The Platform Revolutionizing the Supply Chain

Contguard has developed a smart technological system for controlling and monitoring cargo shipments by sea, land, and air, while adhering to global sustainability standards. "Our system optimizes the supply chain, minimizes damage, and achieves significant operational savings," says Yiftach Nativ, founder and CEO.

The supply chain sector has faced major upheavals over the past five years, from cyber-attacks on major shipping companies, the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring shipping costs, the Suez Canal blockage, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to attacks by Houthis in Yemen disrupting the southern Red Sea. "These events caused massive delays, but the integration of innovative technologies, such as Contguard's, helped maintain relative stability," says Yiftach Nativ.

Effective Risk Management

Contguard's technology uses IoT sensors and AI-powered solutions for real-time monitoring and tracking of goods in transit. "Our platform collects information from sensors on pallets, semi-trailers, and containers, as well as from external sources like shipping companies, ports, news, and weather sites. It provides immediate alerts about issues and predicts potential risks," explains Nativ. The system also performs retrospective analysis to optimize the logistics chain, minimize damage, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Our platform notifies cargo owners of any anomalies, such as break-ins or quality issues like overheating and moisture. It also provides updated forecasts on arrival times and potential delays. All this information is processed in a 24/7 control room, which analyzes alerts and indicates the consequences of any changes or deviations."

Managing Notifications

This is all well and good, but what is the cargo owner supposed to do with these notifications?

"Immediately, they will be able to intelligently manage the crisis they are facing, including a quick response to potential threats. This will also allow them to choose an alternative route if necessary, or to switch the intermediary – for example, shipping the goods by air or rail instead of by sea."

"Our system also optimizes the supply chain. Before our technology, cargo owners struggled with unknown arrival times and inventory management. Effective inventory management is crucial to avoid substantial financial losses."

Providing Clear Financial Value for Customers

Yiftach Nativ, 50, has been involved in technological entrepreneurship for over 15 years. He completed his military service as the deputy commander of a Dabur boat in the Navy's Dabur flotilla. About ten years ago, while working with a security agency, he became aware of the problems involved in shipping cargo and realized the need for technological solutions to ensure control and monitoring of shipments and receive alerts about risk factors. This led him to establish Contguard to reduce customers' dependence on information provided by shipping companies, who do not always have an interest in fully informing cargo owners.

Let's focus on the technologies that the company uses.

"In general, we are a company with a very high technological orientation. Through over a decade of collaboration with various international corporations, including defense and government entities, we are committed to the most advanced and stringent technological standards, especially in information security and quality."

"Our core technology involves tracking units (IoT) installed on shipping mediums (containers, trailers, pallets, etc.) to collect data on the location, status, and quality of goods (temperature, humidity, unauthorized openings, and impacts). This data is consolidated by an analytics system, which includes information from various sources. For instance, our association with the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) provides valuable insights into the security and safety of goods transportation. With over ten years of experience and a wealth of data, we perform aggregate analysis to forecast and verify real events. This combination allows us to monitor and track goods in transit, whether by sea, land, or air, and minimize potential damages."

Are you also responsible for operating the entire system?

"Definitely. Our team provides tracking units to warehouses, ensuring they are configured correctly with sensors and GPS receivers. We also collect them when goods arrive at their destination. This end-to-end tracking management service operates in over 100 countries, allowing us to deliver and collect units globally. Additionally, we operate a 24/7 control and monitoring center with trained controllers, enabling rapid real-time responses to minimize damages."

How are your services measured?

"We are measured on our ability to provide clear financial value to customers, reflected in cost savings, minimizing damage to goods in transit, and predicting supply chain risks. Arrival times at ports and warehouses are measured by the ETA index, and we analyze delays and demurrage costs. We also collaborate with major insurance companies, offering benefits to our customers."

Who are the company's main customers?

"We have several dozen customers, primarily manufacturing companies like Amazon, PMI, major cosmetics companies, fashion and clothing brands, pharmaceuticals, automotive companies, and international banks. In Israel, we serve the entire defense industry. However, we are naturally prevented from disclosing most Israeli customers."

What are the main geographic markets you focus on?

"Our main market is Europe, but we plan to expand to the Americas, with employees hired in the USA, Mexico, and Brazil. We have about 25 partners providing operational services in over 100 countries, including local development in South Korea, Japan, and Singapore."

Promoting Corporate and Environmental Responsibility

One of Contguard's main goals is to address the environmental impact of shipping, especially with tightening regulations. The upcoming European regulation, SCOPE 3, will require shipping customers to report indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Contguard provides a solution that allows for control and monitoring of shipping processes while considering environmental and sustainability issues, adhering to ESG principles.

Do you plan to expand your activity in the future?

"Definitely. We aim to grow among current customers and expand into new verticals, such as the food sector. We are focusing on food producers in Brazil, which supply significant raw materials and finished goods globally."

Do you have plans to hire new employees?

"Yes, especially after our merger with Ewave Group, which led to significant growth and recruitment. We plan to hire in marketing, business development, and technology to support our expansion and product development."

What is your vision? Where do you think the company will be in five years?

"We aim to become a major player in cargo transportation management and reshape the industry. Our vision is to provide full control and monitoring of the cargo transportation process, improving the quality, security, and efficiency of the supply chain. We also aim to promote corporate and environmental responsibility, reducing the environmental impact of logistics while complying with regulations."

In collaboration with Contguard

The analysis of greenhouse gas emissions is carried out using GLEC standards.

contguard.com