In the world of cargo supply chain, it’s tough out there.

It’s 5 am, and the world is fast asleep, except you! You have to execute large orders from shippers that you obtained after strenuous efforts.But, you don’t know how to manage it efficiently and cost-effectively with speedy and error-free documentation, getting prompt carrier bookings or carrying-out hassle-free statutory compliances . And the worst part? You don’t have tools to track the cargo on real-time. It’s enough to make anyone lose sleep. Fragmented supply chain, causing erratic shipments, can have a significant economic impact on the bottom line. The fact of the matter is that legacy transportation systems lack the agility and visibility that a modern technology driven system would provide. Evidently, there is an immediate need for an innovative, Logistic Management System to smoothen the friction out of chain of complex processes of your cargo transport.

Say hello to our Transportation Management System (TMS)

If you are a freight forwarder or an NVOCC , battling the tough currents of cargo-transportation, our TMS application is for you! Here, you’ll get cloud-based, end-to-end digital management solutions that can be tailored to your particular needs. By covering the ocean, air, and land the Info-X TMS application provides a further strategic advantage.

Ask yourself, what will help you not only survive the rough currents and turbulence of the modern dynamic market but also help you thrive? The answer lies here! Let’s take a closer look!

Our TMS is hardwired for challenges

With its robust design, Info-X TMS is geared to overcome all the complexities of logistic supply chain and the challenges it poses. Experience the power of integration with the facilitation of online booking, paper-less and error free document management, hassle-free statutory compliances , high visibility tracking and tracing, exception management with automatic alerts and notifications warehouse management, full accounting, auditing and business analytics with a smart dashboard displaying real-time key performance indicators. The seamless integration will give you the ease of operation, speed, accuracy in data flow, reduction in cycle time and cost reductions. To top it, you can even customize solutions suitable for your specific needs.

Equipped with Info-X TMS, get cracking in the market

With seamless operations, greater efficiencies, error free documentation, reduced costs and high visibility through Info-X TMS comes elevated customer satisfaction and retention for you. The more you excel in performance over your competitors,larger your customer base would be leading to your faster growth

Get the technology advantage

Info-X TMS is no run-of-the mill software. It is a full-blown, integrated, dynamic, cloud- based application equipped with cutting technologies like Robotics Process Automation , Artificial Intelligence, and data analytics that carry out seamlessly all the processes in the supply chain from cargo origin to destination.

Check our excellent track record

Founded in 2001, Info-X has been a leader in web based IT logistics software and back office services, enabling digital transformation to freight forwarders , NVOCCs and other intermediaries in USA, Europe and several other countries for the last about two decades. We have a global clientele of over 100, including Fortune 500 companies. Recognizing our excellence in optimizing transportation and logistics operations, we have been accredited as “Top Inbound Logistics Top 100 IT Logistics providers for consecutive years 2017,2018 and 2019 and have also been applauded by American Shipper, JOC and others.

When it comes to Transportation Management System, you need the right partner.

With expansive geographical territories and rising complexities in logistics, you need a TMS partner, who besides providing a smart technology-driven application that can reduce your costs and assure speedy and trouble-free delivery of your cargo, has a strong domain expertise, and strong credentials. Info-X is the right choice for you. It’s the smart-simple thing to do! Kick back, relax, and watch your business grow with Info-X TMS. Here, you even your odds for success!

Back-Office Services: The driver of every Logistics story

If ever, the likes of Steven Spielberg or Christopher Nolan get down to make a movie on logistics, we can tell you who’ll play the story driver — back-office services. While the protagonist is busy saving his clients’ cargo from the complex entanglements of logistics, strong buddies are needed to hold the back end firmly. Weak back-office services can end the script before it even begins. And that’s not all.

Back-office services are one of the most important elements of this movie. They drive the whole logistics story while constantly bolstering the protagonist in the game. But what if it weren’t so but a weak ally? Solution--- the protagonist can outsource the task of invigorating the back-office ally to someone else. We’ll tell you what — by this solution his business life would become infinitely easier. In case you’re still wondering what, we’re talking about, here are some reasons why you should outsource your back-office logistics services.

Outsourcing is the global buzzword

Outsourcing the back offices is a buzzword right now globally. It is well established that numerous businesses worldwide who took the plunge have reaped handsome rewards in terms of streamlined operations, increased efficiencies, high accuracies, substantially reduced costs and increased customer satisfaction while ensuring optimum utilization of the organization resources in the best possible manner.

Loss of time equals loss of opportunity!

