After major supply chain disruptions over the past several years, there was a need for modernization in global cargo trade. Startup company Loop is focused on unlocking profit that's trapped in the supply chain with modern audit and pay system. Loop Co-Founder and CEO Matt McKinney explains that the company is solving an important problem in which invoice costs do not always match expected contracted costs, leading to companies losing unnecessary profits and decreasing their working capital. Loop is primarily focused on over-the-road trucking, but they have also had customers asking for exposure on ocean and air.

Supply chain management is a crucial factor in the success of businesses in the competitive global marketplace. Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT) and Real-Time Tracking, and Blockchain are revolutionizing the way businesses handle supply chain management. AI and ML algorithms can analyze large volumes of data to generate predictive and prescriptive recommendations, which can help businesses improve route planning, demand forecasting, and inventory management. IoT sensors attached to goods, machines, and other transportation provide useful information on temperature, humidity, position, and other factors, allowing for real-time visibility and the ability to respond quickly to disruptions. Blockchain technology is also increasing transparency and traceability, allowing for better tracking of goods and materials.

Nominations are now open for Food Logistics' and Supply & Demand Chain Executive's second annual Top Tech Startup award, which highlights the supply chain and logistics' industry's top software and technology startups. Submissions close Nov. 17. According to Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive, many of today's startups are poised to disrupt the supply chain space. They are introducing real-time tracking and carbon footprint solutions, developing robotics and wearables, and improving sustainability, visibility, and food safety. Winners may be selected to participate in interviews leading up to Manifest.

Microsoft announced that it will be ending its Supply Chain Center preview less than a year after its launch. The Supply Chain Center was intended to provide a comprehensive solution for supply chain operations, with capabilities such as supply chain visibility, analytics, and optimization. Despite the closure of the preview, some of the solution's capabilities will still be available to customers.