Start Site Page 358

Port growth drives demand for logistics warehouses and appreciation could reach 40%

The ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá, in Santa Catarina, are undergoing significant expansions that promise to substantially increase operational capacity and thereby generate greater demand for logistics warehouses in the state, which directly reflects in the appreciation of these assets. With Ibama's approval, a public notice will be issued for the deepening of the access channel to Baía da Babitonga, which will be increased from 14 to 16 meters, allowing the entry of ships up to 366 meters long. The project is estimated at R$ 300 million. Furthermore, the Port of Itapoá, in its fourth expansion phase, plans an investment of R$ 500 million to expand the operational area and modernize its equipment, aiming to become the largest container port in South America by 2033.

The proof that port growth has a direct impact on the appreciation of logistics warehouses can be seen in the case of Navegantes, whose valuation in the sector has reached an impressive 300% in the last 10 years. With the advancement of Portonave, which handled 638,476 TEUs in the first half of this year and recorded a 40% increase in productivity compared to the same period in 2023, the city has been consolidating itself as one of the main logistics hubs in Santa Catarina. In the case of São Francisco and Itapoá, a specialist points to a potential appreciation of up to 40% in the next two years.

Currently, theSort Investments, specialized in the sector, manages R$ 3.5 billion in assets in this segment and has 553,000 m² allocated for the construction of high-standard logistics warehouses in Santa Catarina. The company has a vacancy rate below 5% and achieves a profitability of over 0.7% per month on leases. The logistics warehouses that have achieved this appreciation are of the Triple A type, with special infrastructure such as a ceiling height above 12 meters, floors that support more than 5 tons, and advanced fire fighting systems.

“The expansion of ports in Santa Catarina has been a determining factor in boosting the logistics warehouse market. The increase in operating capacity and the arrival of larger vessels create a growing demand for storage and distribution spaces. We expect significant appreciation in the coming years, with potential for up to 40% in the areas around São Francisco do Sul and Itapoá, which should consolidate the region as a strategic logistics hub,” says Douglas Curi, partner at Sort Investimentos.

Massae Two is the new

TNS, a connectivity and complete solutions company for payment methods, announced the hiring ofMassa DoiasDirector of Products and ExpansionIn this role, Massae will be responsible for the development strategy of new products and solutions for the Brazilian and Latin American markets, as well as feasibility studies for supplying the Brazilian market with successful solutions developed by TNS in other countries. TNS operations are currently present in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Massae will also be responsible for partnership opportunities with the market and managing relationships with operators, always with a primary focus on payment solutions, but not limited to that. With over 25 years of experience in the telecom market, the executive joins TNS after working at major global companies such as China Mobile International, KORE Wireless, and NTT Docomo, where she served as Business Development Director and Product Director. Massae has a degree in systems analysis (Mackenzie) and marketing with a focus on business management (ESPM).

TNS is a global leader in providing complete, modern, and secure network and payment solutions. As a leading provider of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), TNS offers managed service solutions to over 1,400 organizations worldwide. TNS's comprehensive portfolio includes standalone and in-store payment terminals, online solutions to protect global network connectivity, and continuous payment processing through its native cloud-based payment management platform. With TNS's industry-leading service portfolio, clients can reduce the complexities of fragmented payments and connectivity with just one trusted managed services partner.

In 2019, TNS began expanding in Latin America from Brazil, where its main focus is to offer complete solutions to the payments market, with a diverse portfolio that includes connectivity (M2M SIM Cards and other technologies), data management, POS rental, and other customized solutions such as payment at electric vehicle charging stations. With over 30 years of extensive experience in the global market, including expertise in acquisitions such as Link Solutions, Advam, and Agnity, TNS also operates in other segments, such as telemetry, tracking, monitoring, security, and connectivity for IoT and M2M solutions for smart cities, healthcare, industry, and agribusiness. TNS has offices in the states of Paraíba and São Paulo that serve clients throughout Brazil and Latin America.www.tnsi.com

Edtech earns R$10 million with presence on 4 continents

What began as an academic project by students 18 years ago in Paraná today impacts the world, employing more than105professionals. We are talking about SWA, from Medianeira, which develops management platforms for the educational sector, credit cooperatives, and family farming.

