The leading technology provider (previously known as Forward Computers) has launched Forward Vision – a web-based portal allowing customers of Forward Office users to manage their entire supply chain, from purchase order to delivery.

Forward Solutions is one of the foremost suppliers of software to the multimodal sector, providing specialist IT systems for leading players across air freight, sea freight, road freight and rail freight.

The Forward team is led by logistics specialists with technology expertise, so understand the operational challenges faced by freight operators. Therefore, extending into the wider supply chain was a natural progression.  The new product was developed in partnership with Ceedbox Ltd and is a highly intuitive digital supply chain platform that provides real time control and processing of transactions, offering complete end-to-end visibility.

The creation of the new product means that for the first time Forward Solutions’ operators will be able to offer their own customer true visibility within their own supply chain.  The system offers dashboards and detailed reports that will monitor required KPIs and ultimately offer greater ability to meet delivery targets and more transparent communication, reducing errors.

Forward Solutions’ Managing Director Richard Litchfield comments “Following the huge pressures caused by the Covid pandemic there has been a massive growth in the need for more effective supply chain management.  Goods need to be successfully managed, stored and dispatched. Efficient and effective management of all these business functions is critical for any successful freight operator today.”

This new highly intuitive front end solution Forward Vision meets the rapidly growing need for digital platforms that can provide fast and UpToDate management information, providing instant access to all elements of the client’s supply chain.  Forward Vision’s insights means that customers can track, analyse, and provide real time data.

Richard added “The last 18 months has driven the need and expectation for highly powered data so that freight operators can offer the best service for their customers.  This is the first time we’ve been able to provide a total end-to-end supply chain management from purchase order to delivery on one platform.  The new product is highly intuitive, ensuring training is minimal. Those who have seen the solution are already beginning to roll it out to their own customers.”

This is the latest ambitious step from the firm who recently announced half a million-pound investment in redeveloping and reengineering its product portfolio. Forward Solutions is developing an additional User Interface (UI) to utilise the existing feature rich solution which will be rolled out in 2022.

Forward is one of the longest established freight software development companies, providing end-to-end solutions for a wide range of operators in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US.

Forward Solutions is also revamping the presentation of its Forward Office software to a suite of eight products designed to meet different customer needs.  Packages now start from a Forward Core – essential services package with additions such as integrated customs clearance, mobile apps and API integration.

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Forward Solutions is one of the foremost suppliers of software to the transport sector, providing specialist IT systems for leading multimodal players across air freight, sea freight, road freight and rail freight.    

This is the latest ambitious step from the firm which recently announced half a million-pound investment in redeveloping and reengineering its product portfolio. Forward Solutions is developing an additional User Interface (UI) to utilise the existing feature rich solution which will be rolled out in early 2022.    

The confident and more contemporary new branding has been six months in development and is being rolled out across the operation and includes a new user-friendly website. 

Forward Solutions Managing Director  Richard Litchfield – who led the rebrand commented: 

“We are in a dynamic market and with the continued growth and reliance on top class technology decided the move away from a name and look which had become a little tired and outdated. The original branding had worked really hard over the years but was no longer representative of how the business has evolved and continues to develop.  With so much happening in the business it seemed timely to change the branding now.”   

 Forward is one of the longest established freight software development companies, providing end-to-end solutions for a wide range of operators in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US.   

 As part of the rebrand project Forward Solutions is also revamping the presentation of its Forward Office software to a suite of eight products designed to meet different customer needs.  Packages now start from a Forward Core – essential services package with additions such as integrated customs clearance, mobile apps and API integration. 

 Christopher Hewlett (CEO) of Freight Software Group (of which Forward Solutions is a part) added:   

“This is an exciting time for the business and marks an important step in our evolution.  The rebrand and product innovations mark the next visible stage of development which we believe better represents this business and make it even more focused on meeting customer needs.”  

www.forwardcomputers.co.uk

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Leading technology provider Forward Computers has announced its largest single investment, on a new software release.

Forward Computers is one of the foremost suppliers of software to the transport sector, providing specialist IT systems for leading multimodal players across air freight, sea freight, road freight and rail freight.

The company is redeveloping and reengineering its product portfolio by investing in the latest technology with a major focus on enhancing user experience.  Forward is developing an additional User Interface (UI) to utilise the existing feature rich solution which will be rolled out in early 2022.  Customers will be able to choose to benefit from this new UI in part or across their entire user base.

Forward Computers Managing Director  Richard Litchfield – who joined the team in January comments: “We have invested time listening to our customers which is shaping this new front-end evolution.  This is the first of many developments we’re making to ensure our customers have best-in- class technology, to help them improve efficiencies and deliver the best solutions to meet their needs.”

“It has been my ambition since I started to ensure we are utilising the latest technologies to support our customers.  We already have a strong and functional freight management software offering. With recent additions and this new UI offering, we have a solution like no other in the UK.”

As the sector is acutely aware IT is fast becoming the cornerstone of a successful transport business. Innovative IT is essential for top class customer service, with visibility and communication being as important as delivery across the supply chain.

