In the fast-paced world of e-commerce and logistics, efficient supply chain management is the backbone of business success. Lipjo Joseph, the visionary founder of Cloudone Logistics Pvt. Ltd, with platforms Shipdesk and Cargo99, is at the forefront of transforming logistics for SMEs across India. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, he has built solutions that seamlessly integrate technology with logistics, enabling businesses to scale effortlessly.
ShipDesk, a comprehensive SaaS-based logistics management platform, empowers e-commerce sellers by automating shipping, providing real-time tracking, and optimising order fulfillment. Cargo99, on the other hand, specialises in last-mile delivery, ensuring that shipments reach customers with speed, reliability, and cost efficiency. Together, these ventures are redefining logistics by offering SMEs the tools they need to compete with larger enterprises in a rapidly evolving market.
With a focus on digitalisation, AI-driven automation, and sustainability, Lipjo envisionsa future where logistics is not a bottleneck but a competitive advantage for SMEs. His journey is a testament to the power of innovation, agility, and customer-centric solutions in the ever-growing logistics sector.
Excerpts from the interview with Lipjo Joseph, conducted by Small Enterprise India
Q. Can you share your journey of founding Cargo99 and ShipDesk? What inspired you to venture into the logistics and supply chain industry?
With the rise of e-commerce and increasingly complex supply chains, I saw an opportunity to leverage technology and expertise to drive meaningful change in the logistics and supply chain industry. I am passionate about harnessing innovation to create more efficient, sustainable, and transparent supply chains.
While ShipDesk excels as a comprehensive logistics management SaaS platform managing various courier partners, Cargo99 specialises in delivering exceptional last-mile services. Our competitive edge lies in our efficient processes, agile team, and sustainable network, which collectively ensure seamless, reliable, and environmentally responsible last-mile deliveries. The constant evolution of the e-commerce industry, coupled with technological advancements and shifting consumer demands, creates an exciting environment for innovation and growth.
Q. What were the key challenges you faced in stabilising and scaling your logistics business, and how did you overcome them?
Our key challenges included building a scalable business model, sourcing skilled talent, and maintaining service quality, as demand in the logistics industry is often non-linear. Another major challenge was the low adoption of technology and resistance to change among SMEs.
To address these challenges, we invested in developing a customized technology platform that integrated logistics operations, enabled real-time visibility, and automated many repetitive tasks. We focused on skill development as well as process-driven operations. We prioritised value-driven relationships with all stakeholders over transactions, recognizing that strong partnerships are the foundation of sustained growth and success.
Q. How does ShipDesk specifically cater to the needs of SMEs, and what innovative solutions do you offer to help them streamline their supply chain operations?
ShipDesk provides a user-friendly digital platform that simplifies logistics management, enables seamless communication, and offers data-driven insights for informed decision-making. Our solutions are designed to be scalable, flexible, and cost-effective, making them ideal for SMEs. ShipDesk is committed to empowering SMEs to compete with larger enterprises by providing them with cutting-edge logistics solutions.
By partnering with us, SMEs can overcome traditional logistics challenges, accelerate their growth, and achieve a competitive edge in their respective markets.
Q. Technology is transforming logistics rapidly. How is ShipDesk leveraging digitalisation, automation, and AI-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and customer experience?
At ShipDesk, we are at the forefront of logistics innovation, harnessing the power of digitalisation, automation, and AI-driven solutions to revolutionize the industry. Our proprietary platform provides automated order management, shipment creation, and real-time visibility once the orders are shipped. We enable seamless communication and collaboration between shippers, carriers, and customers. Our advanced tracking integrations provide real-time updates on shipment status, enabling customers to stay informed and allowing shippers to take quick corrective actions in case of challenges.
Q. With the growing importance of e-commerce and cross-border trade, how does ShipDesk support SMEs in expanding their market reach?
ShipDesk recognises the vast opportunities presented by e-commerce and cross-border trade for SMEs. We connect SMEs with a vast network of reputable carriers, enabling them to tap into new markets, reduce shipping costs, and improve delivery times. Our platform provides SMEs with actionable data and analytics on shipping patterns, customer behavior, and market trends, empowering them to make informed decisions. Additionally, our platform integrates with various e-commerce platforms and shipping partners to provide a unified logistics solution that simplifies shipping, reduces manual errors, and enhances the overall customer journey.
Q. ShipDesk is revolutionising e-commerce logistics. Can you tell us how it helps small and medium-sized online businesses streamline their shipping operations?
ShipDesk’s order management system allows businesses to easily manage and fulfill orders, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. Our cloud-based platform is designed to scale with growing businesses, providing flexibility and visibility in an ever-changing e-commerce landscape. The platform automates shipping tasks, such as label generation, WhatsApp communications, and tracking, freeing up business owners to focus on growth and customer satisfaction.
Q. With the rapid growth of e-commerce in India, what unique features does ShipDesk offer to ensure cost-effective, efficient, and hassle-free shipping for SMEs?
The e-commerce landscape in India is evolving rapidly, and ShipDesk is committed to supporting SMEs in navigating this complex and competitive market. Our platform integrates with various e-commerce platforms and courier partners, enabling SMEs to manage their entire logistics operations from a single dashboard. ShipDesk provides real-time tracking updates on shipments, allowing SMEs to keep their customers informed automatically through various communication channels.
Q. The logistics industry faces issues like last-mile delivery, cost optimisation, and sustainability. How is Cargo99 addressing these concerns for SMEs?
We have established a network of local delivery partners, enabling us to provide fast, flexible, and reliable last-mile delivery services to SMEs. Our innovative platform empowers SMEs to take control of their logistics, offering real-time visibility, automated workflows, and data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making. We are actively investing in a fleet of electric and alternative fuel vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint and support SMEs in achieving their sustainability goals.
Q. What’s your vision for Cargo99 in the next five years, and how do you see the future of logistics and supply chain management evolving for SMEs in India?
We expect SMEs to increasingly adopt digital technologies, such as logistics management software, to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. SMEs will prioritise customer experience, leveraging logistics and supply chain management as key differentiators to drive customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.
Our vision for Cargo99 and ShipDesk is to revolutionise the logistics and supply chain management landscape. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies like AI, ML, and IoT to optimize logistics operations, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. We are committed to developing eco-friendly logistics solutions, such as electric and alternative fuel vehicles, to minimize our carbon footprint and help SMEs achieve their sustainability goals.