The Paraná group, which celebrates its anniversary this September, is an important developer of technological solutions for various sectors. With a diversified portfolio, the group offers software for educational institutions through the brands Jacad and Matheus Educacional, serves credit cooperatives with Neocred, and supports family farming enterprises with Laços da Agricultura Familiar.

Thanks to these innovative solutions, the group is present in 24 Brazilian states and, through strategic partnerships, has expanded its operations to countries in Europe, Asia and the United States, consolidating its presence on the international scene.

Approximately 500,000 students use the group's educational platforms. Among them are the students of UniGuairacá. Based in Guarapuava, also in Paraná, the university center is the Group SWA's first client. Professor Juarez Matias Soares, one of the partners of the Guairacá Higher Education Society, which maintains UniGuairacá and Colégio Guairacá, considers the partnership, which has lasted almost 20 years, to be essential.

For the educator, more than providing technological solutions, the SWA Group has always presented itself as an organization willing to promote UniGuairacá and, consequently, the education sector. "At all times we needed, the SWA Group was present, not only solving issues in the technological area. It is a fruitful partnership."

Origin

The origin of the SWA Group is closely linked to education, science, and technology. The company was founded in 2006 as a project by students from the Medianeira campus of the Federal University of Technology Paraná (UTFPR), which led to the development of the ERP (management software) Jacad.

Since then, Jacad has expanded, becoming a reference in the education market. In 2021, the company made a bold and significant leap by incorporating Matheus Soluções, which now, in 2024, has undergone rebranding, becoming Matheus Educacional. The SWA Group ranks among the five largest educational software companies in Brazil.

Starting in 2023, SWA Group diversified its market with platforms for credit cooperatives (NeoCred) and family farming (Laços do Agro Familiar). NeoCred has already recorded over 65,000 credit proposal requests, involving R$ 803 million disbursed. The Bonds of Agriculture, in turn, connect small farmers to the purchasing market, financially enabling small enterprises.

One of the founders and CEO of Grupo SWA, Leandro Scalabrin, highlights the technology and innovation that are in the DNA of the four companies, but emphasizes, above all, the purpose of transformation and impact on people. "We breathe technology, and transformation pulses through our veins," he/she/they affirm. "We are more than management platforms; we are a group dedicated to contributing to technological advancement and the development of the sectors in which we operate."

(box)

A summary of the SWA Group's history and data:

  • Birthday: October 1st
  • Sede: Medianeira (PR)
  • Coverage: all regions of Brazil
  • Companies: Jacad and Matheus Educacional (educational software); NeoCred (credit unions); Laços do Agro Familiar (agriculture)
  • Annual revenue: around R$ 10 million
  • Number of employees: 105

GFT Technologies among the first companies to sign the EU AI Pact

GFT Technologies is among the first round of signatories to theAI Pactof the European Union (EU). This stage highlights GFT's dedication todevelopment and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as related efforts to maintain relevant legal and ethical standards in order to promote trust in digital transformation.

The EU AI Pact highlights the importance of AI governance, the development ofsafe and reliable AI solutionsand compliance with theAI Lionswhich came into effect last month. It also emphasizes the mapping of high-risk AI systems and the promotion of AI literacy among employees. It was designed to ensure that AI technologies are developed transparently and reliably. The initial involvement of GFT demonstrates the company's role aspioneer in AIand its leadership in paving the way for its customers to use AI.

"Our commitment to the EU AI Pact reflects our belief that innovation and responsibility must go hand in hand," said GFT CFO, Jochen Ruetz. He continued: "At GFT, our goal is to build AI solutions that not only drive progress but also help our clients stay compliant with regulatory requirements. This also ensures that we safeguard the trust of those who use these solutions."

GFT Co-CEO Marco Santos added: “Joining the EU AI Pact reinforces our commitment to leveraging AI to drive business transformation. We help our clients harness the full power of AI, safe in the knowledge that they are complying with legal and ethical standards in the development and use of AI.”

“The debate in Europe around AI is at the forefront of global discussions on how it is possible to combine development with sustainability and security, and even impacts the regulations currently under discussion in Brazil. Being a signatory to this pact reinforces GFT’s position in this regard”, highlights Alessandro Buonopane, CEO of GFT Technologies in Brazil.

