Key Takeaways from Momentum 2024: The Future of Logistics and Supply Chain

1. The Microservices Revolution is Here to Stay
   
   In a candid conversation with a high-ranking Manhattan executive, it became evident that the logistics and supply chain industry is undergoing a significant transformation. The executive remarked, "The Microservices train has left the station. If you are not onboard, best of luck." This statement drove home the urgency and inevitability of embracing microservices architecture. Much like the adoption of Agile methodologies that replaced waterfall development practices, the shift to cloud-native solutions requires a complete tech overhaul. Incremental improvements are not enough. Making this leap will be crucial for staying competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving market.
   
   Microservices are revolutionizing the industry and enabling the entire Active platform. They are critical to partner solutions, providing the flexibility and scalability necessary to meet changing customer needs. Sendflex's multi-level, microservices parcel TMS architecture is validating this approach for our customers every day.
2. Demand for Faster Implementation & Modification
   
   One of the recurring themes at Momentum 2024 was the industry's growing impatience with prolonged delivery times for system modifications and deployment. There is a clear demand for more control over application behavior and functionality and for solutions that can be implemented quickly with minimal professional services fees. Companies are no longer willing to accept long lead times and excessive costs for simple changes and are demanding agile and flexible systems that can adapt quickly to business needs.
   
   Sendflex’s no-code approach to implementations enables business users to do in minutes what might take legacy parcel platform engineers weeks, reducing time to benefit by as much as 80%.
3. Justifying the Investment in Active Journeys
   
   While transitioning to Manhattan's Active solutions offers significant technological advancements, the investment must be justified with solid business cases. The transition to an Active Journey is substantial, often requiring seven-figure investments, so it is essential that these transitions either fully automate processes or dramatically improve efficiency to be worthwhile. The focus must always be on tangible business benefits and return on investment.
   
   Using our parcel simulator, Sendflex logistics managers can load shipping history and run “what if” analyses that help justify data-driven decisions and business cases.
4. Shippers Adopting 3PL Mindsets
   
   A notable trend is that shippers are increasingly thinking like third-party logistics providers (3PLs). They are beginning to recognize the potential revenue streams from freight billing and are seeking granular control over carrier and service selection. This shift reflects a broader trend of shippers looking to optimize their logistics operations to enhance profitability and efficiency.
   
   At Momentum 2024, we unveiled our new Community Management capabilities. 3PLs and shippers saw how easy it is to set up an ecosystem of sub-tenants, each with its own data sets, business rules, rate markups, roles, and permissions.
5. The Rise of Marketplace Connectivity
   
   Conversations at the conference frequently began with our expertise in Enterprise Performance Indicators (EPI), but they often ended with discussions about the benefits of a Marketplace model. There is a growing trend towards integrating marketplace connectivity, where payloads can be processed before the main stack even acknowledges them. This approach, also seen in Deposco, highlights the importance of having a diverse and robust carrier library. The creation of a dedicated marketplace division within our carrier library resonated strongly with many attendees, emphasizing the value of advanced marketplace integrations.
6. Upstream Parcel TMS Capabilities
   
   Printing a label via EPI is increasingly seen as a commodity service. The real value and critical savings in parcel logistics lie upstream from Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). This is where a parcel TMS can optimize routing and ensure deliveries align with promised dates, significantly impacting cost efficiency and customer satisfaction.
   
   Supporting upstream parcel TMS processes requires speed, the kind not available using carrier APIs. Sendflex’s onboard optimization engine processes 20,000 rates, times in transit, and instructions per second, enabling iterative planning, simulations, and digital storefront performance.
7. Partner Expertise in Active Deployment
   
   Partners who understand how Manhattan's Active solutions are deployed—across omni, warehouse management, and transportation management—and how to operate both within and upstream from Active stand to gain significantly. As many clients embark on their Active journeys, partners with this expertise will be invaluable in guiding and supporting these transitions.
   
   Sendflex’s team has successfully supported the Manhattan community for many years and we are proud to help accelerate Manhattan’s mission to digitize their customers’ supply chains.

Looking Ahead: Sendflex's Role in the Future of Parcel Logistics

Momentum 2024 provided a wealth of knowledge and highlighted the dynamic trends that will shape logistics and supply chain management for years to come. From the critical adoption of microservices to the increasing demand for agile system modifications, the industry is clearly on the brink of significant change. As a Manhattan Gold MVP Partner, Sendflex is well-positioned to leverage these insights and continue driving innovation in parcel management.

To learn more about Sendflex’s revolutionary parcel TMS, schedule a consultation today.

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