The company revealed the plans at its Delivering the Future event in Dartford, England, where it also introduced an upgraded version of Proteus, its autonomous warehouse robot.

The new Proteus can move across warehouse floors rather than being limited to loading and dock areas. Amazon said employees can now give the robot instructions using everyday language instead of technical commands.

“You tell it what needs to be done. It figures out the priority, the route, the timing,” said Scott Dresser, vice president of Amazon Robotics.

Like the current version, Proteus is designed to handle physically demanding work, including moving heavy carts over long distances. Amazon explained that the upgraded robot is being tested in its laboratories and is expected to begin operating in Europe during the first half of 2027.

Alongside Proteus, Amazon also highlighted other robotics technologies that it plans to expand across its European network. These include Vulcan, the company’s first robot with a sense of touch, and STARK, a robotic tote-handling system that works alongside employees by picking full totes from conveyors and placing them onto carts.

STARK was first tested in Barcelona and Amazon plans to deploy it at 15 sites across Europe by 2027.

The warehouse robots rollout is part of an investment programme worth more than €10 billion, Amazon said the funding will be used to expand and modernise fulfilment centres across Europe while supporting long-term growth in the region.

The company expects the expansion to create 25,000 additional jobs across its European fulfilment network over the coming years.

Amazon also announced a fresh commitment to workforce development, pledging $1 billion to its Career Choice programme by 2030. The initiative funds education and training for employees seeking careers in areas such as cyber security, software development, logistics, renewable energy and mechatronics.

More than 300,000 employees have participated in the programme globally, including 30,000 in the United Kingdom.

On the delivery side, Amazon said it will open more than 25 Sub Same-Day Delivery sites across Europe this year. The facilities bring storage, fulfilment and final delivery operations together in one location, allowing customers to place orders later in the day and still receive them within hours.

The company said the network will expand to locations including Coventry in the UK and Nürnberg in Germany.

Amazon Now, the retailer’s ultra-fast delivery service for groceries and household essentials, is also set for further growth. The service, which promises delivery in 30 minutes or less, is already available in parts of London and will expand to Manchester and Birmingham later this year.

In another update for European customers, Amazon said its Add to Delivery feature will launch in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy and France later this year. The service allows Prime members to add items to an existing order without completing a separate checkout process or paying extra delivery charges.

The company is also strengthening its grocery offering. Customers in parts of central and east London can now combine fresh food items, including fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products, with other Amazon purchases for same-day delivery.

Amazon said the investment drive follows a record year in Europe. The company invested more than €60 billion across the region in 2025, its largest annual investment in Europe to date.

The retailer also provided an update on its sustainability efforts, revealing that more than 50,000 electric delivery vans are now operating across the United States, Europe and India. That figure represents half of Amazon’s target to deploy 100,000 electric vans globally by 2030.

In Europe, Amazon and its delivery partners have now completed more than 100 million deliveries using electric cargo bikes, electric mopeds and on-foot delivery methods. These deliveries have helped avoid more than 17,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions.

FedEx dropped as much as 7.4% during trading, its steepest fall in over a year, while UPS followed, sliding up to 8.9%. 

Forward Air and GXO Logistics both recorded double-digit declines, while Old Dominion Freight Line fell more than 5%.

The reaction came within hours after Amazon announced that it would open its logistics network to businesses beyond its marketplace.

With such a wide scope, the company plans to offer freight, warehousing, fulfilment and parcel delivery as a single service to external clients.

Amazon has spent years building warehouses, delivery stations and air capacity to speed up its own orders. Now, it wants to use spare capacity to move goods for other companies, even when those goods have nothing to do with its retail platform.

In practical terms, this puts Amazon in direct competition with long-established carriers. It also stretches into areas handled by freight brokers, warehouse operators and trucking firms. 

The market reaction shows how seriously investors are taking that risk.

Amazon said customers could range from industrial groups like 3M to retailers such as Lands’ End, showing it is not targeting a niche. Rather, it is going after the expansive logistics market.