GFT is committed to accelerating the adoption of AI through itsAI.DA Marketplacea platform that combines predictive and generative AI technologies and data analysis. The GFT AI.DA Marketplace promotes the development and introduction of AI applications by providing a comprehensive collection of use cases, methods, reference architectures, and pre-configured solutions. This significantly helps to drive digital transformation.

Cashback: por que as estratégias de fidelização devem ir além dele?

THEcashback, which in Portuguese means "money back," is a strategy that allows the customer to recover part of the amount spent at a specific online store, usually as credit for future orders. Its main function is to encourage repeat purchases and strengthen the relationship with the consumer, offering a sense of savings and motivating the return to the platform to enjoy their accumulated credits.

According to a 2023 survey, promoted by IZIO&Co, a loyalty and activation program platform for retail, thecashbackwas responsible for an 83.5% increase in purchasing expenses. Analyzing the behavior of 1.4 million consumers across 20 different retailers, there was a 17.6% increase in the average ticket.

Over time, thecashbackcontributes to the creation of a repurchase cycle, demonstrating that each transaction is valued by the company, which provides a tangible benefit to encourage new orders. However, although it is very efficient, it is essential that companies do not rely solely on it, but invest in diversified loyalty strategies to maintain audience engagement.

Main mistakes — what to do?

A common mistake is relying solely on this type of action, which can cause the person to value only the financial benefit, at the expense of the complete experience. To avoid this, the money-back should be seen as part of a broader strategy that highlights the quality of the products and the added value of the brand. Another key point is the clarity of the terms of use. When poorly explained, rules can cause frustration and even drive buyers away.

Using other tools

Apps that offer exclusive promotions and discounts for registered users, in addition to personalized content, provide a more direct and accessible experience, keeping the audience always updated on the best deals. Another interesting strategy is marketing automation, such as sending targeted emails and messages based on purchasing behavior, which helps keep the brand present in consumers' daily lives and strengthen the connection with them. The combination of different solutions is the most effective approach.For example, after a purchase, the customer may receive suggestions for related products or discounts, encouraging the strategic use of their credits.

Attention to customization

A fundamental consideration when implementing loyalty tools is to ensure balanced personalization, non-intrusiveness, always prioritizing the user experience and respecting their data privacy. Communication must be transparent and clear to avoid possible confusions or frustrations. Furthermore, it is essential to monitor the impact of these strategies, avoiding excessive dependence on financial promotions.

It is important to remember that true loyalty goes beyond the use of specific tools. Success lies in the balanced combination of financial benefits, product quality, and the experience offered to customers. Creating value for the audience at each stage of the journey is what ensures they return, not just for the rewards, but for the trust in the brand and the satisfaction provided.

Transfers via Pix grew in the first half of 2024, according to Febraban

Febraban data showed that transactions made via Pix increased by 61% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year.R$ 29 billion were transacted in the first half of this year. The number even surpassed other payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, boleto, TED, and checks.

“It is a payment method that makes everyday life easier and faster and has really caught on with Brazilians. That is why we are seeing an increasing number of transactions.”, says the expert.

Another new feature regarding Pix is that Banco do Brasil has already launched contactless Pix in partnership with Cielo. Now, bank account holders can already make purchases by bringing their phone close to the card reader at establishments that have been enabled. Initially, the service will be available only to a selected group of account holders in Brasília and São Paulo, as part of a pilot program. The functionality is officially scheduled to be launched nationwide starting February 2025.

Starting November 1st, new rules and limits for Pix will also come into effect to enhance the security of transactions. Devices that have never had a transfer made with the payment method will have a limit of R$ 200 per Pix and a maximum daily limit of R$ 1,000.

With this, the idea is to prevent scammers from making transactions using a new device of a victim. Therefore, it will be necessary for the user to register in advance with the financial institution to make high-value transactions.

According to the Central Bank, this measure prevents scammers from performing high-value transactions from a new cell phone or computer of a victim, even with the victim's login and password. In this way, anyone who decides to buy a new device, change their number, or use a new Pix key will need to register with the financial institution they use. The novelty only applies to new devices to be accessed and not to smartphones and devices that are already used for Pix transactions.

For Idean Alves, a financial planner, the measures are essential to increase user security and confidence regarding the payment method.

The main goal of the measures is indeed to increase safety to benefit the user. This is also how the number of criminal actions related to Pix is reduced. So it's a great victory for the user, no doubt.", said Idean.

