Date: 04.06.2020

Digital disruption is just noise

Digital disruptors will no more kill-off today’s forwarding sector than the advent of European rail did in the 1800s, according to director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), Robert Keen.

This week Robert Keen (pictured) described comments from a ‘disrupter’, that with digitalisation accelerating globally as a result of COVID-19, it believes the future of the traditional freight forwarder is more precarious than ever, as PR puff.

“There’s this idea that if forwarders do not adapt, they will die – but you just need to look back at the sector’s history, it has always adapted. Said Robert”
Technology adoption, conception and development has been a critical success factor since Metro’s inception and, as one of our four key service pillars, is a unique selling point.

“We keep hearing the usual spin from digital start-ups on how their presence in the sector will lead to the death of traditional forwarders,” said Mr Keen. “It’s a load of rubbish.”

“We are already developing and delivering technology-led products and services that will meet customers needs more effectively, enhance their experience and cut their costs.”

Granted, some forwarders will fall by the wayside if they’re yet to go digital, but most worth their salt have been offering at least track & trace solutions of all shapes and sizes for many years. 

At Metro we have our own development team and product suite, to conceive, create and support the solutions that drive our operations and support our customers. 

Our new 4PL modular platform simplifies management of the biggest and most complex supply chains, while Metro’s unique Brexit solution, will support the biggest importers and exporters seamlessly through the transition period, into the new EU trading environment.

Using a unique mix of API and EDI technologies to handle multiple data flows, as well as RPA in the middle, Metro customers will get real time digital dashboards and complete supply chain visibility so they can monitor KPIs and focus on the exceptions that matter.

Mr Keen said forwarders were “incredibly adaptive”, saying that there is evidence daily of freight forwarders developing systems comparable with those of digital disruptors.

Metro hire the best and most-gifted forwarding and software development staff, directing their efforts to deliver the highest value, embedding themselves in our customers’ entire supply chains.

Digital disruptors will no more kill-off today’s forwarding sector than the advent of European rail did in the 1800s, according to director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), Robert Keen.

This week Robert Keen (pictured) described comments from a ‘disrupter’, that with digitalisation accelerating globally as a result of COVID-19, it believes the future of the traditional freight forwarder is more precarious than ever, as PR puff.

“There’s this idea that if forwarders do not adapt, they will die – but you just need to look back at the sector’s history, it has always adapted. Said Robert”
Technology adoption, conception and development has been a critical success factor since Metro’s inception and, as one of our four key service pillars, is a unique selling point.

“We keep hearing the usual spin from digital start-ups on how their presence in the sector will lead to the death of traditional forwarders,” said Mr Keen. “It’s a load of rubbish.”

“We are already developing and delivering technology-led products and services that will meet customers needs more effectively, enhance their experience and cut their costs.”

Granted, some forwarders will fall by the wayside if they’re yet to go digital, but most worth their salt have been offering at least track & trace solutions of all shapes and sizes for many years. 

At Metro we have our own development team and product suite, to conceive, create and support the solutions that drive our operations and support our customers. 

Our new 4PL modular platform simplifies management of the biggest and most complex supply chains, while Metro’s unique Brexit solution, will support the biggest importers and exporters seamlessly through the transition period, into the new EU trading environment.

Using a unique mix of API and EDI technologies to handle multiple data flows, as well as RPA in the middle, Metro customers will get real time digital dashboards and complete supply chain visibility so they can monitor KPIs and focus on the exceptions that matter.

Mr Keen said forwarders were “incredibly adaptive”, saying that there is evidence daily of freight forwarders developing systems comparable with those of digital disruptors.

Metro hire the best and most-gifted forwarding and software development staff, directing their efforts to deliver the highest value, embedding themselves in our customers’ entire supply chains.

Digital disruptors will no more kill-off today’s forwarding sector than the advent of European rail did in the 1800s, according to director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), Robert Keen.

This week Robert Keen (pictured) described comments from a ‘disrupter’, that with digitalisation accelerating globally as a result of COVID-19, it believes the future of the traditional freight forwarder is more precarious than ever, as PR puff.

“There’s this idea that if forwarders do not adapt, they will die – but you just need to look back at the sector’s history, it has always adapted. Said Robert”
Technology adoption, conception and development has been a critical success factor since Metro’s inception and, as one of our four key service pillars, is a unique selling point.

“We keep hearing the usual spin from digital start-ups on how their presence in the sector will lead to the death of traditional forwarders,” said Mr Keen. “It’s a load of rubbish.”

“We are already developing and delivering technology-led products and services that will meet customers needs more effectively, enhance their experience and cut their costs.”

Granted, some forwarders will fall by the wayside if they’re yet to go digital, but most worth their salt have been offering at least track & trace solutions of all shapes and sizes for many years. 

At Metro we have our own development team and product suite, to conceive, create and support the solutions that drive our operations and support our customers. 

Our new 4PL modular platform simplifies management of the biggest and most complex supply chains, while Metro’s unique Brexit solution, will support the biggest importers and exporters seamlessly through the transition period, into the new EU trading environment.

Using a unique mix of API and EDI technologies to handle multiple data flows, as well as RPA in the middle, Metro customers will get real time digital dashboards and complete supply chain visibility so they can monitor KPIs and focus on the exceptions that matter.

Mr Keen said forwarders were “incredibly adaptive”, saying that there is evidence daily of freight forwarders developing systems comparable with those of digital disruptors.

Metro hire the best and most-gifted forwarding and software development staff, directing their efforts to deliver the highest value, embedding themselves in our customers’ entire supply chains.

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