The delegation began in Guangzhou, where participants attended the Canton Fair, China’s largest and longest-running trade exhibition. Known for its breadth of innovation and global reach, the fair showcased a diverse range of cutting-edge products, technologies, and solutions that continue to redefine the industrial and consumer markets.

From there, the team travelled to Shenzhen, one of the world’s most advanced technology hubs. Visits to leading manufacturing and technology companies offered valuable insights into how emerging technologies, automation, and digital transformation are shaping the future of supply chains across the Asia-Pacific region.

The program also served as a platform to strengthen international partnerships and explore new opportunities for collaboration between Australian and Chinese businesses. We extend our sincere thanks to Eddie Zhao and Cindy Li for facilitating this initiative, and to our Chinese hosts for their warm hospitality and openness in sharing their expertise.

This visit reaffirms nConnect’s commitment to innovation, regional growth, and partnership development as we continue to expand our presence and capabilities across the Asia–Pacific market.

The panel, chaired by Lawrence Christoffelsz, brought together respected leaders in logistics, including Anthony Byrnes, CEO of Henning Harders, Karen Morschel, Chief Commercial Officer of Henning Harders, and Mark Connell, CEO of Yojee. Together, they explored the complexities of achieving true supply chain visibility across upstream and downstream operations.

In his remarks, Vlade highlighted how visibility is no longer just about knowing where goods are—it’s about creating an ecosystem of transparency, trust, and data-driven decision-making. He emphasised the importance of aligning technology, collaboration, and strategy to overcome bottlenecks, reduce inefficiencies, and prepare businesses for the unpredictability of today’s global markets.

“It’s not visibility for visibility’s sake,” Vlade shared. “It’s about enabling organisations to respond faster, collaborate smarter, and unlock real value across the supply chain.”

For nConnect Group, Vlade’s participation reflects the company’s mission to support enterprises in turning supply chain challenges into opportunities for growth. His insights at CeMAT reinforced how forward-thinking strategies can move the needle for supply chains across industries, helping businesses navigate complexity with confidence.

As the conversation continues beyond the stage at CeMAT, Vlade and the nConnect team remain committed to shaping supply chains that are not just connected, but intelligent, resilient, and ready for the future.

In this case study, you’ll discover:

• The challenges Harders faced when scaling into warehousing
• How nConnect and Blue Yonder WMS streamlined their operations
• The results and key takeaways for businesses looking to expand logistics capabilities

Want the full story? Fill out the form below to download the full case study and see how Harders transformed their logistics game.

What happens when this quick fix becomes the norm? You’re left with higher costs, long-term inefficiencies, and a system that leans too heavily on manual processes.

Instead of treating the symptoms, it’s time to tackle the disease. A purpose-built Warehouse Management System (WMS) doesn’t just plug gaps – it transforms your operations, streamlining workflows from purchase orders to final shipment. Let’s explore why “good enough” is no longer good enough and how an integrated WMS can deliver more than you ever thought possible.

The Problem with “Good Enough”

For most companies, their decades-old, custom-built WMS supports their operations (on paper…), but dig a little deeper, and you’ll uncover a system that demands constant manual intervention.

Here’s what a “good enough” setup often looks like:

1. Error-Prone Processes
   Manual input isn’t just slow; it’s risky. A missed zero on a box dimension could prevent the assigned carrier from picking it up, creating unnecessary delays. Even a small error, like an incorrect product weight or delivery address, can quickly snowball into bigger issues—delivery delays, dissatisfied customers, and additional costs.
2. Time-Intensive Tasks
   We typically find, on average, each order can take five minutes of manual data entry. Multiply that by 90-100 daily orders, and you’re looking at hundreds of hours wasted each year on something automation could handle in seconds.
3. Inefficient Resource Allocation
   Instead of optimising operations, a company might hire more staff to perform repetitive tasks – like pallet tracking or carton counting – that a modern WMS could automate in a heartbeat.
4. Missed Optimisation Opportunities
   Poor inventory management and a lack of load consolidation mean extra costs everywhere: frequent truck dispatches, underutilised warehouse space, and unnecessary expenses pile up.

A Lifecycle of Bottlenecks

From purchase orders to customer enquiries, inefficiencies infect every stage of a warehouse’s operations when manual processes dominate. Let’s follow the lifecycle of product in and out of a warehouse and see where things traditionally go wrong:

• Purchase Orders. Orders entered manually into disconnected systems increases the risk of errors in product codes, dimensions, and quantities. This causes delays and cascading mistakes through order picking.
• Receiving and Putaway. Without guidance from a WMS, workers stash items wherever they see fit, making it harder to locate inventory later. Cue longer pick times, more staff resources needed and missed shipping deadlines.
• Order Processing. Moving order details between systems by hand is slow and prone to typos (even if you’re just copying and pasting!). We’ve seen this result in incorrect shipments, customer complaints, and pricey return logistics.
• Picking and Packing. Workers waste time wandering inefficient routes, hunting for items without a clear path. Frustration builds, throughput plummets, and your bottom line takes a hit.
• Shipping. Staff manually book freight, often choosing mismatched trucks or entering wrong details into carrier portals. Delays and extra costs follow… Did that package actually get put on the right truck?
• Customer Enquiries. Without live tracking, warehouse staff spend hours on back-and-forth calls and emails trying to update customers on their orders. Time wasted, satisfaction lost.

It’s Not Just Technology – It’s Culture

For many businesses, the problem runs deeper than outdated tools. It’s also about mindset. Teams often settle into the comfort of “we’ve always done it this way,” accepting inefficiencies as unavoidable.

Blind spots include:

1. Limited Reporting. Without actionable data, bottlenecks remain hidden, and operator performance goes unmeasured.
2. Reactive Management. Problems are addressed only after they’ve spiraled into customer service disasters.
3. Resistance to Change. The familiar feels safe, even if it’s costing you time, money, and opportunities.

What “Good” Really Looks Like

A modern, integrated WMS reimagines every step of your warehouse’s operations. It’s not just about cutting costs – it’s about building a system that scales with your business and delivers seamless efficiency.

So, let’s look at what good really looks like.

• Purchase Orders. Automated workflows sync orders across systems, ensuring accurate data from the start.
• Receiving and Putaway. The WMS suggests optimal storage spots, updating inventory levels in real time.
• Order Processing. Manual data entry is replaced with automated, error-free processing.
• Picking and Packing. Workers follow system-guided pathways, reducing wasted time and maximising throughput.
• Shipping. Carriers are booked automatically, shipments are consolidated, and transportation costs slashed.
• Customer Enquiries. Live order tracking empowers customers and reduces support workloads.

By automating repetitive tasks and optimising operations, businesses save on labour, transportation, and inventory management.

The Big Question

So, here’s the real choice: Can you afford to keep tolerating inefficiencies? Or is it time to embrace a system that lets your warehouse work for you, not the other way around?

With a modern WMS, “good enough” becomes a thing of the past. The future? Scalable, efficient, and ready for growth.