Conectarh Brasil brings together more than 1,700 people management professionals in seven capitals throughout 2024

In person, Sólides covered more than 9,230 kilometers in the five regions of Brazil, impacting more than 1,700 professionals at the most varied levels (from analysts to directors), whether or not HR Tech clients, with diverse content developed especially for the event, addressing people management processes in strategic, technological and managerial aspects.

We conclude Conectarh Brasil with a sense of mission accomplished. Over the past few months, we have managed to establish it as the largest regional event for human resources and personnel departments in the country, further democratizing access to knowledge and encouraging interaction and networking among professionals in the field," says Rafael Kahane, CMO of Sólides. The Conectarh Brazil was designed based on the pain points and needs of Brazilian HR professionals, focusing on a practical problem-solving approach and business perspective. Our event was a great opportunity for professionals in the field from across the country to clearly understand the most innovative aspects of people management today and to start implementing them in their companies' and businesses' daily operations.

The Conectarh Brasil by Sólides has been growing year after year. The event started in 2023 with four capitals, reached seven in 2024, and for 2025, aims to expand even further: Sólides' plan is to visit 10 Brazilian capitals, from north to south of the country, and double the number of people impacted at the gatherings, bringing together around 3,500 HR and payroll professionals in person.

Sólides has been leading the digital transformation of HR and Personnel Department areas across the country. Through innovative and exclusive solutions, the company automates bureaucratic and manual processes, enabling these teams to operate in a more strategic manner. In this way, HR Tech also contributes to attracting, developing, and retaining talent – reducing turnover rates and increasing the competitive advantages of its clients. Currently, Sólides has more than 30,000 clients (three times more than two years ago), impacting 8 million lives through its platform and leading the high-growth group of companies in Brazil.

AI vs. Customer Experience: How can technology make a difference in my business?

Customer experience can be considered one of the decisive factors for a brand's success. To give an idea, 58% of people stopped shopping at a company due to a negative experience, according to 'CX Trends 2024', a survey by Octadesk in partnership with Opinion Box. In this context, investment in the purchase journey has gained prominence, and it didn't take long for e-commerce to also leverage the power of artificial intelligences to optimize time and improve the relationship with the user.

“Today, customers expect more than just the product they purchased. With the high competition in e-commerce, retailers must question themselves about what the shopping experience is like and how they can transform it into something even more satisfying, building customer loyalty,” said Daniela Torres, partner and CEO ofSimple Innovation, company focused on business modeling for e-commerce.

Based on computing algorithms,machine learningand probability, artificial intelligences are capable of learning, assimilating scenarios, analyzing data in real time, and making decisions. In this way, they can offer solutions to problems in seconds, point out products similar to those searched for, and better direct consumers, doing what is necessary to encourage conversion.

“It is truly revolutionary how technology has transformed e-commerce. This year, 72% of companies are already using AI, as it has several possible applications. In e-commerce, it can help with chatbots, creating product descriptions, among other activities. But perhaps one of the most valuable applications that technology has to offer is the ability to understand the user, predict future sales and suggest products of interest, delivering personalized experiences to each one. All of this is only possible with the talented use of available browsing data, the great advantage of AI”, highlights Daniela.

For Daniela, artificial intelligence is still a recent technology and sparks many debates, but it is mainly a powerful aid for brands that value good experiences for their customers. Data AI has the potential to revolutionize the way consumers shop online. As technology advances, it is expected to increasingly deliver more personalized and unique experiences. Retailers should pay attention to these developments and not fear the future," he concludes.

61% of workers are not concerned about AI replacing human roles

Artificial Intelligence is increasingly seen as a tool to empower office workers rather than a threat to their jobs. A recent survey conducted by Jitterbit, in partnership with Censuswide, with over a thousand workers from the United States and the United Kingdom, revealed that most see AI as an opportunity to enhance their professional skills. The study shows that 96% of respondents believe that AI can improve their job functions, eliminating repetitive tasks and freeing up time for more strategic and creative activities.

For Lucas Felisberto, Vice President of Sales & CS at Jitterbit, this change is opening new possibilities for companies of all sizes. In Brazil, we have a unique opportunity to use AI to boost our productivity and innovation, especially in emerging markets. AI is already optimizing processes and helping companies of all sizes create tailored solutions.