With a store-room-full of routine, voluminous paperwork relating to data updations, documentation, statutory compliances, cargo tracking, and accounting to be taken care of, can you even find the time to do what you’re good at? Back-office services can consume a major chunk of your time which reflects in a direct loss of business. We, at Info X, as outsourcing partners, ensure that everything goes smoothly at the back so you can concentrate on your core competencies and grow your business beyond the parameters of success.

Money makes the logistics mare go!

Managing the back-office can cost you a fortune. The amount of workforce and costly office space you need to dedicate towards it can bring about a significant downfall in your profits. Instead of focusing on what matters the most, your best resources are stuck with insignificant jobs. As experts in logistics back-office services, we know you don’t want that. What if we told you that we will take all the pain away and help you increase your efficiencies and cut down your costs by 40% We, at Info X, are the uncrowned kings of back-office services and if you’re looking to spend more time growing your business, we’ll be happy to serve you.

A happy customer is a generous asset

The oldest rule of business is to keep your customers happy. How’re you going to do that if your back-office won’t let you? We, at Info X, ensure that your back-office services are seamless. We give your customers every reason to come back and compliment you after the job is done. With us, the happiness quotient of your customers goes beyond the recommended limits. Is that an offer too good for you to refuse?

The unhindered flight of success

Aggravated by erroneous data, back-office services can put your business at stake. The fear of losing money because of something as insignificant as an invoicing error will always fidget at the back of your mind. We, at Info X, give you the ultimate shield by ensuring over 99.5% data accuracy and full data security so you can scale the logistics world without a shred of fear.

Why Info-X ?

Info-X is the first choice back-office logistics partner for more than 100+ Freight Forwarders and NVOCCs including Fortune 500 companies across the USA, Europe, and Australia for their entire gamut of back-office services. Our clients have constantly trusted us for nearly two decades, which speaks more about our credibility than any statistical report. We are at the forefront of back-office logistics and we’d like you to join us.

Are you ready to dominate the world of logistics with us?

Master the rate. Power the freight.

Before you get to skimming through this article, get a hot cup of coffee and sit back. We’re about to change the way you see rate management, the key feature of logistics, and we want you to enjoy every second of it.

Now, let’s get to the point. You’re here because the world of rate management has left you scratching the turf for a solution. In your logistic business with an intricate maze of ocean rates from dozens of global carriers and inland rates with complex surcharges and adjustment factors that keep changing at the drop of a hat, you’re surely looking for a breather. Particularly, when your competitors are sweeping you off your feet with speedy rate quotes to the customers.

News Flash: You’re at the right place!

Rate Management is a herculean task, if not less. Nobody realizes it better than you! You’ve probably spent millions trying to ingest and systemize rates so you can service your downstream customers efficiently. If by some means, you have achieved it, the exhausting process has worked your fingers to the bones. Managing piles of pdf, word, and excel files has left you with but one choice — hope for the elves to make your shoes while you take a nap.

Still, if you are a freight genius and have found a way through the mess, your rates are almost always obsolete by the time you can make something out of them. And if by God's will you make the slightest of mistakes, robbing a bank to cover your losses doesn’t look like an impossible thing to do. We understand. We understand it all, which is why we’re about to tell you something you’ve been waiting to hear.

INFO X — Putting the baton back in your hand.

Info X is a global leader in logistics software services since 2001 with its strong foothold in USA, Europe, Australia and Asia. Our rate management software is designed to meet the contemporary demands of the freight world for speed, efficiency, accuracy and real-time transparency. The smart technology-driven rate management system displays at a mouse click a comparative all-in rate matrix through a cloud - logistics platform . And that’s not all. Once you choose the right option that works for you, our automated system will transmit the rate quote instantaneously to your customers. That is, while your competitors are still trying to figure it out.

And then comes the best part

We love doing the work you think is boring, which kind of makes us the ideal sidekick. Simply put, we take care of the back-office data entry for rate management while you use your core competencies to solve the biggest mysteries of the little city called Logistics. But that’s not it.

Our data entry team continuously updates the rates, surcharges and adjustments, to bring you rates fresher than the salmon that flew in from County. Our obsession for detail means that you don’t have to worry about losing money because of something as ineffable as an invoicing error. Well, in the process you are getting the benefit of halving your back office costs with near hundred percent accuracy.

By now, you’re already curious and are looking for a reason to make a definitive decision. We understand your dilemma and as we said, we’re here to make your life easier. Here’s a list of things we have to offer in addition to what we’ve already talked about.