Morgan Stanley analyst Ravi Shanker wrote, “The announcement could be a watershed moment for North American freight transportation companies.”

Others see a longer build-up behind this move. Nate Skiver, founder of LPF Spend Management, said, “Amazon has been heading in this direction for several years, offering portions of its supply chain capabilities as services to non-Amazon sellers.” 

He added, “Bringing its end-to-end capabilities to market in a unified service offering stands to disrupt the US logistics market.”

The issue is not just about parcel delivery, as air freight firms, trucking companies and even rail and ocean shipping operators could feel the pressure if Amazon scales quickly. 

Its advantage lies in adequate management, as it owns large parts of the network, from storage to last-mile delivery.

Competitors are facing a company with deep pockets, existing infrastructure and a track record of cutting delivery times. Investors responded fast, and the sell-off reveals that.

However, Amazon still needs to prove it can run this as a standalone service at scale.

The company said businesses will now be able to move, store, and deliver goods using its existing supply chain systems, including ocean freight, air transport, ground haulage, warehousing, and parcel delivery. The service is available to firms across sectors, such as retail, healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing.

Amazon described the rollout as an expansion of tools it has already been using internally and with third-party sellers for years. It pointed to its Fulfilment by Amazon system, which has supported independent sellers since 2006. Those sellers have shipped more than 80 billion units through Amazon’s network.

Over time, Amazon added more logistics functions beyond fulfilment centres. That includes cross-border shipping, customs handling, and bulk storage. The company said it now moves billions of items annually for selling partners.

Peter Larsen, vice president of Amazon Supply Chain Services, said the system builds on long-term infrastructure investment.

“Amazon is bringing the infrastructure, intelligence, and scale of its supply chain services, proven over decades, to businesses everywhere, much like Amazon Web Services did for cloud computing,” he said.

“Supply chain wasn’t just a function at Amazon, it was core to providing an exceptional shopping experience. Our differentiator. The reason we could offer fast, dependable delivery that nobody else could. 

“And with the launch of ASCS, we’re confident we can give any other business access to the same cost efficiency, reliability, and speed that we’ve built for Amazon customers.”

Several large companies are already testing the service, including Procter & Gamble, using Amazon’s freight network to move raw materials and finished goods across its operations.

3M is also using the system to transport products from factories to distribution centres worldwide, while Lands’ End said it is using Amazon’s unified inventory system to manage orders across multiple sales channels.

Again, American Eagle Outfitters is using Amazon’s parcel delivery network for online orders across its brands.

Andrew McLean, chief executive of Lands’ End, said the system improves delivery timing for customers.

“Amazon is one of our key ecommerce partners, and we’re excited to leverage Amazon Supply Chain Services to position inventory closer to customers so we can reach them even faster,” he said. 

“This consistency is central to our solutions-based approach, enabling us to serve customers with confidence and agility, especially during peak seasons.”

Amazon said the system is built around three main services, which are freight transport, inventory distribution, and parcel delivery.

Freight covers movement by air, sea, road, and rail, with tracking and customs support included. Distribution allows companies to store stock closer to demand and fulfil orders across different sales channels. 

Parcel delivery provides nationwide shipping with two to five-day delivery windows, including weekend operations.

The company further noted that businesses will also get access to a central platform to manage services and shipments.

Amazon also highlighted early results from sellers already using its logistics tools, saying some businesses recorded higher sales after integrating supply chain services, alongside lower operating costs.

Independent sellers are a big part of Amazon’s logistics network. They now move billions of products each year through its system, supported by fulfilment centres and transport operations across regions.

Some sellers said the expansion reduces operational pressure. One business founder said:

“Amazon has added value at every stage of our supply chain from cross-border logistics to warehouse storage and parcel shipping,” said Todd Bairstow, founder of Finer Form. 

“We’ve been able to save money, eliminate operational complexity, and it’s given us more time to focus on what matters: building our brand. Honestly, there wouldn’t be a Finer Form without Amazon.”

Amazon said the new service builds on the same infrastructure it developed for its own retail operations, adding that it now wants to make that system available to any business, not just those selling on its marketplace.

