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NetHUB
Published on 12 February 2020
Finland
Etelä-Suomi
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About this good practice
The NetHUB project was launched by Finnhub Association for the need of digital development in logistics industry. Finnhub Association is a joint marketing network of more than 50 logistics operators and export companies.
Challenges SMEs in export/ import business are facing are lack of enough cargo flow, high costs and shortage of expertise in logistics services. NetHUB project´s idea was to develop a novel service model together with logistics service providers and buyers. Development work was done through personal interviews and workshops which notably increased collaboration between companies and enhanced commitment towards the project.
As a result a new quote request application was designed and completed. The application is used online on its website. A client makes a quote request by using the application. The application guides the user to fill in essential information about desired logistics service. Multiple companies are reached with a single quote. This service is free for the buyer. Interested service providers then make quotes to the buyer in the application. The buyer completes the quote request by accepting one of the quotes from service provider.
This new, smooth and reliable service model helps in buying logistics services, makes quote data accessible which helps the comparison of service providers and eliminates overpricing. This leads to increased sales and growth in SMEs in export/ import business boosting employment and internationalization as well.
Challenges SMEs in export/ import business are facing are lack of enough cargo flow, high costs and shortage of expertise in logistics services. NetHUB project´s idea was to develop a novel service model together with logistics service providers and buyers. Development work was done through personal interviews and workshops which notably increased collaboration between companies and enhanced commitment towards the project.
As a result a new quote request application was designed and completed. The application is used online on its website. A client makes a quote request by using the application. The application guides the user to fill in essential information about desired logistics service. Multiple companies are reached with a single quote. This service is free for the buyer. Interested service providers then make quotes to the buyer in the application. The buyer completes the quote request by accepting one of the quotes from service provider.
This new, smooth and reliable service model helps in buying logistics services, makes quote data accessible which helps the comparison of service providers and eliminates overpricing. This leads to increased sales and growth in SMEs in export/ import business boosting employment and internationalization as well.
Resources needed
The project budget was EUR 285 040. 70% of the project was funded by European Regional Development Fund and 30% came from private sector.
Evidence of success
The requirements for quote request application were defined in collaboration with logistics companies to maximize the service offering for both import and export companies. The completed and fully operational application was published for corporate users. So far approximately 70 companies have registered as the application users and about 30 quotes have been sent through it.
Potential for learning or transfer
The idea of the application is very potential and feasible. The purpose of the service model is to support regional development, enable new business opportunities and internationalization for SMEs by effectively facilitating the provision and purchase of logistics solutions. The service model also enables SMEs to participate in larger tenders by networking and dividing the logistics chain.
It is, though, crucial to allocate adequate amount of resources (both human resources and funding) for design, implementation and especially for marketing. Digitalisation in traditional businesses, like logistics, requires well targeted and quite extensive marketing to convince users/ entrepreneurs of the benefits of a new application and service model.
NetHUB project has also been an excellent learning process about public procurement executed by a small organization.
Developed application is well suited for an operating environment with a sufficient demand for logistics services.
It is, though, crucial to allocate adequate amount of resources (both human resources and funding) for design, implementation and especially for marketing. Digitalisation in traditional businesses, like logistics, requires well targeted and quite extensive marketing to convince users/ entrepreneurs of the benefits of a new application and service model.
NetHUB project has also been an excellent learning process about public procurement executed by a small organization.
Developed application is well suited for an operating environment with a sufficient demand for logistics services.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Finnhub Association
Finland
Etelä-Suomi
Contact
Expert