Published on

Enabling innovation with SAP TM and Business Networks. Driving sustainable logistics.

Introduction

Welcome to the SAP FUK and Western webinar dedicated to driving sustainable logistics. Today, we are joined by experts from Western, a global SAP service provider, and shipo, a pioneering data analytics company focused on transportation emissions. Together, we will explore how SAP Transportation Management (TM) and Business Networks can help facilitate the journey towards more sustainable logistics operations.

Introduction to Western and SAP TM

Western operates in 21 countries and is headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany. With a workforce of over 1,000 professionals, Western is dedicated solely to SAP solutions, specializing in areas like supply chain management, warehousing, and, notably, transportation management using SAP TM and Business Networks. Western has achieved carbon neutrality and is committed to helping clients reduce their carbon footprints through effective supply chain practices.

In this session, we delve into the integration of SAP TM with shipo’s innovative data platform, designed to calculate Scope 3 CO2 emissions associated with logistics. The aim is to provide shippers and logistics service providers with accurate emission data to enhance decision-making and sustainability efforts.

Overview of Ship Zero

Tobias, co-founder and CEO of shipo, explains that the company is centered around data analytics, working creatively to automate the measurement of emissions from transportation and logistics operations. Ship Zero focuses on generating accurate, actionable insights based on comprehensive data rather than average assumptions to facilitate better decision-making.

Tobias highlights the critical work of shipo's sustainability experts, who monitor compliance with evolving regulations and ensure data quality, thereby enhancing the reliability of emissions calculations. The integration with SAP TM enables shipo to streamline the process, allowing businesses to easily track their carbon output at a granular level.

Importance of Accurate Data

The session identifies different approaches to carbon accounting: the basic level, which relies on rough estimates, the modeled approach with some additional specifications, and the most accurate method that involves primary data collected from transportation activities. The emphasis is on the importance of a centralized data hub that ensures accurate and reliable data feeds out into various reporting tools.

The complexity of logistics and the diverse modes of transport necessitate a comprehensive data strategy. Employing primary data not only yields better emissions figures but enhances overall decision-making regarding transport planning and other logistics operations.

The conversation shifts towards the future of logistics, where technological advancements such as SAP's upcoming capabilities using AI will play a significant role. The integration of tools that can analyze large sets of data will allow logistics providers to optimize routes and transport modalities based on both cost and emissions, enabling real-time adjustments throughout the supply chain.

Tobias points out that while regulatory requirements continue to tighten around carbon emissions reporting and accountability, businesses will be better equipped to adapt by leveraging new technologies. The advantages of building applications powered by AI are immense, potentially transforming how organizations manage their supply chains toward more sustainable outputs.

Conclusion

Both companies highlight the necessity of collaboration among industry stakeholders to drive innovation in sustainable logistics. Western and shipo exemplify this collaborative spirit, marrying powerful data analytics with robust transportation management solutions to facilitate the transition towards greener logistics.

As organizations embark on this journey, the combination of innovative tools will undoubtedly enhance transparency, drive compliance, and enable businesses to meet regulatory demands while reducing their carbon impact.

Keywords

  • Sustainable logistics
  • SAP Transportation Management (TM)
  • Business Networks
  • Carbon emissions
  • Scope 3 emissions
  • Data analytics
  • Supply chain management
  • Primary data
  • AI integration
  • Regulatory compliance

FAQ

Q: What is the focus of the SAP TM and Western webinar?
A: The webinar focuses on how SAP Transportation Management and Business Networks can enhance sustainable logistics practices.

Q: What is Ship Zero’s main role in sustainability?
A: Ship Zero automates the measurement of emissions from transportation and logistics operations, providing accurate data to facilitate sustainable decision-making.

Q: Why is accurate data crucial for carbon accounting?
A: Accurate data is essential to determine true emissions and inform business decisions, as relying on rough estimates can lead to inconsistencies and challenges in sustainability reporting.

Q: How can AI impact logistics sustainability?
A: AI can optimize routes and transportation modalities in real-time, incorporating both cost and emissions data to improve decision-making in logistics operations.

Q: What are the approaches to carbon accounting discussed in the webinar?
A: The approaches include basic estimates, modeled data with additional specifications, and the highest accuracy derived from primary data collected during transportation activities.

Read More