A report by Nikkei Asia, citing sources familiar with the matter, said early test production has not gone as planned. According to the report, the issues could delay mass production and push back shipments by several months.

“It’s true that more issues than expected have emerged during the early test production phase, and additional time will be needed to resolve them and make necessary adjustments,” one source said.

The problems centre on two key challenges. Engineers are still working to improve hinge durability, an important part of any foldable device. They are also trying to achieve a crease-free display, a common issue with foldable screens.

These are not minor setbacks, as a weak hinge affects how long the phone lasts, while a visible crease changes how the screen feels in daily use. Apple appears to be taking more time rather than rushing a product that falls short of expectations.

The impact is already spreading beyond the company. Suppliers across Asia, including firms in South Korea, Japan and China, have been warned that component timelines may slip. These companies provide key parts such as OLED panels, hinges and specialised materials.

Apple had been expected to launch its first foldable iPhone alongside two upgraded non-folding models in the second half of 2026. That plan is now uncertain. If the current issues continue, the device could miss that window.

Competitors including Samsung, which leads the foldable market with its Galaxy Z series, holds a strong global share. Huawei and Oppo have also released foldable devices, although their reach is still limited in some regions.

Apple’s launch into the segment is widely seen as important. Foldable phones are still a small part of the smartphone market, but shipments grew last year. Even so, they are far behind traditional devices.

Pricing could also affect demand, with expectations placing Apple’s foldable iPhone at the premium end, likely above $1,500, it targets high-end users rather than the mass market.

For now, the company has not commented on the report.

The Series B round was led by Base10 Partners, with participation from a16z, Array Ventures, YC, Samsara Ventures, Tokio Marine, WaVe-X, World Innovation Lab (WiL) and other logistics-focused funds.

This latest raise comes less than a year after the San Francisco startup closed a $15.6 million Series A round backed by a16z, YC, and Baobab Ventures. The fresh capital will be used to hire more engineers, strengthen its product, and roll out to more businesses.

HappyRobot says its digital workers can take on full operational tasks that usually slow down companies. They can handle calls, emails, chats, documents, and even negotiations, with the aim of removing the manual back-and-forth that usually eats up staff time.

“Most people don’t realise how much time and money is burned just coordinating operations and sharing information,” said Pablo Palafox, co-founder and CEO of HappyRobot. “Our goal is for an AI workforce to handle all that manual coordination and execution so people can focus on the strategic work, relationships and exceptions that really drive value.”

So far, more than 70 enterprises, including DHL, Ryder, and Werner, are using the platform. Reported results show that appointment scheduling times have been cut from a week to half an hour, collections bringing in over 100 times returns, and sales teams recording several times more output.

HappyRobot is also building new tools to keep its system in check. The AI Auditor monitors digital workers for compliance, while the AI Builder lets teams set up new workers with simple prompts. A central operating system ties it all together, giving companies one place to manage their automation.

Base10’s Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Adeyemi Ajao, commended the team, saying: “This is one of the hardest-working and technically brilliant teams I have seen in 20 years in tech. Their vision to deploy their AI workforce to manage operational tasks across the supply chain & beyond is the future for the logistics industry and workforce.”

The company was founded in 2023 by Pablo Palafox, Luis Paarup, and Javier Palafox. It started out experimenting with voice AI that could hold a natural conversation, eventually applying it to freight operations before scaling into wider enterprise use.

With new funding secured, HappyRobot plans to expand its workforce and strengthen its technology as it pushes toward its long-term goal of building a digital workforce for the real economy.

Yet many manufacturers remain stuck with outdated ERP systems that were never built for their pace or precision. Bonx, a French startup building operational software for European industry, is changing that. 

Today, the company announced an $8.6 million seed round led by 9900 Capital, with participation from Kima Ventures, Purple, OSS Ventures, and Dynamo Ventures.

Founded in 2022 by Alexandre Barroux and Rémi Beges within OSS Ventures, Bonx is a modern ERP platform purpose-built for manufacturing. 

