eCom Logistics Podcast

As CEO of Radial North America, a bpost company, Laura Ritchey builds on her extensive experience and leadership, continuing her commitment to innovating and optimizing eCommerce solutions. Prior to this role, Laura served as Radial’s COO from 2021 to 2023, where she directed omnichannel, fulfillment, transportation, and customer care solutions with a strategic mindset and client-centric focus. Laura has more than 25 years of experience leading retail, manufacturing, distribution, and business operations with a successful track record of steering transformational initiatives developing high-performing teams and improved financial results. She began her career in finance, worked at L Brands as EVP Operations for Victoria’s Secret Beauty after multiple roles in senior leadership and then was Chief Operating Officer at FullBeauty Brands and Centric Brands. Laura holds a BA, MBA and JD from The Ohio State University and currently serves on the Board of Goodwill Manasota.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, hosts Ninaad and Nenad are joined by Laura Ritchie. Laura, who brings a wealth of experience from the retail industry, discusses her journey from working with renowned brands to leading a 3PL company and the challenges and opportunities in this transition.

The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of e-commerce logistics, the changing dynamics of customer expectations, and the role of 3PL partners in meeting these demands. They explore the concept of omni-channel fulfillment, the impact of emerging marketplaces like TikTok, and the delicate balance between speed, sustainability, and brand experience in shipping.

Laura also sheds light on the integration of AI and machine learning in logistics, with a focus on forecasting and labor planning. She emphasizes the importance of automation as an enabler rather than a replacement for human expertise and how it contributes to delivering an ideal customer experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:16] Customer Experience and Packaging: Laura Ritchey emphasizes the importance of packaging and presentation in creating brand loyalty.
[00:01:15] Laura Ritchey's Background: She's introduced as the CEO of Radial with extensive experience in leadership and retail.
[00:02:49] Transition from Retail to 3PL: Laura discusses her transition and the importance of a branded experience in 3PL.
[00:03:26] Importance of Customer Expectations: Meeting expectations is key to building brand loyalty in 3PL.
[00:07:47] Challenges in 3PL: Addressing challenges collaboratively is vital for success.
[00:13:47] Omni-Channel Experience: Providing a consistent brand experience across various channels is a challenge.
[00:22:31] Sustainable Choices: Focus on eco-friendly shipping and sustainable options.
[00:27:22] AI and Machine Learning: AI is used for labor forecasting, employee training, and multilingual support.
[00:31:24] Efficient Picking: Laura stresses the need for efficient picking and gradual robotic integration to manage high volumes.
[00:46:50] Peak Season 2023: Laura foresees a peak season similar to the previous year, with consumer anticipation for discounts.

QUOTES

[00:03:26] "The 3PL switch wasn't as difficult as you might think, because what you're doing is delivering that same branded experience for your partners."
[00:05:48] "You have to view your 3PLs as strategic partners, as an extension of your business, and it can't be a procurement exercise."
[00:15:47] "At the end of the day, it's about less friction and making it convenient and fast."
[00:23:46] "It's not so easy if your transportation management system is set up a certain way and it basically puts packages, and then you say, 'I want to slow it down.'"

Find out more about Laura Ritchey in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ritchey-55836a8/
Radial's Official Website: https://www.radial.com/?utm_campaign=2023-eCom-Logistics&utm_source=eComLogistics&utm_medium=Referral

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Art Eldred is a seasoned Supply Chain Executive with over 20 years of expertise, specializing in eCommerce fulfillment solutions. He adeptly leads cross-functional teams, including consultants, mechanical, controls, and software engineers. Art's early career with a startup electromechanical software company provided invaluable insights into highly successful software organizations. His management approach emphasizes creativity while delivering robust solutions. His extensive knowledge of material handling technologies, coupled with software integration, leads to innovative, replicable solutions. Art serves as a trusted advisor to numerous supply chain C-level executives, offering insights on best practices, new technologies, and software integration. His designs are constantly recognized for their impact, often featured in industry publications and conferences, delivering speed, efficiency, and simplicity to his clients.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Art Eldred, Vice President and Growth Officer at Vargo, discusses warehouse execution systems (WES). He explains that a WES is a system that executes tasks and flows within a fulfillment operation, managing the workflow and synchronizing and sequencing work tasks. Art emphasizes the importance of decoupling processes and leveraging technology to optimize workflows. He also highlights the need for clear definitions and understanding of WES, as many companies market solutions that are simply dashboarding systems. Art, Dan, and Ninaad discuss the evolution of automation in the industry, including the accessibility of technology and the emergence of robotic solutions. They stress the importance of aligning different departments within an organization and the value of integrating various technologies to achieve efficiency and productivity.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:17] Art's background and professional journey in e-commerce fulfillment
[00:03:11] Art's passion for bringing together software and hardware in logistics
[00:08:55] Definition of a warehouse execution system (WES)
[00:15:16] Successful implementation of a WES project
[00:20:25] The trade-off between expediency and efficiency
[00:25:06] When to consider implementing a warehouse execution system
[00:30:01] The evolving role of automation in warehousing
[00:34:07] Importance of integrating different capabilities and not leaving them in silos
[00:36:06] Excitement about the accessibility of automation technology
[00:40:13] The difference between a warehouse execution system (WES) and a warehouse management system (WMS)

