The Only Way to Achieve Success in Life is to ‘Evolve’ — Amit Maheshwari

Logistics companies are facing an era of unprecedented change as digitization takes hold and customer expectations evolve. New technologies are enabling greater efficiency and re-shaping the marketplace in ways that are only just beginning to become apparent. The management of multiple flows of goods and information across complex networks of suppliers, carriers, freight forwarders, and other key players is a sizable task, and without the help of these emerging new technologies, it is difficult to maintain efficiency in supply chain management. In addition to that, global competition is forcing industries to streamline their supply chains to make them agile, flexible and responsive. Therefore, next generation of software products are required in order to meet the needs of manufacturing and distribution businesses. And Softlink Global PVT LTD. is one such company that provides a comprehensive product portfolio that includes superior technology solutions for strategic and operational aspects of logistics business.

Softlink Global is a leading software provider for Freight Forwarding, Logistics and Supply Chain industry founded by Mr. Amit Maheshwari in 1992 and has office locations at India, Philippines and the USA. Softlink’s spirit of innovation and passion helps logistics industry to create greater business impact and it is reflected by thousands of logistics software deployments that have been undertaken over the years.

We have the innovator and technology evangelist, Amit Maheshwari with us. Let’s hear it from him

Tell us something about yourself.

I am a technology aficionado who loves travelling and experiencing things first hand. I have always enjoyed working out technological solutions to various business challenges. I have this unique ability to view a problem from the users’ perspective and work out a solution for it. This has helped me to innovate and design solutions that have a lasting impact on people and business. I am a first generation entrepreneur and strongly believe that the only way to achieve success in life is to ‘Evolve’.

How did the idea of starting a software product company come about?

When I began working with the logistics industry two decades back as a Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker, I found that technology had not made its presence felt and businesses were literally slogging to run their daily operations. I foresaw the role of technology in the industry and started Softlink with the aim of simplifying operations of the logistics sector. I wished to capitalize on my knowledge of domain and technology to help the industry grow to its fullest potential.

Since the inception of Softlink, we have followed the product approach and have created a number of software products to address the crucial problems and challenges of the industry. Our products have contributed to the company’s exponential growth and have become the benchmark for other softwares in the logistics industry.

What were the challenges you faced in your journey so far, and how has Softlink progressed since?

In the initial days of the company, the industry was not receptive to technology mainly because they were yet to realize the advantages it could offer to their business. I faced the herculean task of convincing companies to use technology to enhance their business. Companies soon saw merit in our products and started adopting it wholeheartedly. Since then there has been no looking back.

Over the years, Softlink has deeply changed the way people in the industry think of and work with technology. Globally we have spread to 40+ countries across regions like Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South East Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. Softlink is the market leader in many countries including key global logistics market like India with over 70 per cent of market share.

How do your product / services help the freight and logistics industry?

Softlink mainly addresses the technology needs of the Logistics and the Supply Chain industry with its software products. Logi-Sys is our Next-Generation ERP for Freight and Logistics. It is a globally acclaimed software product with the unique distinction of being the only ERP application ever designed and developed specially for logistics. Trade-Sys is an end-to-end solution for the supply chain and Logi-Sys PRO & Live IMPEX are best-in-class solutions for Customs Brokers.

Logi-Sys is the most comprehensive ready-to-use ERP across the world with plug-n-play modules that covers the entire business of Freight and Logistics companies. Freight Forwarding, Transport, Warehouse and Third Party Logistics (3PL) companies can manage their entire business process End-to-End from Sales & Marketing, Operations, and Finance to Customer Service with Logi-Sys. Logi-Sys is a powerful application that automates processes to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer service and reduce costs. The unique design of Logi-Sys nullifies the need for any specific country wise adaptation.

Where do you see Softlink in the future?

Technology and knowledge of domain have been our strengths, and I see the future where we would straddle greater heights in logistics technology solutions. In one year’s time, we plan to expand our presence to 100+ countries from the current 40+ we are present in. We are rapidly evolving our software products to include each and every vertical of the industry within its facet. In future as new technologies emerge we will be encompassing it into our solutions to make it all the more relevant for the times. My goal is to keep evolving our software products to ensure that our customers are always a step ahead of any disruptive changes in the industry.

Knowing the visionary behind Softlink Global, Amit Maheshwari

Amit Maheshwari is a technology evangelist, innovator, product architect and a pioneer in ‘IT in logistics’.  An Indian by heart and Global in spirit, Amit has created many innovative solutions that have made a paradigm change in the business of its users. His revolutionary ideas have resulted in huge savings and enhanced efficiency of companies in the sector. Recognized as Most Promising Entrepreneur in Asia Pacific Region he carries over two decades of Logistics and Technology experience. Amit has mastered the art of finding technological solutions to various business challenges. He is recognized as a thought leader and innovator globally.

“Since the past two decades, Softlink is globally trusted by our customers for helping them with innovative and superior software solutions to resolve their business challenges and help them grow.”