By combining no-code configuration, advanced AI capabilities and rapid deployment, the company enables mid-market manufacturers to digitise operations in weeks, not years. 

Bonx integrates seamlessly into existing environments, offering visibility and control across production, logistics, procurement, and quality, without replacing core finance or CRM systems. 

The platform is already being used by a growing number of French, Italian and Spanish manufacturers, including suppliers to Décathlon and emerging brands like French Bloom.

“Our mission remains clear: empower manufacturers to simplify and take control of their operations through technology that adapts to their precise needs,” said Alexandre Barroux, CEO of Bonx. 

“This funding propels us into our next phase – becoming Europe’s definitive ERP leader for mid-sized manufacturers, expanding our successful model from France into new key markets, while scaling in Italy and Spain.”

Unlike traditional ERP deployments, which often drag on for months or years and require expensive consultants, Bonx is designed to go live fast and evolve with the shop floor. 

Customers report full rollouts in as little as three to ten weeks, along with measurable improvements in traceability, purchasing workflows, and inventory coordination. 

The software’s modular, visual interface makes it intuitive for operators and supply chain teams – not just IT departments – and its adaptability means factories can shape the system to fit their actual processes, not the other way around.

The urgency is real. Across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, mid-sized manufacturers are facing growing technical and operational complexity. Shifting regulations, fragmented supplier networks, and ambitious sustainability targets are all increasing the pressure to modernise. 

Yet many of the ERP platforms still in use across Europe were built for a different era – rigid, opaque, and unable to keep up with evolving demands. Even basic changes to workflows often require custom development. 

As a result, too many industrial teams are still managing high-stakes operations in spreadsheets, or locked into systems that were never designed for speed or interoperability.

Bonx steps into this gap with a platform built precisely for the complexity of modern European industry, allowing manufacturers to gain operational clarity fast without ripping out existing systems. 

Their company reflects a broader shift in how Europe’s industrial backbone is being rebuilt – not just with machines, but with software that understands how production actually runs.

“By focusing exclusively on manufacturing and supply-chain operations, we’ve built Bonx to integrate effortlessly with existing tools, particularly general ledgers and CRM solutions that our customers already rely on and love,” said Rémi Beges, CTO of Bonx. 

“Manufacturers don’t have to replace the systems they’re accustomed to; Bonx complements and enhances their stack and acts as their operational backbone.”

Investor appetite mirrors the urgency playing out on factory floors. “Bonx is redefining the ERP landscape by combining extraordinary implementation speeds with genuinely impactful AI-driven capabilities, driving enormous efficiencies within an industry plagued by legacy software,” commented Juliette Sylvain, Principal at 9900 Capital.

“We are excited to support Bonx as it sets a new industry standard and scales across Europe.”

With this new funding, Bonx will grow its team, deepen its product, and scale in Italy and Spain, two of Europe’s most important manufacturing economies, where Bonx is already present. 

The company sees clear demand for fast, modern ERP solutions that respect the way factories already work, while unlocking smarter, more connected operations. 

Over time, Bonx aims to become the foundational layer for industrial execution across the continent, offering a new kind of digital infrastructure that scales with production, not against it.

With the holiday season here already, both global and Nigerian eCommerce platforms are already seeing high demand. This period brings high-stakes pressure to retailers as consumers rely more on online stores for shopping.

In the US alone, online sales reached $288.8 billion in the third quarter of 2024, a 7.46% increase year-over-year (YoY) from the third quarter of 2023. 

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s eCommerce market, valued at $8.53 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $14.92 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.82% during the forecast period.

This surge reiterates how much eCommerce is becoming indispensable, particularly during peak shopping seasons. 

However, with the holiday rush, it’s a big wonder if technology can keep up with the high demands of holiday shoppers, or are cracks starting to show under the weight of consumer expectations? Millions of shoppers converge on online stores, pushing the system to its limits. Any glitch, any hiccup, can have catastrophic consequences.

The Pressure on eCommerce Platforms

Over 40% of annual retail sales occur between Thanksgiving and Christmas globally and Nigerian platforms like Jumia have seen commendable growth. Jumia recently reported an 18% year-on-year increase in orders during the 2024 holiday season which is just starting. Imagine the percentage increase by year-end!

