Manufacturing & Logistics IT Magazine

Intelo.ai, provider of AI-powered optimisation solutions, and Fluent Commerce, a global provider of order management systems (OMS), have entered into a strategic partnership to integrate Intelo.ai's advanced AI agents with Fluent Commerce's robust order management platform, Fluent Order Management. This collaboration will empower businesses to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction in their fulfilment operations.

Blue Yonder, the end-to-end digital supply chain transformation solutions provider, has acquired Optoro, Inc., a technology provider for returns, to enhance its Returns Management capabilities, delivering a more robust, comprehensive solution. Returns processing both in the warehouse and in-store is a complex part of the returns lifecycle, especially since 9.5 billion pounds of returns end up in landfills.

Exertis Cybersecurity (sub-division of Exertis Enterprise), the distributor of advanced cybersecurity and IT infrastructure solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with ShelterZoom, provider of document-level cybersecurity and digital ownership. This collaboration brings ShelterZoom’s technologies, Document GPS, into the Exertis Cybersecurity portfolio, providing partners with powerful tools to enhance document security, visibility, and control.

A new study supported by the InterAct programme has developed a strategic digital roadmap to fast-track the UK steel sector’s transition to net zero. Developed by a team of academics from the University of Warwick, the research identifies the most pressing barriers to adopting Industrial Digital Technologies (IDTs) and provides actionable guidance on how these barriers can be overcome towards decarbonising one of the UK’s most vital industries.

In this interview, Sarah Engel, Head of AI at TRUMPF, talks about why the company is relying on artificial intelligence (AI), how it will change the way employees work and where the limits of AI are. Why does TRUMPF rely on AI? Engel: Because we are convinced that AI is a decisive factor for the future of our work, our products and our services. AI enables us to optimise processes, increase efficiency and offer our customers innovative solutions to strengthen their competitiveness.

Epicor, provider of industry-specific enterprise software, has appointed Kerrie Jordan as Chief Marketing Officer. With a blend of senior product innovation and strategic marketing experience, Jordan will lead Epicor’s global marketing strategy, driving brand growth and customer engagement across the make, move and sell economy.

With brands like Nike thriving in a ‘retail circle’ - where digital drives footfall and stores feed back into online engagement - the days where retail split neatly between online and in-store are gone. Martin Harper, Co-Founder of Quickfire Digital, discusses what this means for retailers big and small. Last month, we got a first look inside Nike’s new immersive three-floor Oxford Circus store.

Mersey Maritime has announced the finalists for the highly anticipated Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2025 (MMIA25). In its eleventh year, the MMIA25 promises to once again be a celebration of excellence and innovation within the maritime industry. This year, a record number of outstanding companies and individuals submitted applications, leading to a highly competitive finalist stage and marking a significant achievement for the UK’s maritime sector.

New tools point to true in-experience purchases across TikTok- and Instagram-style journeys. Pair that with what the latest social-commerce research shows, and a playbook starts to fall into place. Last-mile friction has been the West’s social-commerce headache for years. Shoppers discover a product inside Instagram or TikTok, then bounce out to a brand site, re-enter details, and – too often – abandon the cart.

For over 15 years, FERCAM and Transporeon has been working together to make logistics smarter, faster, and more transparent. FERCAM, founded back in 1949, is one of Europe’s most established logistics operators, known for its vast network and broad service portfolio, from road and rail to air and sea freight. It also has a specialised arm that handles moves, fine art and trade fairs.