The metals supply chain can be particularly challenging, especially when producers and traders are spread across the globe. A recent example of successful international collaboration involves Molymex in Mexico, our Tianjin Forwarder (China), and Steinweg Online (team based in Singapore). Together, we tested and implemented the new Release Module – a digital solution for cargo releases. In a single meeting involving participants from all three regions, it became clear how people, processes, and technology unite to address logistical challenges.
Molymex in Mexico: From pilot customer to trailblazer
Molymex, represented by Yuselenh Ramirez and Andrea Briceno, is a key producer and trader of molybdenum, a metal traded on global markets. Andrea Briceno explains how their Mexico-based team began collaborating with Steinweg Online: “We used to send all instructions by email. It worked reasonably well, but with the 16-hour time difference to China, communication wasn’t always smooth. Thanks to the Release Module, our process is now more efficient, although it required some adjustment at the start.”
Molymex piloted the Release Module and immediately discovered areas for improvement, such as the ability to add attachments for customers not yet using Steinweg Online. Yuselenh Ramirez notes that providing feedback was crucial: “We want our buyer to see the right documents as well. Steinweg Online is working on expanding that functionality so everyone in the chain benefits.”
Steinweg Tianjin: Local expertise, global Impact
On the other side of the world, our forwarder in Tianjin – with over ten years of experience working with Molymex – embraced the pilot. Clarissa Liu Lei leads the core team there, supported by Wendy Wang, Emma Yu, and Monica Li. “We’re proud to be one of the first in Asia to work with this new Release Module. That meant linking our own systems to Steinweg Online, which wasn’t straightforward.”
According to Wendy Wang, the biggest challenge is that Tianjin’s processes differ from those at Rotterdam – Steinweg Group’s headquarters. The system had to be tailored, which requiring specific adjustment and testing.” Emma Yu adds: “By conducting thorough training and test phases, we managed to switch over smoothly. If an issue arose, we quickly reached out to Steinweg Online for a solution.”
Monica Li explains how the team shares the lessons learned with colleagues and clients: “We received extensive training and were allowed to test everything in a trial environment first. Now that it’s working well with Molymex, we want to use this experience to show other customers how efficient it can be.”
Furthermore, Clarissa Lio highlights the excellent support from the Asia management team during the process: “We received great support from our Asia management when we consulted on IT and compliance issues, and their prompt feedback was invaluable.”
Steinweg Online: Connecting people, processes, and technology
Jennifer Chen of Steinweg Online oversees this digitization project and emphasizes the decisive role of people: “The success was due to the commitment of all teams involved. We’ve learned that it’s ultimately people working together who determine whether a digital project succeeds. As our first pilot customer, Molymex provided invaluable feedback, and our Tianjin forwarder adapted their workflow to fully utilize the system.” The Release Module currently focuses on streamlining digital cargo releases, but Jennifer sees potential for further rollout: “In the future, we want the system to automatically send attachments to parties not yet in Steinweg Online. We also hope our customers can add their own buyers, so the entire process – from producer to end-buyer – takes place within the platform.”
Overcoming cultural and time differences
It wasn’t just about the technology. Cultural and time-zone challenges also played a role. Molymex starts their workday early in the morning, while the Tianjin forwarder is nearing the end of their afternoon. Jennifer explains: “We collaborate with teams in Mexico, China, and Europe. Through careful planning and flexibility, we’ve managed to respond quickly and find solutions.”
Moreover, the Tianjin team noted that some customers prefer not to share all documentation. Jennifer says: “We understand confidentiality is important. That’s why we’re designing the Release Module so users control who sees which documents. With these kinds of tweaks, we want to make the system more user-friendly for everyone.”
Future plans and expansion
This successful pilot has left everyone wanting more. Molymex is considering using Steinweg Online for delivery instructions and other features. The Tianjin team is eager to share its experience with new customers: “Now that we know how well digital releases can work, we’d like to offer this to more clients. It saves time, reduces errors, and makes our job more efficient”, Monica Li says.
Jennifer sums it up: “This is just the beginning. We already have a list of enhancements and new ideas for the Release Module. Step by step, we’re building a digital chain that benefits everyone – from a producer in Mexico to a buyer in China.”
A blueprint for global logistics digitization
The successful pilot with Molymex, our Tianjin forwarder, and Steinweg Online shows that digitizing logistics involves much more than introducing a new tool. It’s a process requiring diverse teams across continents and time zones to work closely together. Through clear communication, thorough training, and fast feedback, the Release Module continues to improve. The result is a more efficient and transparent process for all involved – and an inspiring blueprint for other Steinweg customers seeking to digitize their supply chains.