But while demand surges, so too do consumer expectations. In both the US and Nigeria, shoppers are now accustomed to fast deliveries, often within 24 to 48 hours, and seamless checkout. 

Research reveals that 70% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to poor user experience, while in Nigeria, 45% of consumers would switch platforms if delivery times exceed expectations.

For retailers, the stakes are high—failure to meet these expectations can result in lost sales, customer trust, and irreparable damage to a brand’s reputation. 

The need for operational efficiency has never been more important, as tech infrastructure limitations, supply chain disruptions, and cybersecurity issues threaten to obstruct smooth operations during the busy holiday season.

Challenges in Meeting Holiday Demands

Tech Infrastructure Limitations: Server overloads, slow website speeds, and outages are common during peak shopping periods. Last year’s Black Friday saw lots of disruptions, with Amazon experiencing intermittent outages as servers were unable to handle traffic peaks. 

In Nigeria, platforms like Jumia have faced similar issues, with users reporting delays in page load times and failures in processing transactions. The holiday surge often exceeds bandwidth capacity, causing slowdowns and customer frustration. This is why scalable, efficient infrastructure is required.

Supply Chain Disruptions: The global supply chain problem, worsened by the pandemic and logistical challenges, has made it more difficult to meet the rising demand for products. 

In 2023, more than 60% of global supply chains faced delays, leading to out-of-stock situations for major retailers. 

Platforms like Konga had delays in shipments from overseas suppliers, affecting the timely availability of high-demand goods such as electronics and fashion. Local delivery systems in Nigeria are also under pressure, with shipping times increasing by 20% during the holiday season, according to a report by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

Cybersecurity: The holidays also bring risks of cyberattacks, including data breaches and fraud. Last year, more than 500 million online accounts were compromised globally during the holiday shopping season. In Nigeria, the rise of digital payment fraud has led to increased cybersecurity anxieties. 

During the holiday season, cybersecurity agencies, including Nigeria’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), often issue warnings about an increase in fraudulent activities in eCommerce transactions. 

This period is particularly vulnerable to cyber threats due to the high volume of online transactions,  making individuals and companies more vigilant about the safety of online payment systems, and investing in more secure payment gateways.

AI and Personalisation Challenges: Personalisation technologies, including recommendation engines and dynamic pricing algorithms, are mostly unable to keep up with increased traffic. Reports reveal that nearly 40% of eCommerce websites experienced issues with AI algorithms during peak periods, causing pricing errors or incorrect recommendations. While recommendation engines of eCommerce platforms are improving, they struggle to scale effectively during the busiest shopping times.

Technology’s Role in Overcoming Challenges

Even with these challenges, technology is going beyond to ensure eCommerce platforms can meet the demands of holiday shoppers.

AI and Personalisation

AI, on the other hand, is being leveraged to enhance customer experiences. Personalised shopping through recommendation engines and targeted ads boosts satisfaction and drive sales. AI-driven chatbots are handling customer service inquiries efficiently, particularly during peak shopping times.

Automation in Warehousing and Logistics

Robotics and automation are enhancing warehouse operations, with AI-powered robots speeding up order fulfilment and automated sorting systems reducing processing time. Added to these, innovations such as drones and autonomous vehicles are being tested for last-mile delivery, improving delivery speed in urban areas.

Cloud Infrastructure for Scalability

To address server overloads and traffic surges, companies like Amazon and Nigerian platforms like Jumia are investing heavily in cloud infrastructure. Amazon’s AWS, for example, dynamically adjusts resources based on demand, while others have expanded their server capacity to manage increased traffic. Alibaba’s use of AI, robotics, and big data during Singles’ Day showcases how technology can handle massive spikes in transactions.

These improvements help to prevent slowdowns and outages that could lead to lost revenue.

AI-Driven Supply Chain Optimisation

AI-driven solutions are also aiding in inventory management and demand forecasting, helping platforms better predict customer demand and ensure stock availability. This has been a game-changer in reducing stockouts.