QUOTES

[00:03:12] "My passion isn't one or the other, it's bringing it all together." - Art Eldred
[00:04:51] "The warehouse execution system sits below the warehouse management system and it's managing the workflow." - Art Eldred
[00:14:10] "The warehouse execution system can really unleash the capabilities of both the software element and the hardware and technology world." - Art Eldred

Find out more about Art Eldred in the link below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arteldred/

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As a serial entrepreneur, he has had 3 successful exits and a history of building great organizations. Prior to joining Ware2Go, Stephen was the President and CRO of Collective[i], a pioneer in AI and market leading platform for enterprise sales organizations. Previously he was GM and Vice President of Marketing Solutions at Ebay and was responsible for all of eBay Enterprise digital and agency business units and integrated 9 acquired companies into one global marketing solutions leader.

He founded and is active with Goodness Now, a charitable organization that provides weekend meals to nutrition challenged elementary school children in Monmouth County, NJ.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by Steve Denton, CEO of Ware2Go, a UPS company with a focus on supply chain innovation. Together, they explore the rapidly changing landscape of e-commerce logistics and the emergence of 4PL and 5PL models. Steve shares insights from his extensive career, highlighting the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of merchants and consumers. The discussion delves into topics like personalization, technology, and inventory placement in the modern supply chain. Discover how the logistics industry is transforming to meet the demands of today's connected consumers and what it means for businesses of all sizes.

Steve also discusses the evolving landscape of peak demand and consumer expectations in 2023. Steve highlights the importance of flexible and resilient supply chains and shares valuable insights on how retailers and merchants can prepare for the upcoming holiday season. From the impact of Prime Days to the significance of sustainability, Steve provides expert perspectives on what to expect during this year's peak and how to stay competitive in a rapidly changing commerce environment.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:00] Logistics Evolution: Explore logistics' transformation from 3PL to 4PL and 5PL due to rapid commerce shifts.
00:10:33] Personalization's Significance: Personalization is vital in meeting connected consumer demands, backed by technology and flexible warehousing.
[00:17:16] Headless Commerce Platforms: 5PLs act as headless commerce hubs, connecting merchants with optimized supply from various sources.
[00:21:47] Strategic Inventory Placement: Strategic inventory placement across locations becomes crucial for efficient customer service.
[00:23:08] API Integration: Emphasize API integration instead of building new WMS systems for adaptability and flexibility.[00:23:52] Accurate demand forecasting is essential; even the best inventory planning relies on it.
[00:24:24] AI and machine learning greatly enhance demand forecasting, benefiting retailers of all sizes.
[00:24:44] Integrating promotion schedules is critical for precise demand forecasting impacted by marketing activities.
[00:25:16] Diversifying marketing channels, beyond Google and Amazon, can boost demand forecasting for mid-tier merchants
[00:25:38] Effective, non-condescending communication with merchants is vital for successful demand forecasting.
[00:26:06] Tools like network view guide optimal inventory placement and replenishment strategies based on sales and regional demand.
[00:27:29] Offering options and flexibility to accommodate individual merchant preferences improves business relationships.[00:32:17] E-commerce demands meeting consumer expectations for consistent, speedy, stable, and sustainable delivery times.

