Case study
Connected logistics,
concrete results
As a key player in import and distribution, CMI was facing increasing challenges in managing its logistics operations, including container tracking and the coordination of overland shipments. The company was using disparate tools, such as Excel and manual checks, to track container status and organize deliveries, resulting in considerable wasted time and inefficiencies in its critical processes.
To meet these challenges, CMI turned to ExoStack, looking for a comprehensive solution capable of improving visibility over its operations, automating repetitive tasks and strengthening collaboration between its logistics and finance teams.
ExoStack has revolutionized CMI logistics, offering real-time tracking of containers, and tools for managing bookings and credit approvals.
By centralizing all logistics data, ExoStack has created a fluid flow of information that facilitates planning and improves customer satisfaction.
Canada Motor Import Inc (CMI), founded in 2005 in Quebec, is the exclusive distributor of CFMOTO recreational and utility vehicles in Canada. With a network of over 130 dealers, CMI plays a major role in the import and distribution of off-road vehicles adapted to the specificities of the Canadian market, guaranteeing innovation and reliability for its customers.
Challenges
Before implementing ExoStack, CMI faced several major challenges that were holding back its logistics operations. Here are the main problems identified:
Lack of centralized visibility
Tracking was scattered across several tools (shipping and rail carrier websites).
Time-consuming manual tasks
Verifying and compiling the data required considerable human resources.
Inefficient shipment planning
The lack of integration between container arrivals and land deliveries led to delays.
Limited coordination between teams
Logistics and finance departments were working in silos, slowing down approval processes.
Objectives
Before implementing the tools, we defined clear objectives to ensure that each solution met CMI's specific needs and improved its logistics processes.
Centralized, automated tracking
Centralize and automate container tracking to improve accuracy and reduce time wasted on manual tasks.
Proactive logistics coordination
Improve logistics coordination through proactive land shipment planning.
Optimized financial validation
Optimize financial processes to ensure that all orders are validated before shipment.
Integrated overview
Create an integrated overview for rapid, informed decision-making.
Implemented solutions
Dealer bookings management
The first phase of the project was to implement a high-performance system to centralize and automate the management of dealer bookings. This solution gave CMI clear visibility of forecast volumes, while simplifying wholesales forecasting.
With this implementation :
- Dealers could submit orders directly via their ExoStack-connected platform, eliminating manual processes.
- The system provided immediate visibility of stock requirements, facilitating more efficient operations planning and reducing unforeseen events.
Inefficient manual management
CMI manually managed bookings via Excel spreadsheets and dispersed processes, resulting in processing delays and limited visibility on wholesales sales forecasts.
This inefficiency led to frequent errors, and required considerable team time to ensure data compliance.
Automated and centralized bookings
ExoStack has introduced a centralized, automated tool for managing dealer bookings.
Developed in ExoStack and integrated directly into their dealership platform, this tool enables orders to be automatically tracked and created in their ERP system, providing real-time visibility on forecasted volumes and sales forecasts.
Thanks to this solution, manual errors have been eliminated, order processing accelerated, and teams can now concentrate on value-added tasks.
Main benefits :
- Significant time savings in the booking management process.
- Reduced data entry errors thanks to automation.
- Improved visibility of wholesales sales forecasts.
Financial approval management
Next, a module dedicated to financing validation was developed. This ensured that all orders were financially approved before shipment.
- Finance teams could anticipate approval requests based on scheduled container arrivals.
- Overland shipments were scheduled only after validation, reducing the risk of delays.
Dispersed approval process
Financial approval of dealer orders was based on manual, decentralized processes.
CMI teams had to juggle different tools and exchanges to validate financing, resulting in delays, errors and a lack of real-time visibility on the status of orders.
Automated, integrated financial approval
ExoStack has transformed financial approval management by centralizing and automating every step. Key features include :
- Credit request management: Booking orders are directly analyzed and submitted for approval via ExoStack.
- Simplified invoice transmission: Invoices are automatically sent to the financing bank, reducing administrative delays.
- Real-time tracking: teams have immediate visibility of the status of approvals and validated orders.
This integration has streamlined financial processes, eliminated redundant tasks and enabled us to plan shipments more efficiently by ensuring that all validations are in place upstream.
Container tracking and document management
A complete process has been set up to centralize container tracking and manage import-related documents.
- Real-time tracking: Integration of shipping and rail APIs to view container status on a single platform.
- Document management: Check that all documents required for import, such as invoices and purchase orders, are present before containers arrive.
- ERP connection: Lists of units or parts could be imported into the system, linked directly to purchase orders in CMI’s ERP.
- Key indicators: Implementation of alerts to detect anomalies and correct them before containers arrive.
Lack of visibility and laborious document management
Container tracking relied on disconnected tools, such as Excel spreadsheets and multiple websites (shipping, rail, etc.). This fragmented approach led to :
- Long delays in locating a container.
- Limited visibility of critical transport stages.
- Inefficient management of import documentation, leading to delays and risks of non-compliance.
Real-time tracking and document centralization
ExoStack has made it possible to centralize and automate container tracking and associated document management. Key benefits include:
- Real-time tracking: Containers are instantly located thanks to the integration of carriers’ API services. Information on each stage (port, rail, delivery) is consolidated into a single view.
- Centralized document management: ExoStack ensures that all necessary documents (invoices, purchase orders, import certificates) are checked and ready before containers arrive.
- Content control: Lists of items or units (by serial number) in containers can be imported and linked to purchase orders in ERP.
Thanks to these functionalities, CMI now benefits from complete visibility over its operations, reducing lead times, optimizing container reception and ensuring full compliance.
Ground shipping management
To complete the solution, a land shipment planning tool has been deployed, enabling deliveries to be managed efficiently and centrally.
- Proactive planning: visualization of undelivered orders and unit availability by warehouse.
- Route optimization: Route calculation based on number of stops, distance, time required, volume (CBM), and linear space available on trailers.
- Real-time tracking: Traceability of trucks on the day of shipment to guarantee successful deliveries.
Inefficient delivery planning
The management of overland shipments relied on manual and disconnected processes, making it difficult :
- Scheduling deliveries according to container arrival times.
- Route optimization to reduce transport time and costs.
- Coordination between warehouses, carriers and dealers.
This lack of organization led to delays, delivery errors and administrative overload.
Optimized planning and real-time monitoring
ExoStack has introduced a land shipment management tool designed to optimize every step of the process:
- Proactive planning: Delivery routes are planned in advance according to container arrival, integrating unit availability by warehouse.
- Route optimization: The tool calculates the number of stops, distances, time required, as well as load dimensions (CBM, trailer linear feet).
- Real-time tracking: Once shipments have been launched, truck positions can be tracked live, ensuring that all deliveries run smoothly.
- Consolidation of information: Undelivered booking orders are linked to available units, ensuring smooth inventory and shipment management.
Thanks to these improvements, CMI has been able to reduce costs, improve delivery reliability and guarantee optimum dealer satisfaction.
Discover all ExoStack has to offer
Dive into ExoStack’s advanced features, designed to optimize every aspect of your operations. From user management and container tracking to modular customization, ExoStack adapts to your needs to deliver a complete, efficient experience.
Contact us to find out more about our solutions and how they can meet your company’s unique challenges.