Platforms have implemented similar technologies, investing in AI for real-time inventory tracking and predictive analytics. During peak sales events like Black Friday, Jumia faced logistical challenges but responded by improving its partnerships with local couriers and enhancing its delivery tracking systems.

Cybersecurity Measures

The holiday season is notorious for cyberattacks, with the rise of digital payment fraud and data breaches. In Nigeria, over 35% of eCommerce transactions during the holiday period are flagged as potentially fraudulent. To tackle this, platforms are investing in more secure payment gateways and strengthening their cybersecurity protocols to safeguard customer data and maintain trust.

Advancements in Logistics Tech

Innovations like drone deliveries, automated warehouses, and real-time tracking are enhancing logistics capabilities. Globally, Walmart is using drones to expedite deliveries of small items, while companies like DHL and UPS are optimizing routes with AI-powered logistics platforms. In Nigeria, logistics startups like Max.ng are piloting drone deliveries in Lagos to handle last-mile delivery and reduce congestion in urban areas.

Enhanced Customer Experience Tools

AI-powered chatbots and the integration of AR/VR are enhancing the shopping experience. Companies like Shopify are using AI to offer personalised shopping experiences, while some other platforms are exploring virtual try-on technologies for fashion and beauty products. 

Companies have learnt from past holiday seasons when it comes to handling high demand. For instance, in 2022, Amazon’s infrastructure had some issues during Black Friday, but the company quickly scaled its cloud capacity and implemented predictive analytics to avoid similar issues in 2023. Similarly, Jumia has learned the importance of proactive logistics planning and clear customer communication.

Emerging Technologies and eCommerce

Emerging technologies like blockchain for secure transactions, quantum computing for better demand forecasting, and advancements in drone deliveries can further bolster eCommerce. 

In Nigeria, blockchain is being explored to improve transparency in supply chains, while some platforms are adopting eco-friendly delivery methods to reduce their carbon footprint.

These innovations can simplify processes, reduce fraud, and improve overall shopping for users. Quantum computing could boost demand forecasting and inventory management by processing large amounts of data more efficiently. 

Companies globally are experimenting with blockchain to improve transparency in supply chains, ensuring customers are informed about product sourcing and delivery times.

Reducing Carbon Footprint 

With growing consumer awareness of environmental issues, platforms are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. Companies like Amazon are investing in electric delivery vehicles to lower emissions, and some Nigerian platforms are working with eco-friendly delivery startups to offset carbon emissions during peak shopping periods. 

According to a report by the Nigerian Business Council, eCommerce platforms are considering environmental impact when selecting logistics partners.

The holiday shopping season is a hot one for retailers, eCommerce platforms, and technology providers. With demand surges, the question about eCommerce platforms and supporting technologies meeting these expectations, or the system causing some limitations during the holiday rush could be tied to efficiency in every process involved. 

What do you think—are eCommerce platforms ready for the holidays, or do you foresee some hiccups this season?

Every investment, technology and methodology is defined by the value they deliver to the organisation and its bottom line.

As Harvard Business Review puts it – these roles are tenuous and set up for failure because they were originally defensive, focusing on control and risk and not on business value. It was not a role that would deliver the commoditisation of the data that the organisation wanted.

This is reflected in data released in the Data and Analytics Leadership Annual Survey 2023 – the CDO role grew from 12% to 82.6% from 2012 to 2023 and yet only 35.5% of companies believe the role is successful and only 40.5% say that the role is understood within the business.

It was a sentiment echoed at the Gartner Data and Analytics Summit 2023 where less than half of data and analytics leaders (44%) believed their teams delivered value to the business with limited funding (13%), resource limitations (29%) and talent (39%) proving the biggest obstacles to success.

Technical leaders need to find ways of working with the data and the technology to ensure it is oriented more closely to the business.

The business hat, so to speak, must be firmly on the digital C-suite’s head when looking at how they can optimise data, analytics, and systems to support every unit within the organisation.