QUOTES

[00:13:07] Steve Denton: "We are not in the supply chain and logistics business. We are in the commerce business." 
[00:18:03] Steve Denton: "The days of taking the low hanging fruit of the slappers or the pick and stick are over. You better be able to do those things, and if you can do it with technology versus people, then you're going to be able to scale more."
[00:17:16] Steve Denton: "A 5PL is really about meeting merchants and consumers where they want to be met with the right type of supply in the right locations for the right type of capabilities."
[00:23:52] "You've got to start with demand planning, and like, look, not as a where-to-go plug, but we've been spending a ton of time with AI machine learning to help our clients do demand forecasting."
[00:32:03] "Stability is required, sustainable. You've got to put that in there too. Absolutely. And then certainty."
[00:48:44] "It's flexible resiliency that's required to meet today's commerce landscape." 

Find out more about Stephen in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdenton/

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Blake Coram is a seasoned supply chain professional with expertise in requirements gathering, solution design, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. In his current role as Director of Product Management at Manhattan Associates since November 2020, he has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing Manhattan's Warehouse Management software, integrating with third-party systems, and enhancing various software modules. Blake's career highlights include leading design efforts for multiple clients, mentoring consultants, and contributing to internal initiatives.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya welcomes Blake Coram to share his journey from a consultant to product management at Manhattan, emphasizing the evolution of warehouse management solutions and the move towards unified supply chain solutions. They discuss topics like automation, robotics as a service, large language models, and digital twins, highlighting the exciting innovations shaping the future of supply chain and warehousing operations

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:20] Blake Coram's journey to product management at Manhattan Associates
[00:03:45] Evolution of warehouse management solutions
[00:05:30] The shift towards unified supply chain solutions
[00:09:15] The role of automation in modern warehousing
[00:11:40] Robotics as a Service (RaaS) and its benefits
[00:15:20] The potential of large language models in supply chain operations
[00:17:45] Digital twins for optimizing warehouse operations
[00:20:10] Balancing automation with human involvement
[00:22:30] Addressing concerns about automation and job displacement
[00:25:15] The importance of adaptability in supply chain technology
[00:28:00] The future of supply chain and warehousing

QUOTES

[00:06:53] Blake Coram: "It's no longer about siloed solutions; it's about integrated, unified supply chain solutions that adapt and execute efficiently."
[00:09:47] Blake Coram: "Data is the lifeblood of modern supply chains. Real-time analytics enable smarter, more agile decisions in an ever-changing market."
[00:15:28] Blake Coram: "Sustainability isn't just a buzzword anymore; it's a core driver in supply chain strategy. Companies that embrace eco-friendly practices will thrive."
[00:22:02] Ninaad Acharya: "I think there's a world in the not too distant future where it's robots as a service. The man-machine execution within warehouses is becoming more prevalent."

Find out more about Blake in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-coram-1633b231/

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Rick Watson, CEO and Founder of RMW Commerce Consulting, LLC., he’s an eCommerce veteran with over two decades of experience. He founded RMW Commerce Consulting and played a crucial role in creating the WHP+ platform. Rick also hosts "The Watson Weekly'' podcast and has appeared on various news programs and industry events like Shoptalk.

Nate Skiver, Founder of LPF Spend Management, is a parcel transportation and eCommerce delivery expert with 20 years of experience. He previously worked for Abercrombie & Fitch and Gap Inc., managing global parcel programs. Nate is a thought leader in parcel and eCommerce delivery, contributing articles to PARCEL Magazine and being featured in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, hosts Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by e-commerce veterans Rick Watson and Nate Skiver to provide valuable insights into the e-commerce peak season in 2023. The discussion covers various aspects, including capacity concerns in small parcel delivery, the influence of promotions and discounts on consumer spending, and the challenges of managing inventory and avoiding out-of-stocks during peak season.

The guests emphasize the importance of preparation and scenario planning, sharing their own experiences and lessons learned from past peak seasons. They also discuss the evolving dynamics of peak season, with a shift towards earlier sales and the need for retailers to stay agile and responsive to changing consumer behaviors and economic conditions.

