Amit Maheshwari, Founder & CEO highlights Softlink Global’s leadership in revolutionising logistics with Logi-Sys, the Intelligent Cloud ERP Platform. He also discusses Softlink’s latest AI-based innovations, talent-building initiatives to uplift the logistics industry, and the importance of embracing technology to drive growth and efficiency.
CT Bureau
Logi-Sys is rapidly emerging as the leading global ERP system for logistics. There were many other industry players over the decades—how did you evolve and transform Softlink Global to the international position it is in right now?
Our journey to becoming a leading global ERP provider comes from our 3+ decades of deep domain expertise and strong focus on innovation and customer success. We started by understanding the logistics industry’s pain points and built solutions for them. I’m proud to say that we were the first company to create an online software for the industry. This is because we realized very early on that the industry needed a single-platform ERP – that is the future. We built from the ground up without external fundings, and today Softlink is in front of you – a strong product-based company and a trusted technology partner to thousands of businesses across the globe.
It is well-known that Softlink is the most dominant force in Indian customs clearing in the 21st century. To what factors would you attribute this success to? Is it because you have always prioritised customer compliance?
Having started my career as a customs broker and then a freight forwarder before moving on to this side where I provide tech solutions for them, I have always had the advantage of having a complete understanding of the customs landscape. I relied on my personal experience and expertise to develop comprehensive customs compliance solutions, which began to see rapid adoption in the market. Mind you that this was a time when digitalization was highly resisted. We kept scaling, and soon enough captured the majority of the Indian market share and have been the undisputed leaders for more than 2 decades now. Every compliance, from ICEGATE to the recent SCMTR, is integrated in Logi-Sys at the earliest – everything is possible within our application.
Artificial Intelligence is the buzz these days – it has already started having a major influence on supply chain & logistics. Talk to us about your AI approach going forward, and particularly the 2 products ready to roll out – LogiTALK and LogiLENS.
We’re taking a practical approach to AI integration with LogiTALK and LogiLENS. LogiTALK is our conversational AI assistant that helps users navigate through our platform, access information, and perform tasks through natural language commands. Think of it as your personal assistant designed to enhance user experience and productivity. LogiLENS uses AI for advanced document processing and data extraction, significantly reducing manual work and errors. From AI to blockchain for secure data and document exchange to decision-making data analytics tools for managers, we are well-positioned to deliver the future in the hands of our customers, today.
How does Logi-Sys improve airline connectivity for its users, and what benefits does this bring to customers?
For airline connectivity, we have this system called LogiCONNECT where we are integrated with 100++ airlines. Through this, our users have access to real-time air cargo bookings, live tracking, competitive rate comparisons – other features include carbon emission tracking, automated eAWB submissions, and instant and secure payment processing. We have also partnered with IATA to roll out the ONE Record initiative for our customers, enabling standardized and seamless data exchange for air cargo operations
Note that these airline connectivity capabilities are a part of Logi-Sys, which is a much larger and comprehensive system for management. Through Logi-Sys, businesses can confidently manage every aspect of their logistics operations, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and adaptability to any challenge.
The logistics industry is in dire need of upskilling. While the government does its part, how is Softlink Global contributing to bridging the skills gap in India? Do shed light on your ongoing initiatives like Softlink Academy and LogiSPARK as well.
Recognising the critical need for upskilling in India’s logistics sector, Softlink Global has launched targeted initiatives to bridge the skills gap. Under the Softlink Academy initiative, we offer LogiEXPERT, self-paced online learning courses to team members of our customers; then LogiLEARN, where we collaborate with top educational institutions to bridge the gap between theory and its practical application.
LogiSPARK is our talent acquisition program focused on sourcing and nurturing talent for the logistics industry. My aim with LogiSPARK is to urge brilliant young minds to explore the logistics and supply chain as a first career choice. This industry is where they can uncover solutions that hold the potential to change the world. Right now we are in collaboration talks with one of India’s leading and most popular institutes for LogiSPARK.
Through these initiatives and more, Softlink Global is committed to developing a future-ready workforce, aligning with the government’s efforts to enhance the industry’s capabilities.
Supply chain & logistics industry is also understood as ‘the backbone of the global economy’. With technology practically overtaking the sector, how do you see the next 5-10 years unfold on a global scale? What kind of role will tech providers like
Softlink play?
The next decade will witness unprecedented technological transformation in logistics. We’ll see increased automation, AI-driven decision-making, and seamless integration throughout supply chains. Blockchain will enhance transparency, IoT will improve tracking and monitoring, and machine learning will enable predictive analytics. Technology providers like Softlink will play a crucial role as enablers of this transformation. Our responsibility will be to make these advanced technologies accessible and practical for businesses of all sizes. My focus is always on developing solutions that incorporate cutting-edge technology while remaining user-friendly and cost-effective.
A lot of forwarders and other LSPs are moving from disparate systems to Intelligent All-in-one solutions like Logi-Sys. What is it about Logi-Sys that makes it better than other solutions provided by other companies, for example, CargoWise?
Logi-Sys stands out because it’s designed for true flexibility, accessibility, and simplicity. Unlike solutions like CargoWise, which require specific hardware and complex remote desktop setups, Logi-Sys is platform-agnostic—you can access it from any device, even a smartphone. This enables forwarders and LSPs to work seamlessly from anywhere. Moreover, many solutions rely on disparate systems for accounting, operations, CRM, and sales. In contrast, Logi-Sys is a truly all-in-one cloud platform that handles everything, right from when your data is entered till the customer is out. Our user interface is also quite simple compared to them. This means that teams are actually motivated to use the application to its full potential.
Forwarders and LSPs adopting Logi-Sys experience improved efficiency, streamlined processes, and the freedom to focus on business growth rather than technology constraints.
Softlink Global extends best-in-class customer support through an in-house team of domain experts. How would you describe this philosophy of consistently exceeding customer expectations?
Our customer support philosophy is built on three core principles: expertise, responsiveness, and proactivity. We maintain a 24×7 in-house team of domain experts who understand both technology and logistics operations deeply. When customers reach out to us, they know that they are speaking with a team that truly understands their business challenges. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, we actively monitor systems, anticipate potential issues, and work to prevent them. This proactive approach, combined with our commitment to rapid response times and personalized omnichannel support, helps
us consistently exceed customer expectations.
As a logistics visionary credited with logistics digitalization, could you draw on your 35 years of experience and share words of advice with the logistics community at large, and the freight forwarding and customs segments in particular?
Thank you for the kind words. My advice to the entire logistics fraternity is to understand that there’s no successful future without embracing technology. Once that mindset is built, then focus on choosing the right systems that will help you manage your operations and team, scaling your business to the next level.
Also invest in upskilling your teams to handle advanced technologies—this has become a necessity to remain competitive.
Lastly, prioritize your customer, always. Understanding and addressing customer pain points with tailored solutions will set you apart. Embrace change, never stop experimenting, and the future will belong to you.
