Hammer Down

Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) are transforming how supply chains address the persistent challenge of inventory accuracy. Warehouses and 3PL providers face mounting pressure to maintain real-time stock visibility as ecommerce accelerates fulfillment demands. According to McKinsey & Company, automation can reduce logistics costs by 30% in high-performing operations. AMRs also minimize human error in repetitive inventory tasks, improving efficiency across warehouse networks. These capabilities position AMRs as essential tools for modern inventory management.

How are robotics companies addressing the widening gap between what's on the shelf and what's logged in the system? Also, what does that mean for the future of inventory management?

On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush converses with Dan Johnson, Founder and CEO at Dane Technologies, during the Manifest Conference in Vegas. They discuss the evolution of Johnson’s company from a safety-first automation startup to a leader in inventory-focused AMRs for multi-site warehouses and retail environments.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Robots That Think for Inventory: Dane’s latest AMRs integrate best-in-class barcode scanning using Cognex cameras, helping reconcile actual stock locations with warehouse management systems.

• From Finance to Fulfillment: Johnson explains how customer collaboration drove the company’s pivot from his roots in finance to advanced robotics in logistics.

• A Sector Built on Growth: Johnson highlights how macro trends and constant innovation make supply chain tech an ideal field for early-career professionals.

Dan Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Dane Technologies. He is an entrepreneur and seasoned executive with expertise in launching and scaling technology companies across logistics, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Johnson has led the development of autonomous mobile robots and patented software solutions for asset and emissions management. His earlier finance career included senior roles at RBC Dain Rauscher and Van Kampen, equipping him with strong capital-raising and operational leadership skills.

Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) are transforming how supply chains address the persistent challenge of inventory accuracy. Warehouses and 3PL providers face mounting pressure to maintain real-time stock visibility as ecommerce accelerates fulfillment demands. According to McKinsey & Company, automation can reduce logistics costs by 30% in high-performing operations. AMRs also minimize human error in repetitive inventory tasks, improving efficiency across warehouse networks. These capabilities position AMRs as essential tools for modern inventory management.

How are robotics companies addressing the widening gap between what's on the shelf and what's logged in the system? Also, what does that mean for the future of inventory management?

On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush converses with Dan Johnson, Founder and CEO at Dane Technologies, during the Manifest Conference in Vegas. They discuss the evolution of Johnson’s company from a safety-first automation startup to a leader in inventory-focused AMRs for multi-site warehouses and retail environments.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Robots That Think for Inventory: Dane’s latest AMRs integrate best-in-class barcode scanning using Cognex cameras, helping reconcile actual stock locations with warehouse management systems.

• From Finance to Fulfillment: Johnson explains how customer collaboration drove the company’s pivot from his roots in finance to advanced robotics in logistics.

• A Sector Built on Growth: Johnson highlights how macro trends and constant innovation make supply chain tech an ideal field for early-career professionals.

Dan Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Dane Technologies. He is an entrepreneur and seasoned executive with expertise in launching and scaling technology companies across logistics, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Johnson has led the development of autonomous mobile robots and patented software solutions for asset and emissions management. His earlier finance career included senior roles at RBC Dain Rauscher and Van Kampen, equipping him with strong capital-raising and operational leadership skills.

Logistics networks continue to grow more complex as supply chains race to meet rising ecommerce demand. As of 2024, 80% of consumers expect retailers to offer same-day delivery, with 30% anticipating this service to be free. This pressure is pushing supply chain operators to modernize traditionally overlooked segments like yard management and dock scheduling. Amid this transformation, automation and data-driven scheduling tools are no longer optional; they are essential.

How can shippers optimize throughput without expanding physical capacity? What role can smarter coordination play in solving delivery bottlenecks?

Greg Braun, Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, joins Mike Bush, host of Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, to explain how a legacy logistics tech company continues to evolve after 25 years in the space. Braun shares how C3 Solutions enhances operational efficiency in ways many shippers overlook, from automating dock scheduling rules to launching a driver collaboration tool.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

• The Hidden Power of Dock Scheduling: C3 Solutions helps shippers turn complex capacity planning into automated workflows, preventing operational slowdowns caused by misaligned delivery windows and resource planning.

• Driver Visibility and Communication: The new C3 Hive platform allows drivers to check in remotely, provides live updates, and reduces delays at entry points—streamlining gate and yard operations.