Overall, this episode offers valuable advice and strategies for navigating the e-commerce peak season successfully in 2023

QUOTES

[00:22:51] "Capacity itself, I don't see being a constraint or challenge. But allocating the volume and managing it between carriers might be kind of the other direction." - Nate Skiver
[00:28:44] "Returns cost six to eight dollars. If you want to return to them directly now, um, you can't just drop it by the UPS store anymore." - Rick Watson
[00:26:12] "The decisions were made six months ago, and I remember six months ago, even thinking about our own business, there was an environment of fear." - Ninaad Acharya
[00:34:34] "If less than 50 percent of your digital orders are shipped from the store, then you should probably be very careful what you're offering." - Rick Watson

Find out more about Rick and Nate in the link below:

Rick’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecommercestrategyconsulting/
Nate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/levelplayingfield/

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Mark Lavelle has over 20 years of experience growing businesses at the intersection of commerce, payments, and internet technology. He’s Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Deep Lake Capital. Previously, Mark was SVP of Commerce at Adobe as a result of the $1.7B acquisition of Magento where he was CEO. Other senior leadership roles include eBay, PayPal and Bill Me Later.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Mark Lavelle discusses the changing landscape of e-commerce logistics and the opportunities for disruption in the market. He emphasizes the importance of meeting customer expectations for fast and transparent delivery, and how companies can optimize their shipping processes to achieve this. Mark also highlights the potential impact of Amazon entering the small parcel delivery space and the need for consolidation in the final mile segment. He shares insights on Maergo's approach to solving the shipping problem and the benefits of their end-to-end solution. Mark concludes by discussing the future of e-commerce logistics and the need for sustainable business models in the industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:28] Mark's background and his involvement with PayPal Mafia
[00:05:32] The changing landscape of small parcel delivery
[00:06:11] Opportunities for disruption in the market
[00:08:00] Tackling the end-to-end problem in shipping
[00:09:00] Defining the problem of growing consumer expectations for delivery
[00:10:23] Solving the logistics challenge for small to medium-sized sellers
[00:15:16] New entrants like DoorDash and Instacart change the delivery equation.
[00:16:26] The control over the pre-click experience is valuable.
[00:17:15] Shipping transparency and costs are crucial to consumers.
[00:18:49] The gap in consumer expectations needs to be addressed.
[00:27:14] Need for A/B testing to show the impact of faster delivery
[00:28:29] Challenges of splitting inventory and the need for cost containment
[00:30:07] Advantages of operating out of a single node for efficiency
[00:38:02] Frustration with slow-moving warehouse systems
[00:38:35] The need for multi-carrier systems to easily add new carriers[00:39:12] Amazon's announcement of charging a 2% cut for self-fulfilled orders
[00:41:01] Amazon's focus on customer expectations and delivery promise
[00:44:39] Lack of dominance in the logistics industry and opportunity for strategic VCs

QUOTES

[00:21:44] "You have to orient your supply chain and your parcel chain, and your consumer brand strategy really to meet their needs of up leveling expected delivery date, transparency around cost, and transparency around every stage of delivery." - Mark Lavelle
[00:22:55] "If you want it expedited, there's going to be a way, it's going to be this. It builds more trust than waiting until the end of the process and having the customer abandoned."

Find out more about Mark Lavelle in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklave/

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Ninaad Acharya, Co-founder and CEO of Fulfillment IQ, is a dynamic supply chain leader with 20 years of experience in digital transformation. He's driven by simplicity and effectiveness, having spearheaded disruptive tech solutions for Fortune 50 firms, retailers, 3PLs, and eCommerce brands, including Nordstrom and FedEx. Ninaad accelerates supply chain startups to market, saving costs and enabling $500M in capital automation and 135+ warehouse tech projects. His dedicated team counters rising costs and fosters tech-enabled supply chain solutions, helping companies reach their supply chain's full potential.

Dan Coll, partner and Chief Revenue Officer at Fulfillment IQ and an award-winning supply chain leader, is well-known in the industry for creating winning e-commerce strategies and solutions for global e-commerce brands, retailers, 3PLs and many emerging companies (including unicorns).

He has dedicated over 20 years of his life to fixing eCommerce fulfillment problems by driving notable results through the sheer power of his knowledge, network and expertise. Currently, Dan leverages his previous experience of leading the largest 3PL’s in North America to help 3PL’s, eCommerce and retail companies grow.

Harshida Acharya, Partner and Chief Marketing Officer at Fulfillment IQ. She’s a full-funnel marketer with hands-on experience in brand & performance marketing for hyper-growth tech startups, enterprise brands and supply chain and logistics companies. She’s also the creator and producer of the hit eCom Logistics Podcast. 

