Manifest 2026: The Global Logistics Innovation Barometer
From February 9-11, 2026, Manifest 2026—the premier global logistics innovation conference—convened in Las Vegas, attracting approximately 7,200 participants including shippers, logistics solution providers, startups, and investors. At this pivotal annual gathering for supply chain and logistics technology, Samsung SDS showcased its digital logistics capabilities to significant industry attention.
Manifest has become the barometer for global logistics technology trends. The 2026 conference focused on AI, data-driven decision-making, and supply chain resilience—reflecting the industry’s urgent need for technology solutions amid geopolitical risks, climate change, and demand volatility.
Cello Square: An End-to-End Digital Logistics Platform
Samsung SDS’s centerpiece was its digital logistics service platform Cello Square, covering IT-driven logistics services across the full chain:
- International ocean and air freight—global capacity integration and intelligent allocation
- Land transportation—cross-regional road and rail transport management
- Local logistics—regional distribution services including warehousing
Cello Square’s key differentiator is unifying the entire process—from quotations to booking to settlement—on a single platform. In traditional international logistics, shippers must communicate separately with multiple forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers, with information scattered across emails, phone calls, and spreadsheets. Cello Square eliminates these information silos through digital integration.
AI and Machine Learning: From Reactive to Predictive
During session presentations, Samsung SDS highlighted its supply chain risk management capabilities and data-driven global transport control tower. The platform’s AI and ML capabilities include:
- Risk factor prediction—analyzing historical data, market dynamics, and external events to identify potential supply chain risks proactively
- Accurate ETA—using ML models that consider routes, weather, port congestion, and other factors for precise arrival time predictions
- Real-time end-to-end monitoring—achieving full logistics process visibility through the control tower
- Automated decision support—automatically recommending alternatives and contingency measures when anomalies occur
Samsung SDS noted that many shippers and forwarders suffer from lack of visibility and transparency in transportation due to geopolitical risks, climate change, maritime infrastructure constraints, and sailing restrictions. Cello Square’s AI capabilities are designed to address this core pain point.
European Case Study: Innovation with KYOCERA
The collaboration between Samsung SDS and KYOCERA on European warehousing and local transport drew significant attention. Martijn Cillessen, General Manager at KYOCERA Document Solutions Europe, stated:
“Samsung SDS’s IT-driven logistics service has enhanced data transparency and automated the decision-making system, significantly improving logistics efficiency. We will continue business innovation through our partnership with Samsung SDS.”
This case demonstrates digital logistics platforms delivering real operational value in Europe’s mature and demanding market—far more persuasive than any technical white paper for shippers evaluating digital transformation paths.
The Competitive Landscape of Digital Logistics Platforms
Samsung SDS isn’t alone in the digital logistics space. Flexport, project44, and FourKites are also advancing rapidly. However, Samsung SDS’s differentiated advantages include:
- End-to-end coverage—full-chain service from international transport to local warehousing and distribution
- Samsung Group backing—leveraging Samsung’s massive global supply chain network and IT capabilities
- Asia-Europe corridor strength—deep operational experience and customer base on Asia-Europe trade lanes
- AI technology depth—Samsung’s investments in AI and semiconductors provide a powerful technology foundation
Samsung SDS Logistics EVP Koo-il O emphasized: “Manifest 2026 served as an opportunity to promote Samsung SDS’s digital logistics service capabilities to the global market. Going forward, we will expand our global business by continuously upgrading our AI and cloud-driven technologies.”
Industry Trend: SaaS and Platformization Go Mainstream
Samsung SDS’s presence at Manifest 2026 reflects a broader industry movement—SaaS-ification and platformization of digital logistics is becoming an irreversible trend, driven by:
- Increasing supply chain complexity—trade restructuring, nearshoring, and diversified sourcing strategies create more complex logistics networks
- Real-time visibility demands—end-to-end supply chain visibility shifting from “nice to have” to “must have”
- AI maturity—breakthroughs in LLMs and ML enable prediction and decision automation in logistics
- Integration requirements—enterprises need platforms that seamlessly integrate with existing ERP, WMS, and TMS systems
Looking ahead, digital logistics platforms will continue evolving toward greater intelligence, integration, and openness. Platforms offering end-to-end visibility, AI-driven predictive analytics, and flexible integration capabilities will lead this competitive landscape.
Source: samsungsds.com