• Operational Roots, Not Just Code: Unlike many tech-first startups, C3 was built by logistics professionals who spent time inside yards and warehouses before ever writing software.

Greg Braun is the Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, a logistics software firm specializing in yard management and dock scheduling. Over a 25-year career, Braun has guided the company’s transformation from on-premise systems to cloud-based SaaS offerings used by global shippers. He holds a background in business administration and computer science, and his early hands-on experience in crosstalks and truck operations still informs the company’s practical approach to software design.

Logistics networks continue to grow more complex as supply chains race to meet rising ecommerce demand. As of 2024, 80% of consumers expect retailers to offer same-day delivery, with 30% anticipating this service to be free. This pressure is pushing supply chain operators to modernize traditionally overlooked segments like yard management and dock scheduling. Amid this transformation, automation and data-driven scheduling tools are no longer optional; they are essential.

How can shippers optimize throughput without expanding physical capacity? What role can smarter coordination play in solving delivery bottlenecks?

Greg Braun, Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, joins Mike Bush, host of Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, to explain how a legacy logistics tech company continues to evolve after 25 years in the space. Braun shares how C3 Solutions enhances operational efficiency in ways many shippers overlook, from automating dock scheduling rules to launching a driver collaboration tool.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

• The Hidden Power of Dock Scheduling: C3 Solutions helps shippers turn complex capacity planning into automated workflows, preventing operational slowdowns caused by misaligned delivery windows and resource planning.

• Driver Visibility and Communication: The new C3 Hive platform allows drivers to check in remotely, provides live updates, and reduces delays at entry points—streamlining gate and yard operations.

• Operational Roots, Not Just Code: Unlike many tech-first startups, C3 was built by logistics professionals who spent time inside yards and warehouses before ever writing software.

Greg Braun is the Chief Revenue Officer at C3 Solutions, a logistics software firm specializing in yard management and dock scheduling. Over a 25-year career, Braun has guided the company’s transformation from on-premise systems to cloud-based SaaS offerings used by global shippers. He holds a background in business administration and computer science, and his early hands-on experience in crosstalks and truck operations still informs the company’s practical approach to software design.

Global shipping continues to grapple with fragmented billing processes, often delaying cargo movement. According to McKinsey, adopting an electronic bill of lading could save $6.5 billion in direct costs and enable $40 billion in global trade. As vessels carry goods for thousands of shippers per voyage, the administrative burden of managing and reconciling invoices through outdated systems has made digital freight invoicing a rising priority for modernization.​

How can digitized invoicing and integrated payment platforms reduce administrative overhead and accelerate the cargo release process?

On Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, host Mike Bush talks with Rishav Mondal, Senior Key Account Manager at ODeX. Mondal dives into how the company helps shipping lines and customers manage documentation and payments at scale. He explains how ODeX replaces inefficient email workflows with instant access to invoices, shipment reports, and digital payment options—all in one platform.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Centralized Access to Freight Documents: ODeX eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails by consolidating all shipping invoices and documents on one platform. Customers can log in, view pending invoices, and track documents in real time, saving time and reducing human error.

• Faster Payment Confirmations: Before ODeX, many customers waited up to 48 hours for payment confirmation through traditional ACH or wire methods. ODeX shortens this process to six hours. This faster turnaround helps prevent cargo delays caused by pending financial approvals and strengthens the case for digital freight invoicing across global shipping networks.

• Expanding Across North America: ODeX launched in the United States in 2023 and has since onboarded more than 1,000 customers. After strong demand, the platform is now available in Canada. It supports over 150 global shipping lines and continues to grow across 15 countries.

Rishav Mondal serves as the Senior Key Account Manager for Implementation and Relationship Management at ODeX. He supports platform adoption across new markets and collaborates with global stakeholders to streamline digital workflows in freight logistics. His background in international operations, project coordination, and client success has played a key role in ODeX’s expansion across 15 countries.​

Global shipping continues to grapple with fragmented billing processes, often delaying cargo movement. According to McKinsey, adopting an electronic bill of lading could save $6.5 billion in direct costs and enable $40 billion in global trade. As vessels carry goods for thousands of shippers per voyage, the administrative burden of managing and reconciling invoices through outdated systems has made digital freight invoicing a rising priority for modernization.​

How can digitized invoicing and integrated payment platforms reduce administrative overhead and accelerate the cargo release process?

On Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, host Mike Bush talks with Rishav Mondal, Senior Key Account Manager at ODeX. Mondal dives into how the company helps shipping lines and customers manage documentation and payments at scale. He explains how ODeX replaces inefficient email workflows with instant access to invoices, shipment reports, and digital payment options—all in one platform.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Centralized Access to Freight Documents: ODeX eliminates the need for back-and-forth emails by consolidating all shipping invoices and documents on one platform. Customers can log in, view pending invoices, and track documents in real time, saving time and reducing human error.

• Faster Payment Confirmations: Before ODeX, many customers waited up to 48 hours for payment confirmation through traditional ACH or wire methods. ODeX shortens this process to six hours. This faster turnaround helps prevent cargo delays caused by pending financial approvals and strengthens the case for digital freight invoicing across global shipping networks.

• Expanding Across North America: ODeX launched in the United States in 2023 and has since onboarded more than 1,000 customers. After strong demand, the platform is now available in Canada. It supports over 150 global shipping lines and continues to grow across 15 countries.

Rishav Mondal serves as the Senior Key Account Manager for Implementation and Relationship Management at ODeX. He supports platform adoption across new markets and collaborates with global stakeholders to streamline digital workflows in freight logistics. His background in international operations, project coordination, and client success has played a key role in ODeX’s expansion across 15 countries.​

Supply chain leaders face an overwhelming volume of siloed data across ERPs, TMS platforms, and warehouse systems, yet few know how to align it for smarter decisions. The stakes are rising fast. According to Capgemini’s 2024 report Data: A Powerful Ally in Tackling Scope 3 Emission Reduction Targets, 85% of organizations cite data access as a barrier to developing supply chain inventories, especially from external partners. As supply chain data analytics becomes essential to agility and competitiveness, companies that fail to get control of their information risk falling behind while AI, analytics, and digital twins become the new industry standard.

What will it take for mid-sized logistics companies to gain real control of their data and turn it into a competitive advantage?

At Manifest Vegas, Hammer Down host, Mike Bush, speaks with Ben Aguillón, Co-Founder and Business Development Manager at Ventagium Data Consulting. Aguillón explains how his company builds custom analytics tools for supply chain organizations drowning in unstructured data. Ventagium takes a flexible, co-created approach tailored to each client's operational reality rather than offering another cookie-cutter dashboard. The discussion centers on how data maturity can make or break tomorrow’s supply chain.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Beyond the Dashboard: Ventagium focuses on enriching, cleaning, and aligning data from across a company’s systems before building custom solutions because inaccurate data leads to poor decisions.
• Microsoft Expertise: As a specialized Microsoft partner, Ventagium leverages tools like Azure and Microsoft Fabric to bring scalability, security, and sustainability to its clients’ data ecosystems.
• Supply Chain Uniqueness: Every logistics operation is different. Ventagium treats each client as a unique case, delivering flexible solutions instead of forcing clients into one-size-fits-all platforms.

José Benjamín Aguillón Padilla is the Co-Founder of Ventagium Data Consulting, a specialized analytics firm serving clients across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. He leads the development of custom enterprise analytics platforms that have helped over 70 organizations improve supply chain decision-making, reduce stock-outs, and boost operational efficiency. Aguillón is also the founder of Datachain Summit and a recognized advocate for data-driven transformation in global logistics.

Manual scanning remains a critical but time-consuming step in warehouse operations. That bottleneck could be nearing its end. A wave of edge technologies is pushing logistics into a new era of automation, and startups are capitalizing. The global warehouse automation market is projected to reach $41 billion by 2027, driven by demand for real-time inventory tracking and labor optimization. As warehouses grow in complexity and volume, the need for continuous, automated visibility into assets and inventory movement has become a top priority for logistics leaders.

Can warehouse workflows finally move beyond hand-scanning to a truly automated, context-aware logistics system?

