We probably all have heard of 3PL’s and 4PL’s in the logistics industry, but what on earth is a 10PL?

In the world of modern logistics we probably all have heard of 3PL’s and 4PL’s. A 3PL (abbreviation for Third Party Logistics Provider) is a firm that provides service to its customers of outsourced logistics services for part, or all of their supply chain management functions. 3PL’s typically specialize in integrated operation, warehousing and transportation services that can be scaled and customized to customers' needs based on market conditions. Whereas a 3PL service provider targets a single function, a 4PL targets management of the entire process. Some have described a 4PL as a general contractor that manages other 3PLs, truckers, forwarders, custom house agents, and others, essentially taking responsibility of a complete process for the customer.
 

Now some logistics providers have further increased their services and are calling themselves 10PL’s. Here is pyramid chart of the services and functions offered by a 10PL:

 

At B2BGateway we provide cloud-based, fully integrated EDI and automated supply chain solutions that will directly link you to your logistics provider, be they a 1PL, 2PL, 3PL, 4PL……..10PL. For further information on how your organization can communicate seamlessly with your logistics provider please call +1 401-491-9595 or email Sales@B2BGateway.Net



 

5 ways to increase Cloud Security

Cloud computing is growing at a rapid pace, offering many benefits to end users such as cost savings, scalability, ease of access, speed of implementation and so on. At B2BGateway our EDI systems have been operating in ‘The Cloud’ since 1999, long before the term ‘Cloud Computing’ was invented; heck, back then we just simply called it doing business over the internet.

 
As with all technology, security should be to the forefront if you are considering moving your systems to the cloud. Here are my top five tips that you should consider when looking at cloud based applications and/or cloud providers:

1. Make sure your cloud provider has put security into your SLA.

Many cloud providers do not mention security in their SLA’s. In your negotiations with a cloud provider you should bring up security and insist that the provider puts the agreed security terms into the SLA.  The rules of Caveat Emptor apply here – ‘Let the buyer beware’.

2. Passwords

The importance of strong passwords cannot be stressed enough. Yet, even today, many people still set weak passwords and are reckless with passing them on to other members of staff who do not need to know them. New passwords should be set frequently, particularly if key members of staff leave the organization.

3. Encryption

Encryption will help to limit the damage if your systems are hacked or wrongly accessed. It will also give users confidence that their data is more secure.

4. Test, test, test……and test again
The only sure-fire way to make something secure is to test it. Test, test and test again, always trying to break it, you may even consider hiring an outside contractor for an independent point of view. Chances are that if you and/or your contractor can find a way to get unauthorized access, someone else can as well.

5. Firewall

A good firewall is still one of the best solutions to preventing unauthorized access to your data. Because of the very nature of cloud computing, remote access will no doubt be required by authorized users in your organization. A firewall will add an extra layer of security and help fend off unwanted approaches.

If you would like to know more about B2BGateway’s cloud-based EDI solutions and our security measures within, please contact our team at Sales@B2BGateway.Net or call +1 401-491-9595.