BluJay API platform should boost data exchange

By building an API platform, BluJay aims to capitalize on the broad sharing and enrichment of data within the logistics supply chain. Doug Surrett, Chief Product Strategist, broke the news about the platform during the logistics software vendor's annual SOAR Summit.

In a world that has to move towards 'zero on the meter', the accessible sharing of information is indispensable. With that in mind, Surrett says the supplier started developing the BluJay API platform that enables companies - including non-customers - to use and enrich data from the supplier's systems.

BluJay API platform

“The BluJay API platform must explicitly be capable of integrating with IT applications from third-party software vendors. Furthermore, the primary goal is not so much to increase speed within the supply chain, although that can, of course, be a positive effect. The goal is to develop an ecosystem that makes it easier for our customers—as well as other companies—to exchange data.” According to the Chief Product Strategist, the BluJay API platform is not yet ready for use. “We aim to launch it in mid-2019.”

Macro optimization service

Another announcement from the IT service provider concerned a new service the company is offering in Europe. It involves a macro-optimization service in which the supplier compares the networks of, for example, three shippers, each with its own distribution network. The company had previously offered this service to businesses in the U.S., where the software company is headquartered, but interest there turned out to be rather limited. Surrett: “I’m seeing much more enthusiasm in Europe for our macro optimization service. Companies here are more focused on sustainability and the environment.” The service is designed to help companies realize that certain aspects of their own distribution networks may actually resemble those of competitors or industry peers more than they realize. “We show a portion of the data from the various networks, without revealing any sensitive information, of course. There are significant opportunities for cost savings and CO2 reduction. The EU is more ready for this than the U.S.”

Growth in the number of BluJay customers

According to Surrett, BluJay has had a good year. “To give an example: in 2017, our customers collectively processed 45 million customs declarations. By 2018, that number had grown to 58 million.” The company’s customer base in Europe grew from 3,800 to 5,000 between 2017 and 2018. “I think there’s still plenty of customer potential to be found in Europe. Interest in technology is certainly on the rise, and with that, Europe is catching up to the U.S.”

Neele-Vat

One of the logistics software provider’s clients is Neele-Vat. The logistics service provider has been anything but idle in recent years. In 2018 alone, it completed an acquisition (Oostvogels in Breda), opened a new distribution center, and a new cross-dock location. Neele and Vat Logistics also merged not too long ago. According to IT manager Edwin Valstar and branch manager Johan Verhoeff, the logistics service provider is putting the finishing touches on the rollout of the software provider’s digital planning board. This is part of TMS version 17.2. “We expect this to speed up the planning of our shipments. Among other features, the planning board includes a drag-and-drop function,” says Valstar.

Implementation planning board

The two state that the implementation of the planning board was highly desirable. Verhoeff: “The key now is to position this properly within the organization. It’s actually a TMS project, but the rollout also affects other modules, such as the WMS. By linking data from multiple systems, for example, we can see earlier how many loading units are needed, and we can also track shipments more effectively throughout the supply chain.”

New technology

In the near future, a cross-dock module—designed to better manage and monitor internal pallet movements—is on the agenda. Valstar: “In addition, we’re looking into data analysis tools and possibly also technology for process mining. We are increasingly adding new activities to our business, such as the 22,000 m2 blending and filling warehouse at the Maasvlakte. The technology could help integrate and link existing activities with new ones.”

Labelrobot

In addition to the new warehouses and acquisitions, Verhoeff believes a label robot project also deserves attention. “We are investing more and more on behalf of our customers. A good example of this is the purchase of the labeling robot. The robot ensures that unbranded bagged goods or boxes can be labeled with a private label as soon as there is demand. The purchase of the robot leads to lower inventory levels and shorter delivery times.”

Source: logistics.com