision and strategic partners that tout the technical capabilities and expertise to bring it to life, Colgate and its extended supply network has been able to reap the benefits of digitally-infused agility, resilience and efficiency to outcompete in today’s marketplace.
The session will cover Colgate-Palmolive’s vision for transforming its supply chain planning and execution, highlighting the imperative to enhance supply chain synchronization and collaboration.
Nulogy and Kinaxis join Colgate-Palmolive in this talk to discuss how their best-of-breed solutions in advanced planning and scheduling and supplier collaboration have played pivotal roles in interconnecting Colgate’s network.
Speakers include:
Moderator: Christine Barnhart, CPIM Chief Marketing and Industry Officer, Nuology
Panelist: Kevin Wong Chief Operating Officer, Nulogy
Panelist: Polly Mitchell-Guthrie Supply Chain Thought Leader, Kinaxis
Panelist: German Vizcaya Leon VP Global Planning, Colgate-Palmolive
Check out the complete Colgate-Palmolive case study by visiting https://bit.ly/3z6xwPK.