Additionally, the survey highlights that 61% of employees are not concerned about AI replacing human roles, which reflects a growing understanding that AI acts as a complementary tool to human efforts.

Furthermore, research shows that the automation of routine tasks is becoming a reality with the popularization of generative AI. Among the main benefits expected by workers, 46% highlight the reduction of time spent collecting information from systems and work applications, while 33% expect AI to increase the time dedicated to more reflective and higher-value activities.

In Brazil, AI-driven digital transformation is still in its early stages but already promises significant impacts, as Lucas explains. With the increasing acceptance of AI in the workplace, the country has the opportunity to position itself as a leader in adopting this technology, not only to optimize operations but also to create new solutions that drive global competitiveness.

How to reduce logistics operating costs and ensure fast deliveries during Black Friday

Black Friday is approaching and promises to boost Brazilian retail with aggressive discounts and a significant increase in e-commerce sales. For companies, however, this period also brings the logistical challenge of ensuring fast and efficient deliveries while controlling operational costs amid such high demand.

According to E-Marketer estimates, the e-commerce market in Latin America is expected to surpass US$ 250 billion by 2028, with Brazil and Mexico accounting for 86.8% of new digital sales in 2024 alone. In Brazil, Globo's Consumption Panorama reveals that 62% of consumers plan to shop during Black Friday, with free shipping being one of the main purchase motivations for Brazilians.

With this scenario, companies need to equip themselves with tools that offer a competitive advantage, especially in the logistics field. A Geotab, a global leader in connected transportation solutions, is a strategic partner to face these challenges. Managing over 4.3 million commercial vehicles on its platform, the company offers solutions that combine data analysis and artificial intelligence to optimize logistics operations.

Efficiency and savings: how the power of data and AI tools transform logistics operations

Geotab's solution allows companies to reduce costs by increasing fleet efficiency, such as reducing fuel consumption, idle time, and supporting preventive maintenance measures that minimize vehicle downtime. During Black Friday, when operations are at the limit of capacity, this optimization translates into a faster operation, with quick deliveries and no failures.

The last-mile delivery sector faces an increase in demand during Black Friday, making the use of advanced fleet management solutions essential to ensure speed and efficiency in operations. Companies like Mercado Livre have been using telematics solutions in their operations, achieving significant results in safety and operational efficiency. As a reduction of 42% in total incidents and a reduction of 16% in speeding incidents.

These improvements, combined with real-time fleet monitoring, also allowed the company to increase the autonomy of electric vehicles by 12% in just two months, as well as reduce idle mileage by 37% in one month. These results reinforce how smart fleet management is essential to maximize efficiency and ensure logistics operations can handle Black Friday demand peaks.

“With the continued growth of e-commerce in Latin America, Geotab is positioning itself as a strategic partner for companies that need to overcome logistical challenges during periods of high demand, such as Black Friday, and in daily operations. Our solutions not only offer savings and operational efficiency, but also ensure an exceptional shopping experience for consumers. With access to accurate data and AI tools, companies have the confidence that they are prepared to face increased demand, regardless of its magnitude, and can proactively adjust their operations, avoiding delays and ensuring that deliveries are made on time,” comments Eduardo Canicoba, vice president of Geotab in Brazil.

Promoting safe practices and optimizing fleet maintenance

Geotab also offers driver behavior monitoring solutions, allowing companies to promote safer driving practices, prevent accidents, and help save lives, while optimizing fleet maintenance. The platform offers detailed analyses and performance and collision reconstruction reports, ensuring that companies achieve greater safety and operational efficiency over time.

Anticipating demand and optimizing operational efficiency

During Black Friday, Brazilian consumers are more demanding, seeking early deals, low-cost shipping, and fast deliveries, which leads to demand peaks before the official date. To cope with this pressure, companies need to optimize their logistics operations. Geotab's technology allows for efficient adjustment of operations, reducing fleet idle time and ensuring that vehicles are always in operation.

Focusing onreduce fuel costsRoute optimization and preventive maintenance management prevent unexpected interruptions, allowing fleets to operate at maximum efficiency. "Our commitment is to help companies reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ensure quality service to customers, especially during times of high demand," concludes Canicoba.

[elfsight_cookie_consent id="1"]