HR, finance, supply chain, marketing – every unit requires a slice of the digital insights pie to ensure they too are optimising for success.

Value is the bridge between IT and the business. Now, CDOs, CIOs and CAOs must reimagine their architectures and approaches to ensure this value is found throughout their digital transformation and investment strategies. However, there are challenges.

The first is the impact of the cloud. Often perceived as an extension of the data centre, the cloud is a risk factor. Digital leaders need to understand the impact of having data in private and public areas while deftly navigating the challenges of linking and managing the data seamlessly between different cloud implementations.

This is further complicated by data security, change management and data sovereignty. Teams are struggling with vast quantities of data that’s not linked or is duplicated and their data governance is still in progress.

This is a complex landscape to navigate and manage, made even more challenging thanks to limited skills availability. There are not enough people with the expertise and training to get the value from the data.

Teams need to align the business roadmap with the technology investment to ensure the value created aligns with expectations.

This should be further balanced with a focus on improving processes to ensure that the business can better leverage the data through analytics tools or AI capabilities.

In addition, there is value in focusing on storage solutions that reduce the cost and complexities associated with vast quantities of data – instead, using tools that refine governance while increasing value and accessibility. These tools must help teams reduce data duplication, improve movement, and optimise costs.

BCX has developed an agile stable of data and analytics tools and capabilities designed to clean, refine, and manage the data for the organisation.

This high-level expertise translates into providing data-as-a-service capabilities with teams that have exceptional skills and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the digital C-suite.

It’s the support that goes into the granular with any organisation, allowing for the business and the teams to create a data culture on a strong foundation of data literacy and visibility.

The BCX skillset and technology repertoire ensures the organisation can effectively build data value with the right levels of scalability and with AI, machine learning and intelligent toolsets optimising processes and streamlining data capability.

[Featured Image Credit]

With the investment, YoLa Fresh aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural operations by leveraging advanced technology.

Leading the funding round was Al Mada Ventures, supported by other investors including Algebra Ventures, E3 Capital, Janngo Capital, and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). These investors recognize the huge prospects of YoLa Fresh to address growing challenges in the agricultural sector.

Co-founded by Larbi Alaoui Belghiti and Youssef Mamou, YoLa Fresh directly connects smallholder farmers with traditional retailers of fruits and vegetables. Through the elimination of intermediaries, the platform enables retailers to purchase produce at lower costs while ensuring farmers receive higher profits quickly. 

This direct connection also helps synchronize supply and demand, reducing food waste and improving overall efficiency.

YoLa Fresh’s platform employs data analytics, machine learning, and AI to create predictive algorithms for demand and supply, pricing dynamics, and other variables in the highly perishable produce supply chain. The technology simplifies the supply chain and also offers visibility into harvests and access to financing for farmers.

Larbi Alaoui Belghiti, with a background in leading tech ventures such as Jumia Express Logistics and Avito.ma, brings a wealth of experience to YoLa Fresh. Youssef Mamou, former CEO of Careem North Africa and managing partner at 212 Founders, complements this with his expertise in tech-driven business solutions.

Within its first year, YoLa Fresh has established partnerships with over 1,000 retailers in Morocco and achieved a monthly gross merchandise volume (GMV) of up to $1 million. The company’s rapid growth and the proven effectiveness of its solutions have drawn investor interest.

The investment will be used to expand YoLa Fresh’s operations within Morocco and into other African markets. The company focuses on ensuring high-quality produce, reducing wastage, and providing financing opportunities for farmers. 

Its cash offering on delivery and working closely with farmers enables YoLa Fresh to capture more market share and improve unit economics.

YoLa Fresh also plans to leverage this funding to enhance its technology, expand its customer base, and prepare for broader market penetration. The startup projects an annualized top line of $40 million to $50 million by 2026, with plans to expand into sub-Saharan Africa, where competition includes companies like Vendease and Complete Farmer.

Omar Laalej, managing director at Al Mada Ventures, is confident in YoLa Fresh’s ability to deliver huge benefits to its customers in Morocco and across Africa. 

