GSCW chat: Embracing automation in 2022

Automating repetitive tasks can help get 80% of the effort with 20% of the input, says Redwood Logistics CIO

(Photo: FreightWaves)

This fireside chat recap is from Day 2 of FreightWaves’ Global Supply Chain Week.

FIRESIDE CHAT TOPIC: 2022: The year of embracing automation

DETAILS: FreightWaves’ Travis Rhyan sits down with Eric Rempel to discuss the need for automation across the supply chain and why now is the time to implement the latest technology in logistics operations.

SPEAKER: Rempel is the chief innovation officer at Redwood Logistics.

BIO: Rempel has worked in various roles at Redwood since 2004. He helped create the company’s transportation management system. Rempel founded Redwood Supply Chain Solutions in 2009, which is focused on integrated enterprise systems. 

KEY QUOTES FROM REMPEL:

“Automation takes something that happens over and over and over again and does its best to find that 80/20 where it can automate 80% of the effort with 20% of the input.”

“The more that we can identify the appropriate carrier at the right rate and get the right tracking details so that we can predict when it’s going to arrive and what it’s going to cost and what it’s going to do to everything upstream and downstream, there’s a lot that can be automated there.”

“Redwood Connect is really that foundational Lego board — that green back piece that lets anyone plug and play what they want because we have invested a lot over the last seven years making plumbing sexy, making that back end have a front end so that you can manage your connectivity, you can see what’s going through the pipes, and you can get a ton more value out of your existing systems and any new investments you want to make in technology.”

Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Alyssa Sporrer.

GSCW chat: Freightos’ digital platform connects supply chain through data, pricing

Redwood Logistics sold to AEA Investors

Redwood, project44 joint offering leverages each company’s strengths

Designing low-carbon supply chains — Net-Zero Carbon

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
AI

Supply Chain AI Symposium

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

July 15, 2026
The Old Post • Chicago, IL
Register Now
Rail

Future of Rail Symposium

Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.

July 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
AI Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • The Old Post • Chicago, IL

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

The Old Post • Chicago, IL Register Now
Rail Future of Rail Symposium Jul 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga TN

Reshoring is rewriting freight demand. Join shippers, rail executives, and government officials to shape the next decade.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Alyssa Sporrer

Alyssa is a staff writer at FreightWaves, covering sustainability news in the freight and supply chain industry, from low-carbon fuels to social sustainability, emissions & more. She graduated from Iowa State University with a double major in Marketing and Environmental Studies. She is passionate about all things environmental and enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, ultimate frisbee, hiking, and soccer.