Allcargo Group’s ECU Worldwide rolls out iTopaz, cloud-native AI-enabled platform to power its global supply chains

ECU Worldwide, a global LCL consolidator and 100% subsidiary of Allcargo Logistics Limited, has collaborated with IBM, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to roll out iTopaz, its cloud-enabled and AI-powered digital platform. It will help to build the foundation to drive next-generation efficiency, innovation and customer centricity.

Designed to bolster the operational scalability and resilience further, iTopaz will deliver a seamless experience for the ECU Worldwide users spanning over 180 countries in a phased manner. The Group has partnered with IBM Consulting to use cloud migration tools, TCS to support the present ERP platform, and AWS to transition to an open-source infrastructure. The entire roll-out process of iTopaz will be completed by 2027 in a phased manner.

iTopaz which replaces ECU Worldwide’s Topaz ERP system, a decade-old desktop-based legacy application, marks the second leg of digital transformation which involves shifting to a web-based architecture that is cloud-enabled and a highly secure platform backed by open-source databases. It is based on a three-tier architecture and containerised environment, allowing platform independence and facilitating a connected and efficient digital environment.

iTopaz will redefine user experience to be more seamless and responsive. Moreover, the system has been developed to leverage relevant AI and machine learning use cases, enabling a more intelligent operating platform that adapts to changing business needs. The IBM, TCS and AWS teams are working in close coordination to ensure smooth migration, development, testing, and rollouts, paving the way for successful global roll-out.

Commenting on the global roll-out of iTopaz, Adarsh Hegde, Managing Director, ECU Worldwide said, “Being the global leader in LCL consolidation, we have initiated a digital transformation journey to offer agile, responsive and customised freight-forwarding services. The global deployment of iTopaz is a significant milestone of the ongoing IT transformation journey which will further enhance our network efficiency, flexibility, and scalability by integrating new-age data-driven technologies and cloud computing. Our collaboration with IBM, TCS, and AWS will add to our legacy of innovation and excellence. With our global networks and cloud-enabled platform, we will continue to exceed customer expectations, creating a new benchmark in supply chain efficiency.”

Kapil Mahajan, Global Chief Information and Technology Officer, Allcargo Group said, "As we double down on cutting-edge platforms and strategic partnerships, iTopaz stands as a landmark initiative that brings together the strengths of globally renowned technology leaders and the operational excellence of a global logistics major. It reflects Allcargo’s commitment to building a digital-first logistics infrastructure that meets the complex demands of a dynamic global supply chain and boosts agility and service delivery competencies. Our collaboration with IBM, TCS, and AWS on this transformative project is one of its kind in the global NVOCC segment and it reaffirms our long-term vision to lead the future of logistics through innovation, scalability, and smart integration."

Rishi Aurora, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting India & South Asia, said, “Operational performance, predictability and responsiveness to disruptions are the key imperatives for the global supply chain industry. iTopaz has been co-created as a scalable, resilient and future-ready platform to help ECU Worldwide & Allcargo Group elevate its digital transformation mission to a global level using AI and hybrid cloud. We have combined our deep industry knowledge and technology expertise with AI assistants, agents, and applications from our AI-powered delivery platform, IBM Consulting Advantage, to accelerate this modernisation initiative.”

In this first phase of transformation, Allcargo Group moved three on-premises data centres in the United States, Europe, and Asia to the cloud to ensure improved service reliability, business growth, customer engagement, and value creation. Additionally, over the past 18 months, the company has been incorporating AI tools into the core business processes across its domestic and international businesses. By harnessing data-driven technologies like AI, IoT, predictive analytics, and blockchain, Allcargo Group aims to optimise global supply chains and lay the foundation for future-ready services.