With almost 15 years of experience in the space, Harshida has led successful go-to-market campaigns for supply chain and logistics firms by flipping the industry mindset to focus on valuable content creation, demand generation, and building long term relationships. 

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, hosts Dan Coll and Ninaad Acharya are joined by Harshida Acharya, the CMO and Partner of Fulfillment IQ, to reflect on their one-year journey of hosting the Ecom Logistics podcast. They discuss the growth and evolution of the supply chain tech market, the current state of affairs, and the impact of the pandemic on the industry. They also highlight the importance of proactive planning and strategic initiatives for the future. The hosts emphasize the need for brands and 3PLs to invest in supply chain software, integrate systems, and adapt to changing consumer expectations. They express optimism for the upcoming peak season and provide advice for organizations to stay ahead in the ever-evolving supply chain landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:15] Reflection on the podcast's one-year journey
[00:04:15] Importance of community feedback and engagement
[00:08:03] Discussion on the current state of the supply chain tech market
[00:11:20] Enterprise players' increased investment in supply chain software
[00:13:23] Importance of proactive planning for 2024
[00:20:37] Growing focus on integrations in the supply chain space
[00:23:00] Trends in supply chain software investment and automation projects
[00:30:11] Importance of choosing the right technology for scaling
[00:39:14] Optimistic outlook for peak season and advice for 3PLs and brands

QUOTES

[00:26:44] “A lot of different systems play. But at the end of the day, the ‘why’ is because the consumer expectation continues to shift. And we thought maybe the Amazon prime two day experience was going to maybe go away or stay or stick or whatever, but it's here to stay. So consumers are still looking for their goods at a very low cost or free and fast.” - Dan Coll
[00:33:30] “The tech that helped you scale up to $10 million in revenue is not the same tech that's gonna help you get to a hundred. You're gonna have to make some adjustments and you're gonna have to prepare yourself and prepare to kind of meet that kind of scale.” - Harshida Acharya
[00:38:25] “Find great partners, find great tools. It's gonna help you in the long run. Don't write code for the sake of writing code.” - Ninaad Acharya

Connect and find out more about us through the links below.

Dan Coll’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcoll/
Ninaad’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninaad/
Harshida’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harshida/

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Jorrit Steinz is the Founder of ChanngelEngine.com, a platform that helps stores, brands, and distributors find millions of new customers by connecting them to marketplaces globally. He has been active in eCommerce for almost 20 years building expertise in areas such as B2C, B2B, and D2C eCommerce, marketplaces, SaaS, and international platform strategies. He is a public speaker at various events and an adviser on the rapid changes in the global retail landscape for brands, distributors, and large retailers.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Jorrit Steinz, CEO and founder of ChannelEngine, shares his insights on the state of multi-channel eCommerce and the opportunities for brands and retailers to expand into new markets. He discusses the shift from channel conflict to channel expansion, the rise of direct-to-consumer sales for brands, and the importance of connecting to marketplaces to stay competitive. Jorrit also highlights the cultural nuances and logistics challenges of expanding internationally and emphasizes the need for brands to partner with logistics providers and agencies to navigate these complexities.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:14] Guest's journey in eCommerce and the founding of ChannelEngine
[00:08:01] The current state of multi-channel eCommerce and international expansion
[00:11:24] Importance of connecting to marketplaces and the concept of the buy box
[00:19:44] The impact of delays in the one P model and the need for a three P contingency plan
[00:24:28] Cultural nuances and advice for expanding into international markets
[00:30:11] The balance between sales-driven goals and product-centric objectives
[00:34:59] The importance of building a strong logistics infrastructure
[00:38:14] The growth of ChannelEngine and the focus on product development
[00:44:30] Where to learn more about ChannelEngine and connect with the guest

QUOTES

[00:10:48] "If you're not ready as a brand, you're just clearly missing out on revenue if you don't connect to these marketplaces." - Jorrit Steinz
[00:17:53] "Winning the buy box is based on seller performance and price optimization. It's crucial to have the right technology and automation to compete effectively." - Jorrit Steinz
[00:37:11] "Don't try to do everything yourself if you're a brand or retailer. Leverage the expertise of partners and focus on your core competencies." - Jorrit Steinz

Find out more about Jorrit Steinz in the link below:

LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorritsteinz/

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In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Udai Tennati discusses the evolution of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and the shift towards cloud-based solutions. He explains how technology has advanced from mainframe systems to distributed architectures and now to cloud-native applications. Udai emphasizes the importance of being API-savvy and highlights the benefits of using cloud-based WMS, such as increased scalability, reliability, and security. He also shares insights on when it is the right time to engage with a tier one WMS solution and the role of professional services in the implementation process. Udai concludes by discussing the future of WMS, including the use of AI and natural language processing to simplify user interfaces and provide real-time insights.

