Descartes Systems is a provider of global trade compliance and supply chain execution services.

For the first time, this cloud-based solution which is specifically designed to address the post-purchase order process for retailers, combines multiple logistics capabilities, including global trade compliance; inventory and purchase order visibility; transportation management; and yard and dock-door flow control of distribution center operations, all over Descartes' federated global logistics network.

Logistics flow control is a complex process that involves collaboration between multiple parties, including the retailer and its suppliers; the transportation providers of the retailer and its suppliers; and the customs house brokers, consolidators and freight forwarders of the retailer and its suppliers.

The retailer's internal processes also require close coordination between its merchandising operations and distribution centers worldwide. Current logistics and global trade compliance systems across these communities are often not well integrated or designed to collaborate across all of the necessary parties involved.

Without a network-based approach, information ends up being neither timely nor comprehensive. As a result, retailers are forced to carry more inventory than required, are less reactive to consumer demand and pay excess importation fees or even fines.

In order for a retailer and its partners to efficiently and effectively control the logistics flow post-purchase order, they need a solution that connects, collaborates and manages the suppliers, logistics services providers and customs house brokers involved with moving and clearing the goods, regardless of whether the operations are managed by the retailer or supplier.

Descartes' new logistics flow control solution uses global logistics network connect and collaborate between these parties, while combining global trade compliance, transportation management, visibility, dock-door appointment scheduling and yard management capabilities to manage the flow of goods from supplier to retail dock-door, regardless of transportation mode.

Art Mesher, CEO of Descartes, said: “We're fortunate that our federated network membership includes leading pharmaceutical, general merchandise, apparel, accessories and home furnishings retailers.”

Will the new solution better manage the flow of goods across the retail community?

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