• Consolidated comparative transportation pricing
• Singular point for storing quotes
• Centralized data handling
• Reporting tool for constant follow-ups
• Categorization of carriers, time, and cost
• Simplified ocean contract management of data and rate
• Management of rates as per recommended formats and compliance requirements
• EDA integration to create rate quotes based on latest updates
• History tracking
• Smart intelligence reporting
• Automated information transfer

We bring a lot more to the table and we’d like you to make the best out of it. It’s been a long, long, life in the logistics world and we want you to live the rest of it like you are on the best retirement plan in the world. Let’s get together and own the world of freight.

How Back Office Services Can Add Value to Your Logistics Business

Back office services are an integral part of day to day operations for any logistics company. A lot of management time is wasted on managing routine voluminous paperwork, data updation and cargo tracking - the time that can be utilized more profitably to focus on your core competencies of marketing and generating revenue growth.

How Info-X Back-Office offerings can add mega value to your Logistic Business.

Consider how the following tasks can be better handled through using back office support services of Info-X Software Technology , who have the expertise of over 16 years in providing these services commendably to the US and European logistic companies, thereby substantially reducing their costs and adding value to their businesses.

Rate Management

In the ocean carrier marketplace, you as NVOCC or freight forwarder, are competing with businesses around the globe. In order to maintain your position as a leader in this industry, your business demands professional freight rate management. As a part of our logistics back office services offering, Info-X provides an effective solution for optimum ocean rate management with following features.

• Updating complex freight rates and surcharges on real time for faster accurate quotes.
• EDI integration with client operating system for transferring quotes
• Online integration for “Customer Cell Module”, for better profit management.
• Smart intelligent reporting module including Sales Analytics and Quote to Booking Ratios for effective monitoring.

Back Office Processing

The idea of outsourcing logistics business processes is to increase profitability, while improving production accuracy and turnaround time. Whether you are a NVOCC , freight forwarder or ground transportation entity, ensure that you opt for a reliable and experienced logistics back office service provider who can manage your entire documentation process utilizing their domain expertise and technology tools, thereby reducing the write-offs.

Outsourcing logistics business processes is the key to reduce costs. Why? Because it,

• Reduces continuous service and financial pressures
• Minimizes capacity volatility
• Stabilizes cost volatility
• Decreases the complexity of operating environment

Export - Bill of Lading

Info-X team possess expertise in processing export files and perform the following activities for freight forwarders .

• Following up for shipper Instructions.
• AES filing (Automated Export System).
• End to end processing and distribution of export documents such as House Bill of Lading, Master Bill of Lading and raising of Invoices
• Tracking the onboarding of shipments and sending pre alerts to the agents.
• Auditing – Proofing of carrier BL and approving it.

Import - Arrival Notice Entry

A notice of arrival is a primary form of international shipping documentation, issued by an ocean freight agent or carrier on behalf of the shipping recipient. Preparing these documents accurately entails the cargo location, LOT number, ocean freight carrier release charges and any additional instructions on how to handle shipment recovery. If you wish to have an effective system for handling these tasks in a streamlined manner, contact Info-X to set up an appropriate back office system for you.

Cargo Tracking Services

Now a day the customers expects a WOW experience and it can only happen if proactive information with high and continuous visibility is provided to them. Therefore, the tracking service plays an important role in customer satisfaction. An effective tracking system can provide a continuous and precise visibility about the status of the shipment for the customer to coordinate and take corrective steps in case of deviations from the schedule, eliminating demurrage etc. Info-X has an excellent record in tracking domestic and overseas shipments and have been rendering services for fortune 500 organizations globally.

Accounting Services

An ocean carrier’s accounting services are the bridge that provides expedience to billing and invoicing. Getting invoices out to shipping customers as quickly as possible reduces the time spent waiting on revenue. By uploading documents using a digitized accounting process your office staff can streamline the entire billing process. Info-X has the proven track record and expertise to handle full logistics accounting services .

Auditing

Auditing plays a critical role is stopping the leakage of revenue. A robust auditing system acts as a gatekeeper and prevents revenue loss. For instance, a stringent audit can identify an under rated ocean quote which is a potential loss to the organization. Info-X has advanced tools for the carrying out the audit and plugging the loop holes.

FMC/Tariff Publishing

In 2011 the Federal Maritime Commission released a ruling that all licensed NVOCCs involved with negotiated rate agreements are exempt from publishing the rates for publicly accessible tariffs, in certain situations. Part of this ruling requires these companies to store records for five years in a format easily accessible by the FMC. Here at Info-X, we offer FMC-approved storage via our back office services that will ensure your company remains compliant with tariff publishing regulations. How It Works?

