Carrier Tariff Updates are Tough Managing detention and demurrage (D&D) costs is already a complex task – and fragmented, disorganized communication by major carriers makes it even harder. Tariff updates can appear suddenly, without formal announcements or clear timelines. This leads to unnecessary surprises, last-minute planning, and increased operational risk. In an industry where timing...
By Ami Daniel, Co-Founder and CEO, Windward The Shifting Sands… Geopolitical risks seemingly spring out of nowhere, with few expecting the ragtag Houthi militia to shut down major global waterways for a long period, for example. Regulatory shifts, such as OFAC’s latest advisory and the White House’s changing stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, add to...
Windward views service as software (SaS) as an evolution of software as a service (SaaS). It extends the value of software by turning labor into software, with tailored, Gen AI-based, automated services that dramatically boost business outcomes. This is achieved via personalized, efficient, and scalable services.
Service as software is a model where businesses provide services enhanced by software, rather than selling the software itself. Unlike traditional software as a service (SaaS), where users interact directly with the software, service as software automates and delivers a complete service behind the scenes.
Examples could include an AI agent that combines a risk report with analysts’ investigation and insights, to create customer reports and emails. Customers pay for outcomes rather than tools, reducing the need for expertise or manual effort. This model blends automation with human oversight, ensuring efficiency, while maintaining a personalized experience.
What Are the Similarities and Differences Between Service as Software and Software as a Service?
Feature
Service as Software (SaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Definition
A service-first approach where software automates or enhances a service, rather than being the product itself
A cloud-based software delivery model where users access applications via a subscription
Primary Focus
Delivering a service, with software acting as an enabler
Providing fully functional software for direct user interaction
While both involve cloud-based software, SaaS provides software as a product, while SaS delivers a service where software plays a supporting role.
How is Artificial Intelligence Driving the Shift to Service as Software?
AI is accelerating the move toward service as softwareby enabling automation, decision-making, and personalization at scale. Here’s how:
Automation of services: AI-powered chatbots, virtual assistants, and autonomous workflows reduce the need for human intervention in service delivery
Data-driven insights: AI analyzes vast amounts of data in real time, allowing services like fraud detection or cybersecurity to function autonomously
Personalization & adaptability: AI tailors services based on user behavior, optimizing marketing, recommendations, and financial transactions uniquely aligned to each user
Predictive maintenance & support: AI-driven monitoring in sectors like maritime, global supply chain/logistics, IT, finance, and logistics detects and resolves issues before they impact users
APIs & AI models as a service: AI models are increasingly offered as services, enabling businesses to integrate intelligence without building complex software
AI transforms software into an intelligent service layer, enabling businesses to deliver smarter, scalable, and more autonomous services without requiring customers to interact directly with traditional software.
How Will the Maritime and Shipping Industry Benefit from Service as Software?
The maritime and shipping industry can greatly benefit from service as software by leveraging real-time data analytics to enhance decision-making. These services, which are offered through Windward’s Gen AI agent, MAI Expert™, process vast amounts of information, including weather conditions, vessel locations, and cargo status, to enable smarter route planning, better risk management, and optimized shipping operations.
Service as software also provides a cost-effective and scalable approach, offering flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing models for essential services such as cargo tracking and logistics management. This allows both large and small operators to optimize costs while improving efficiency.
Workflow automation plays a crucial role in streamlining logistics and supply chain management. AI-powered systems can optimize shipping routes, automate port operations, and track cargo with minimal human intervention, reducing delays and errors. Advanced robotics further enhance cargo handling and inspection, ensuring faster, more accurate loading and unloading processes, which ultimately leads to quicker turnaround times at ports. Agentic workflows, which leverage AI to autonomously manage and execute tasks across various processes, will be critical for achieving operational efficiency, by minimizing manual oversight.
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May 12, 2025
Data Latency
What is Data Latency? Data latency refers to the delay between the generation of data and the moment it becomes accessible and actionable. In maritime and supply chain operations, it can affect the timeliness of critical decisions, such as tracking vessel locations, detecting behavioral anomalies, or coordinating port calls. Why Does Data Latency Matter in...
What is Data Integrity? Data integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle. In the maritime sphere, ensuring data integrity is crucial for making informed operational decisions, maintaining compliance, and reducing risk. From vessel tracking systems to cargo documentation, trustworthy data enables organizations to optimize routes, safeguard cargo, and meet...
What is BYOD (Bring Your Own Data)? Bring Your Own Data, or BYOD, refers to the practice of allowing organizations to upload and integrate their proprietary datasets into external platforms or solutions to enhance insights, decision-making, and operational outcomes. BYOD empowers companies in the maritime ecosystem to combine their internal data with external Maritime AI™...
What Are Port Operations? Port operations refer to the activities involved in managing the movement of ships, cargo, and passengers through a port. This includes vessel traffic management, loading and unloading cargo, customs clearance, storage, and logistics coordination. Efficient port operations ensure the smooth flow of goods and play a critical role in global trade....
What Is Logistics Risk Management? Logistics risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that can disrupt the flow of goods by sea. This includes managing threats like port delays, piracy, weather disruptions, regulatory changes, and container damage. Effective risk management ensures cargo arrives safely, on time, and within budget, helping companies maintain supply chain...