According to recent reports multimodal leaders are expected to prioritise operational efficiencies, by investing in technology adoption. Freight forwarders that offer innovative online solutions in freight matching, customs brokerage, and transportation management solutions are expected to transform the sector with enhanced customer experience.

Richard added: “This enhanced software will hugely improve functionality, be feature rich and have an enhanced user experience.  We have a unique appreciation of the many challenges operators face every day and are using this understanding to bring a different perspective to the market.”

The Forward Computers team of 25 is one of the longest established freight software development companies, providing an end-to-end solution for a wide range of operators in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US.  Forward Computers is part of the Freight Software Group and sister company of BoxTop Technologies.

www.forwardcomputers.co.uk

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 This year alongside the Covid-19 pandemic Brexit continues to be a major headache for many, with the new customs clearance and inspection requirements it has been reported that as many as one in five consignments is delayed due to lack the proper declarations and paperwork.  Tariffs and customs clearance processes are still being wrestled with. 

So, with IT being relied upon more than ever before Forward Computers newly appointed managing director brings unique insight and understanding of the day-to-day challenges which logistics providers face. 

Forward Computers is one of the leading independent suppliers of freight forwarding software to the logistics sector and is now headed up by Richard Litchfield – who joined the team in January. 

 With 20 years’ in-house experience in the transport and logistics sector, Richard was previously internal Group IT Director at innovative logistics provider Europa Worldwide Group and before that Vice President / Global Head of IS Road Logistics at Kuehne & Nagel in Switzerland.   

 Having spent his whole career inside the transport and logistics sector, building vast experience in co-ordinating and managing the many disciplines across the industry and covering all levels of national, international and domestic forwarding Richard has an exceptional viewpoint. 

 This rare insight is now being applied to a wider audience, looking at the distinctly different offers of an inhouse IT development team versus an external resource.   

Whilst at Europa he was responsible for designing and implementing Europa’s Leonardo bespoke IT system providing solutions across its multimodal operation from roadfreight to air and seafreight. Utilising the latest technologies, Richard headed a team who created their own systems to improve responsiveness, efficiency and productivity.   

“I worked closely with all of the other internal teams and Directors to understand their challenges we then created our bespoke system to address them.  It was hugely rewarding to see how our software brought tangible benefits to the business wherever it is implemented.  A dedication to continuous software developments helped drive improvements across operations, processes and communications.  I’m bringing this unique insight to Forward Computers.”  

At K+N, Richard had global responsibility for Road / Rail IT Demand and all associated transportation management system (TMS) solutions, identifying best practices for each country and region.   

Richard comments: “The freight and logistics sector is hugely dynamic with increasing expectations and a requirement to deliver goods quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively.  With this, the added complexity of Brexit means operators need processes and systems that deliver. 

 “I have an exceptional appreciation of the many challenges operators face every day and am using this understanding to bring a different perspective to us as a supplier to the sector.”   

 The Forward Computers team of 23 is one of the longest established freight software development companies, providing an end-to-end solution for a wide range of operators in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US.  Forward Computers is part of the Freight Software Group and sister company of BoxTop Technologies.   

https://www.forwardcomputers.co.uk 

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 Forward Computers is the UK’s leading independent supplier of freight forwarding software to the logistics sector and was acquired by Freight Software Group in 2019.  FSG is also the parent company of BoxTop Technologies.   

 The Forward Computers team of 23 is one of the longest established freight software development companies, providing an end-to-end solution for a wide range of operators in the UK, Europe, Asia and the US.   

 With 20 years’ experience in the transport and logistics sector, Richard Litchfield was previously Group IT Director at Europa Worldwide Group and Vice President / Global Head of IS Road Logistics at Kuehne & Nagel in Switzerland.  He was responsible for designing and implementing Europa’s Leonardo bespoke IT system providing solutions across the operation from road freight to finance. At K+N, Richard had global responsibility for Road / Rail IT Demand and all associated transportation management system (TMS) solutions, identifying best practices for each country and region.   

 After leaving Europa, Richard launched a new IT consultancy business Innovate Freight at the end of 2020 which will continue under separate management.   

Richard comments: “The freight and logistics sector is experiencing significant changes, the customer is ever more demanding, with higher expectations and a requirement to deliver goods quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively.  With the onset of Brexit, transport operators are focused on optimising processes and there is a growing opportunity in the market to support operators of all sizes, so I’m really excited about joining the Group at such a dynamic time.”  

“Forward Computers has a long-established product developed over two decades and I’m looking forward to working with the team and our customers to evolve our services, with new product development plans for 2021 already in progress.” 

Christopher Hewlett (CEO) of Freight Software Group (who was also previously MD at Forward Computers too) comments:
“We’re delighted to have Richard join the Freight Software Group and leading the Forward Computers team.   

“Having spent his whole career inside the freight sector, building vast experience in co-ordinating and managing the many disciplines across the industry and covering all levels of national, international and domestic forwarding he brings with him unique insight.” 

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