• Direct integration with logistics to see filing status report
• Global login to monitor your filed rates
• Rate filing with FMC

Customs Filing

When dealing with the US Customs and Border Protection Agency, anything you can do to speed up the process of customs filing will benefit your business. Are you using electronic documents that are easily processed and accepted according to CBP regulations? If not, this is another Info-X back office service you would want to implement.

Key Factors Driving Effective Freight Rate Management Software

What is the one decisive factor for any logistics provider? Being able to manage rates effectively. As an NVOCC or freight forwarder , it is imperative for you to track and keep up-to-date records of the frequently changing carrier rate contracts with applicable surcharges and other amendments. This information would allow you to quote the best and accurate rates at the quickest to help your clients make the most economical decisions for their business. An automated software package can control rate management and therefore increase accuracy and efficiencies. If your management team is not quite on board with freight rate management software, here are some important factors that should be considered in the decision making process.

Technology Platform

The multitude of options in technology is becoming a differentiator for selecting the most robust software for rate management . The need of the hour is a cloud-based, agile rate management system with multi-modular and multi-modal functionality, which covers the entire logistics network of ocean, air, and ground transportation. The front-end graphical interface should synchronize and allow for easy access to digital rates matrix repository. In today’s highly competitive environment, accuracy determines the service level of the NVOCC and freight forwarders and acts as a bridge between retaining and losing customers.

Quality and Ease of Managing Quotes

Quoting is the starting point for generating potential revenue. The software must be conducive and provide supportive features to aid in quote management, such as the ability to search for most efficient commodity specific rates, surcharges, vessel schedules , and transit times for multiple carriers.

The software should provide both specificities, as well as variability. The system needs to have specific modules for handling various haul types, such as Ocean FCL, Ocean LCL, air freight, LTL, and RO-RO . It should have the ability to offer quick rate solutions for a variety of container sizes linking with intermodal freight rates with details of validity and expiry of rate.

In addition, an efficient quoting system should also have the functionality to have an end to end view of buy and sell rates, profit margins, and all-in pricing to aid in quick quoting. The system should have the option to quote in multiple currencies and overseas surcharges in foreign currency.

The automated feature for profit margin would be time-saving and eventually provide peace of mind to the NVOCC and freight forwarders .

Finally, there should be a capability to send the quotes to the customer through an inbuilt emailing system for booking and also have the functionality to easily retrieve and use them in future.

Integration with Existing Management Systems

When considering any freight management software, the ultimate goal is to find a service that works with the existing software systems. The technology and the set up should be such as to be compatible with commonly used systems in your business domain. For instance, it should have the EDI integration with client operating system for creating rate quotes and connecting with web services to determine intermodal rates.

Value Proposition for Downstream Processes

An effective rate management software can bring in tremendous value proposition to the organization. It works as a central digital repository of vessel schedules , transit times, buy and sell rates, as well as applicable surcharges with an insight towards calculating bottom line. Investing in the rate management software reduces invoicing errors. This drastically reduces the time required downstream to correct the billing errors, which improves margins and service quality. An ideal rate management software should also feed the organization with business intelligence reporting for the sales team—giving them direction and a roadmap.

Choose Freight Rate Management Software

If you are ready to take the next step in freight rate management software or logistic BPO services, let us assist you. Contact Info-X Software Technology to request a quote. We offer innovative transportation software solutions and back-office services for last 16 years assisting NVOCC , freight forwarders , and shippers across continents.

Cargo Tracking and Tracing - Know Where Your Cargo Is?

Cargo tracking and tracing are not only essential for efficiently managing the logistics network, but also for offering absolute customer satisfaction. With technological advancements, now companies can track and trace their cargo 24 x 7 with the help of freight tracking services. Detailed information about how professional freight tracking and tracing services can benefit your business are discussed in this blog.

Industries throughout the world are facing difficulties when it comes to tracking and tracing their cargo and maintaining their logistics supply network. The problem can easily translate into a huge problem among the production, distribution and delivery units and can disrupt the harmony of your logistics chain right from the source to the destination location to result in customer dissatisfaction.

Advanced Cargo Tracking and Tracing

Cargo tracking and tracing companies offer an ideal solution to this problem. These companies make use of advanced shipment monitoring technologies to track your shipment right from the source to its destination without any human intervention. This allows the companies to monitor and trace their shipments, manage their inventory and also prevent theft in ways which were not possible in the past.

