How Hexalog is helping MSMEs simplify cross-border logistics and scale globally

The rapid expansion of India's ecommerce sector has elevated logistics from a mere operational function to a critical business differentiator. As digital storefronts venture beyond domestic borders, supply chains now play a pivotal role in shaping customer experiences, inventory management, working capital, and international growth opportunities. Dibyanshu Tripathi, Co-founder and CEO of Hexalog, shares his insights on this transformation and the company's mission to empower smaller businesses to compete on a global scale.

Tripathi's journey into the logistics industry began in 2017 when India's ecommerce landscape processed around five million orders annually. Over the subsequent seven years, this figure quadrupled, signifying a significant shift in how businesses approached logistics. As these businesses sought to serve customers across various geographies, the logistics function evolved from a back-end task to a key enabler of business scaling and customer satisfaction.

Today, through Hexalog, Tripathi assists D2C brands and MSMEs in navigating the complexities of cross-border commerce. Leveraging enterprise-grade logistics orchestration, the company enables businesses to concentrate on product development while managing the operational intricacies of global trade. Starting from a Google Sheet to orchestrating global supply chains, Hexalog's founders recognized the need to help Indian businesses expand their product offerings to international markets.

The founding team comprised industry experts in customs compliance, international operations, product development, and sales. Instead of starting with a technological solution, they opted for an operations-first approach, initially using a Google Sheet to orchestrate the entire end-to-end supply chain journey.

Hexalog's operations-first philosophy continues to drive the company's strategy. Rather than building technology in isolation, they design workflows around customer pain points, subsequently digitizing these processes. Tripathi emphasizes that logistics should not be viewed solely as an expense but rather as a driver of business growth. Efficient supply chains reduce the capital tied up in inventory and streamline operations, thereby enhancing working capital efficiency.

One of the significant challenges MSMEs face when expanding internationally is the operational complexity involved. While founders possess product knowledge and marketing skills, selling in foreign markets entails dealing with customs authorities, compliance agencies, freight operators, warehouse partners, and last-mile delivery providers.

This lack of visibility often discourages businesses from venturing abroad. Hexalog addresses this issue by simplifying the process, acting as a supply chain partner instead of merely a logistics provider. By handling tasks such as customs regulations, indirect taxation, certifications, and documentation, the company allows businesses to focus on product development, branding, and customer acquisition.

A crucial misconception about cross-border logistics is that success hinges on selecting the right freight company or customs agent. Tripathi asserts that logistics' strength lies in the coordination between every participant in the supply chain. Despite individual excellence, poor coordination can result in delays, longer inventory cycles, and a weakened customer experience.

Hexalog focuses on orchestrating the entire supply chain journey, from factory pickup to international delivery, rather than managing individual components. Their innovative Value Add Center conducts quality inspections on products before they leave the country of origin, minimizing reverse logistics costs and delays. By providing insights into true landed costs, Hexalog enables brands to make informed sourcing decisions beyond mere manufacturing expenses.

Hexalog's asset-light operating model enables them to oversee the complete workflow, ensuring consistent service levels across all stages of logistics.