In this mini episode of Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, host Mike Bush speaks with Bob Reny, the Chief Revenue Officer at Dot Ai. They explore how passive-charging, ultra-small RFID tags and mesh networks are transforming warehouse visibility. The episode dives into how Dot Ai’s platform eliminates the need for manual scans, integrates into zero-infrastructure environments, and advances the broader movement toward warehouse automation through real-time data and edge intelligence. This solution reduces human error, increases throughput, and allows for continuous, hands-free monitoring of warehouse assets.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Zero-Infrastructure Tracking: Dot Ai uses passive-charging tags and wireless mesh networks to automate object visibility without relying on traditional handheld scanners.
• Defense and Manufacturing Pilots: Reny outlines successful pilots with the Defense Logistics Agency and a go-to-market partnership with Worth Industry.
• Scalable Innovation: The solution’s size, power efficiency, and wireless design allow broad adoption across logistics, even in complex environments.

Bob Reny is Chief Revenue Officer at Dot Ai, where he leads the company’s expansion into warehouse automation through edge intelligence and zero-infrastructure tracking solutions. After retiring from a successful cybersecurity career, he transitioned into logistics technology to scale next-generation solutions for supply chain visibility. His leadership now supports Dot Ai’s growth across manufacturing, defense, and logistics sectors by bridging technical innovation with operational efficiency.

Freight forwarding faces a crossroads amid shifting global trade dynamics. The rise of the “China Plus One” strategy, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and tariff pressures, forces companies to rethink supply chain resilience. According to McKinsey & Company, more than 60 percent of companies across sectors are actively redesigning their global supplier base to mitigate risk. Many are turning to alternative manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia, seeking greater agility and regional balance.

How can freight forwarders remain essential as manufacturers diversify sourcing away from China?

On Hammer Down at Manifest Vegas, host Mike Bush speaks with Jeffrey Shih, CEO of Dimerco Express Group, to explore how his company supports customers navigating supply chain shifts, tariff threats, and regional diversification. The conversation covers Dimerco’s strategy in Southeast Asia, its evolving customer base, and how the China Plus One strategy is shaping both logistics solutions and long-term freight planning.

Key Points from the Episode:

• China Plus One in Action: Dimerco plays a critical role in helping manufacturers expand operations into Southeast Asia to reduce overreliance on China. Their on-the-ground presence in Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia supports faster, localized logistics solutions.
• Navigating Tariffs and Geopolitics: Shih discusses how Dimerco advises clients on sourcing strategies amid ongoing trade tensions involving the U.S., China, and emerging markets like Mexico. Tariff unpredictability and regulatory complexity require constant adaptation and deep local insight.
• Supply Chain Careers Have Staying Power: Shih encourages young professionals to consider freight forwarding as a long-term career, underscoring its importance highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued relevance in today’s interconnected economy.

Jeffrey Shih is the CEO of Dimerco Express Group and brings over 35 years of global experience in supply chain and logistics. His career includes leadership roles across Asia and the U.S., overseeing international freight, warehousing operations, and cross-cultural team management. Shih is known for driving customer value, fostering long-term partnerships, and leading with a strong focus on people development.

As global trade logistics falls under more and more pressure to be faster, greener, and more transparent, port authorities and stakeholders are facing a new kind of challenge: how to modernize infrastructure while balancing environmental and community demands. Ports such as Los Angeles and Long Beach are at the epicenter of innovation and scrutiny, which in turn makes the conversation around port development an urgent one. One of the many things to consider is the pros and cons. For example, the San Pedro Bay Port Complex handles about one-third of all containerized imports to the United States each month. This makes them a major source of regional air pollution. This concern further demonstrates the need for some bold, collaborative change.

How can ports evolve into cleaner, more efficient hubs without leaving behind labor, business, or local communities?

On this episode of Hammer Down, host Mike Bush, who is also a board member of FuturePorts, sat down with his fellow FuturePorts board members to explore the past, present, and future of the organization. They also reflected on how a group founded in the early 2000s during a period of legal and operational gridlock became a crucial player in port development, policy, and community advocacy.

During the episode, FuturePorts' board members covered:

• The origin story of FuturePorts and how it emerged as a unifying force in the logistics ecosystem

• Why transparency and communication between ports, businesses, labor, and community are the real drivers of sustainable growth

• What it means to “grow smart” in the modern supply chain economy

FuturePorts' board members include long-standing industry advocates, environmental policy veterans, and leaders in logistics. Kat Janowicz, the current chair, has led FuturePorts for three years and was first drawn to the organization in 2015. Collectively, the board represents decades of experience in navigating the complex intersection of industry growth and civic engagement.