Accelerating digital transformation is the goal for Kuehne + Nagel. With this goal in mind, Kuehne + Nagel set up two Innovation Centres in Asia and Europe. March 5, 2018, marks the launch of the company’s Asia Pacific Innovation Centre in Singapore.
The event started with speeches given by Martin Kolbe, Chief Information Officer of Kuehne + Nagel, Gianfranco Sgro, Member of the Managing Board of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, and Mr. Kelvin Wong, Assistant Managing Director, EDB. Came through the main entrance of the Innovation Centre, Alfie, a ‘carry and move’ operated robot invented by The Intelligent Warehouse, brought out the light tower to the guests of honor on stage. With the light tower activated, it indicates the official opening of the centre.
Chief Information Officer of Kuehne + Nagel, Martin Kolbe said that they are working on a smooth data exchange of different systems to minimize manual efforts and drive automation. Besides that, they are also producing new services and interfaces allowing customers to effortlessly connect with Kuehne + Nagel. Supply chains can be effectively managed by implementing Big Data and predictive analytics.
Member of the Managing Board of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, responsible for Contract Logistics, Gianfranco Sgro mentioned on the augmentation of the digital roadmap. By exploring, applying, and deploying leading technologies, the innovation centres will be able to manage customers’ supply chain more effectively and efficiently. The effect of digitalisation greatly transforms contract logistics’ markets.
Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the Asia Pacific Innovation Centre broadens Kuehne + Nagel’s range with the start-up and tech communities in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region.
Assistant Managing Director of EDB, Kelvin Wong expressed his excitement on the opening of the innovation centre in Singapore. He emphasized on how the centre will be the heart of collaborations with institutes of higher learning, research institutes, and start-ups. These collaborations will definitely fulfill Kuehne + Nagel and Singapore’s plan; accelerate the creation of innovative logistics solutions and best-in-class supply chain practices.
The Asia Pacific Innovation centre will be focusing on data analytics and Internet of Things. It will also research and deploy new solutions on connected warehouses. The other Innovation Centre opened in Utrecht, Netherlands, will focus more on major automation and innovative picking technologies. In line with a partnership with Universal Robots, Kuehne + Nagel are among the first logistics providers to operate collaborative robots.
To develop innovative supply chain solutions, both Innovation Centres will hold partnerships with universities, start-ups, and organisations. Customers will have the opportunity to get a graphic impression of how new technologies and solutions will significantly impact their supply chains. The centres will act as a sandbox to test and roll out new technologies.
On the same day, Kuehne + Nagel and Honeywell, a global software-industrial provider, signed a strategic partnership; supporting Kuehne + Nagel’s global innovation initiatives around Connected Warehouse. Honeywell’s technology solutions such as cloud-based software, voice-directed solutions, will be used globally at Kuehne + Nagel’s warehouses.