Tarek Assaad, managing partner at Algebra Ventures, noted the positive impact of tech solutions in the agricultural sector and YoLa Fresh’s unique position to lead this change.

Transportation lies at the core of the complex supply chain management network and serves as the critical link that ties every cycle step together.

This article examines the importance of transportation in supply chain management, illustrating its effects on efficiency, costs, and customer satisfaction.

Three Pillars of Effective Supply Chain

Think of a well-oiled conveyor belt. It is what a smoothly running supply chain looks like. Three key components work together seamlessly to keep goods flowing: procurement, production, and logistics. All these stages are complex, and you must do your best to get all the materials to reach the finish line: happy customers.

1. Procurement: Staging Success from the Start

The function of procurement is equivalent to the role of a foundation in a building – it creates a primary platform for everything that comes afterward. Here, critical decisions are made about what you should construct your product with. Engaging suitable suppliers and figuring out good deals depend on your entire supply chain’s quality, cost, and reliability. Choosing the right potential partners from the start guarantees that the later journey will be smoother.

2. Production: The Machine of Productivity

Materials are the next in line. Finally, production makes the process work as it moves along.

This phase includes decisions like how many to produce and what amount should be stored.

It’s a balancing act: meet demand but not over-produce; instead, have underground or open storage facilities ready. Efficient production keeps products available and contributes to savings in the cost chain.

3. Logistics: A Link Between Stages

Logistics can be seen as the backbone of the entire process. It encompasses all the stages of shipping goods to your customers.

Creating a comprehensive logistics chain is a collaborative process between how components are shipped in (inbound) and manufactured products are shipped out (outbound). Picking up the right logistics service providers and route planning leads to timeliness and cost-effectiveness of cargo transportation lists within this strategy.

Maximize Efficiency for Success

Efficient transportation management is one factor that makes the supply chain highly effective. Here are some key ways transportation contributes to a streamlined operation.

Instant Results and Better Stock Management

The selection process of advanced mode and precise route optimization will have a vital impact on the lead time shortening.

It means fast shipments, high customer satisfaction, and readiness to take action when changes are detected in the market. Moreover, a quicker and more convenient transport system allows for a favorable just-in-time inventory management system. Through this, we save space for the inventory and avoid stock-out or old inventory obsolescence.

Expenditure and Technical Progress

The transportation activity constitutes a large portion of the total logistics cost of stock expenditure. It means that route optimization, right vehicle choice based on load type, and budget-friendly warehouses for storage can all be combined to result in a massive cost reduction.

Besides that, an intelligent logistics management software can be used to deliver functionality beyond the basics for the systems to succeed. The software can also manage the trial times in real time, providing vital data analysis for optimal operation and correct decision-making.

Dangers and Strategies to Ensure a Safe Trip

The future route map of global logistics will have several hurdles. While the managers are busy maintaining the flow of commodities and avoiding hindrances, certain risks hinder smooth work. Here is a rundown of a few basic barriers:

i. Cybersecurity Concerns

Improvements in technology might be good, bad, or ugly. Along with automation and connected sensors, the industry model will face a new generation of cyberattacks. Attackers who plan to operate from the network level can disrupt operations. Installing solid security measures and providing driver training are vital to tackling this problem.

ii. Driver Shortage

This shortage will likely linger, and the American Trucking Association‘s prognosis is that the figure will go beyond 160,000 by 2028. The retirement rates would not be so high for the older workforce as the average trucker is 46, and the replacements might not work. But it would intensify the workload for the other drivers and would ultimately cause tiredness and car crashes.

iii. Deteriorating Infrastructure

The primary hazards every country suffers today are bridges crumbling, railways over-capacity, and congested airspace networks.

A delay due to infrastructure problems can result in additional fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear, forcing more scheduled repairs.

As a standalone process, transportation is quite complex. Notwithstanding, it plays a crucial role in an efficient supply chain.

Fortunately, businesses can roll out efficient, cheap, and environmentally sustainable first, middle, and last-mile deliveries by identifying associated problems before they present themselves, optimizing transportation workflows, and using tech for business process automation.

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