ABOUT UDAI 

Udai Tennati is a supply chain software applications expert with an impressive track record spanning over 20 years. He has dedicated his career to enhancing end-user experiences, making supply chain processes smoother and more efficient.

Udai's leadership skills have been honed through his 23-year journey at Manhattan Associates, where he held pivotal roles, including Vice President, Technical. In this position, he led global teams and was responsible for delivering essential product suites such as Distribution Management and Enterprise Order Management.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Udai is also passionate about making a positive impact on the community. He played a key role in establishing the Atlanta Chapter of Asha for Education and actively contributed to research as a Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Udai Tennati

[00:02:25] Evolution of WMS technology from mainframe to cloud-based

[00:04:56] Factors to consider when choosing a WMS solution

[00:09:02] Importance of being API-savvy in using cloud-based applications

[00:12:55] Shift in resource allocation for WMS implementation

[00:16:03] The future of WMS and the role of AI

[00:19:10] Simplification of user interface and access to information

[00:22:07] The role of professional services in WMS implementation

[00:26:12] The impact of cloud technology on WMS implementation time

[00:42:13] Exciting developments in WMS, such as AI and digital twins

QUOTES

[00:10:42] “The leap of faith there was not that large. Because most technologists, most consumers of software saw that hey, this thing actually scales and the response times are really great and it's highly resilient.” - Udai Tennati

[00:29:33] “It's not really the size of your network, because you may have a very simple box in box outflow. Big boxes coming in, big boxes going out. You may have 50 such buildings spread all over the country or many countries, but the flow is fairly simplistic” - Udai Tennati

Find out more about Will Udai in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/utennati/

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In this episode of eCom Logistics Podcast, Will Lovatt discusses the challenges and opportunities in the European eCommerce logistics landscape compared to the North American market. He highlights the fragmented nature of the European market due to different languages, legal jurisdictions, and tax regimes. Will also emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer expectations in the UK, such as fast and reliable delivery, sustainability, and the rise of pickup spots and lockers. He also touches on the adoption of automation in European warehouses and the impact of Brexit on supply chain operations.

ABOUT WILL

Will Lovatt is the General Manager and Vice President of Deposc. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Will has worked with companies like IBM, JDA, and Llamasoft. He specializes in helping direct-to-consumer supply chains optimize their operations and navigate the complexities of the European market. Currently working with some of the world's most demanding, innovative and fast-growing direct-to-consumer supply chains to improve their responsiveness and efficiency. Deposco native web SaaS solutions power the supply chains of Consumer Packaged goods, 3PLs, and a wide spectrum of eCommerce operations.

HIGHLIGHTS

[00:02:13] Will Lovatt's background and experience in the logistics industry

[00:05:02] The evolution of supply chain and the need for flexible and dynamic solutions

[00:08:03] The accessibility of enterprise-level solutions for mid-market brands

[00:10:18] The challenges and complexities of expanding into the European market

[00:15:07] The differences in consumer expectations between the UK and the US

[00:18:34] Considerations for brands entering the UK or European market

[00:21:53] The importance of location and planning laws in setting up a warehouse

[00:23:24] The adoption of pickup spots and lockers in the UK

[00:26:09] The importance of reliability in meeting customer expectations

[00:29:04] The adoption of automation in the UK and Europe

[00:32:50] The importance of having a holistic omni-channel strategy

[00:40:31] How to learn more about DePosco and connect with Will Lovatt

QUOTES

[00:25:49] “Customers are openly comparing. And if you have a look at forums, they're talking about the courier that we have. Either failed them or satisfied their order openly.” - Will Lovatt

[00:22:26] “I guess the point is that the country governments have got a role to play in either being attractive to eCommerce operators or not. Um, and whether they realize that or not, that they're making some small decisions, which are, which are pushing. Boundaries one way or the other and or the preference for one side of a boundary or the other.” - Will Lovatt

Find out more about Will Lovatt in the link below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willlovatt/?originalSubdomain=uk

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