A South African startup has delivered the first international cloud-computing and artificial intelligence (AI) app for the logistics industry.LIVEFR8 offers cargo suppliers and transporters improved low-cost logistics services using cloud technology and can be accessed on any smart device.The brainchild of Riaan Rautenbach, the app has been well received not only in South Africa, but globally, and was already active in 57 countries – only seven months after being launched.“At heart it is a platform where cargo suppliers and transporters can execute and monitor cargo loads with ease. It is literally at the tip of their fingers. The app saves time and phone calls, improves communication and increases return loads. It can be accessed from anywhere and at any time – for free.”According to Rautenbach, the technology platform harnesses artificial intelligence to enable suppliers and transporters to meet in the cloud, manage and monitor transactions, and rate one another. Due to its immense scalability and f lexibility, while significantly reducing overheads due to the technology utilised, the app is continuing to gain traction, says Rautenbach. “Technology is the future – and using disruptive fourth industrial revolution technology, which is cloud-native and functional, is exciting and will lead to transformation of the transport industry.”Rautenbach, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the logistics industry in Africa, developed the app in order to address the challenges he faced while working in the field.“I spent a lot of time deliberating on how to address some of the challenges experienced when moving cargo in Africa – improved communication, finding cargo geographically in real-time, monitoring and managing dispatch staff, controllers, drivers and cargo in transit were some of the issues the app needed to address,” he says.The result is a product that reduces communication costs, but does not involve expensive programmes and costly servers. It also uses very little data on devices. There are no monthly fees, no broker fees and no bidding platforms, but instead a closed quotation system. “Reducing empty trip costs that result in expensive transport rates was also important as was reducing transport pollution.”Rautenbach also included a rating system indicating the performance of cargo suppliers and transporters to improve trust among app users.“Cargo suppliers and transporters use the app to find or list loads and connect using the cloud,” explains Rautenbach. “A cargo supplier lists the loads by weight, category, source address and destination, on the database. The algorithm helps transporters to search for specific loads in the specified area, thereby turning empty loads into full loads. The transporter nominates the price to move the cargo to the destination. A small fee is paid to LIVEFR8 only once a load has been obtained successfully.”The technology platform harnesses artificial intelligence to enable suppliers and transporters to meet in the cloud, manage and monitor transactions, and rate one another.– Riaan Rautenbach “