While Cargo tracking and tracing have been around for a long time in the form of bar codes and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), satellite and cellular technologies have paved ways for the development of advanced equipment, like GPS that can easily track and trace any shipment almost all over the world.

While these technologies were expensive in the past, their prices have considerably dropped now, and this allows the smallest companies to afford a freight tracking service.

Benefits of Cargo Tracking and Tracing

Better Customer Service: Tracking of the package, consignments or parcels not only provides the businesses with a peace of mind but to the customers as well. Even the customers can track and trace their orders, know their exact arrival date and make timely provisions for receipt of goods. Businesses, on the other hand, can use this information to resolve queries of the customers with accuracy and not speculation.

In-depth Information of the Supply Chain : With a cargo tracking and tracing service, all the details regarding the shipment can be accessed by simply inserting the tracking number. Right from the information of the carrier, its current location, to its ETA can be viewed by anyone.

Counter Non-Deliver: Also, if there is a non-delivery, you can trace the shipment and know the reason for non-delivery to ensure that the shipment reaches to the destination as soon as possible. It will simplify the entire shipping process and will help in reducing the burden from your administrative staffs’ shoulders.

If you still prefer using traditional services for cargo tracking and tracing, you are missing improved handling of your cargo, maximum control, automation and modern tracking functionalities. Yes, using a modern tracking and tracing service for your cargo can be a bit difficult initially and can also suffer from technical hurdles at times, but the advantages overshadow these minor difficulties.

Say goodbye to speculations, delays, non-delivery and all the problems related to shipment with a cargo tracking and tracing service to experience a modern world of difference.

Outsourcing Business Processes is the Key to Reduce Costs, Improve Efficiency

Success of any business depends upon the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its supply-chain . Outsourcing this process ensures compliance, profits, customer-satisfaction and development.

Today, our transportation systems are more evolved than ever. It is easier to ship anything from cars to a pound of grapes than it was 50 years ago. But transportation comes with its own set of problems and complexities that can hinder a company’s growth. High costs of transportation and falling margins in shipment have hit the profitability of the logistics industry . And venturing into this field to supply your product can be a risky option. At the same time, hiring expensive employees or dealing with security mandates, excessive paperwork or the volatile economic environment across the world can be time-consuming, not to mention quite hassling. So, to get the best out of transportation, to enhance your supply-chain management and to ensure customer satisfaction, you need to opt for logistic BPO services , which can unlock the true value of transportation process, promote cost-optimization and streamline the entire shipment-tracking-delivery process.

The idea of outsourcing logistical business processes is to improve profitability, while increasing production-delivery experience. Whether you are looking for ocean, freight forwarders or land transportation systems, ensure that you opt for a company that can reduce write-offs, handle paperwork and handle costs through its industry expertise and technology tools.

Outsourcing business processes is the key to reduce costs. Why? Because it,

• Reduces continuous service and financial pressures
• Minimizes capacity volatility
• Stabilizes cost volatility
• Decreases the complexity of operating environment

Ideally, your logistic BPO services’ providers should broke down the process into following parts,

• Master Data Management
• Planning
• Execution
• Identification of optimization or innovation potential
• Then, your company can expect
• Optimization of entire supply chain network- from producers to distributors
• Determination of optimum locations for supply-chain processes
• Decreasing complexity and enhancing efficiency of routes
• Increased inventory
• Order processing, validation and fulfillment
• Logistics management, sourcing and planning
• Processing orders, providing proof of delivery and auditing performances

Overall, these factors can guarantee cost-reduction, standardization of business processes, enriched customer experiences and improved productivity within an organization.

Companies today, basically have to understand that BPO represents a strategic and efficient way of handling tumultuous transportation or supply-chain management problems. You should be opting for these companies and use following rules to get the best results,

• Ensure logistic BPO services are a CEO’s priority as there are no better options for survival
• Look at outsourcing as an efficient, reliable process to get work done in a complex transportation industry
• Keep the arrangements for CPO simple. Analyze the services offered by a company, compare the results in 90-180 days to see whether or not any cost-savings or efficient supply management can be 
• Have aggressive timelines for sorting out the BPO process
• Develop a deployment plan that the company can implement
• Insist on choosing a company with prior expertise, industry knowledge and specific professionals for the job

So, go ahead! Get logistics’ advantages by choosing the right BPO Company for your operations .

Info-X USA provides all-round logistics and outsourcing services for businesses. Visit https://infox.com/ for more details.