Logistics Performance Management # 1: Where Is My Cargo;
Logistics
This is the first article in our series on Logistics performance management (LPM) and how to overcome supply chain challenges. This article focuses on the importance of knowing where your cargo is at all times of the shipping cycle.
One of the most frustrating challenges for manufacturers and carriers of time-sensitive materials, is the inability to know where the cargo is in real time during transport.
Whether you are a manufacturer waiting for a vital incoming component or a carrier, who wants to avoid late delivery charges, knowing the status of your cargo at any time during the shipping cycle, could help you avoid major impacts. Even one or two late arrivals due to unexpected supply chain disruptions could have a significant impact – such as costly labor charges, loss of business, excessive fines, critical production delays, unhappy customers or destruction of brand prestige.
Many load monitoring systems and technologies provide limited real-time visibility into the location. This is because a combination of carriers and third-party logistics are involved (3PL). For example, evidence-based monitoring technologies and scanning tools – such as wired telematics and electronic recording devices – travel by truck, trailers and containers instead of the cargo itself. Therefore, the data may not reflect the actual shipping status. While data from these systems is useful, Knowing the location of cargo in real time is also vital.
Get the information you need – when you need them
To avoid these effects, Many companies choose to use Real-time load monitoring sensors. With devices that travel with cargo, You can gain real-time visibility, wherever it is. Even when traveling by multiple modes of transport and through various carriers.
With real-time data, You'll always know exactly where your cargo is, from loading to final destination. You can literally have full visibility into your supply chain. You'll have your current transit data whenever you need it. You'll have constant real-time alerts about delays or shipments at risk.
Regain control of your shipments
Sensor-based tracking technology, can help you improve performance on time, reduce costs and proactively communicate more effectively with customers and partners. These sophisticated devices help you:
- Get real-time visibility into every link in the supply chain for greater control.
- Determine where shipments are located in real-time during transit to avoid costly impacts.
- Proactively manage delays and schedule changes to optimize logistics operations.
- Address supply chain weaknesses to improve on-time delivery and drive continuous supply chain optimization.
- Improve overall logistics efficiency faster, Efficiency and superior customer service for every shipment.
What to look for in load monitoring sensors
As mentioned earlier, Not all cargo tracking solutions provide you, the detailed information you need. Real-time tracking information required. Look for a program with sensors that give you this information and that allows you:
- Implement tracking quickly and easily. Some sensor programs can take months to set up. Look for a program that can be set up almost overnight for instant monitoring. With battery-operated sensors, They are placed in the cargo like a mailing label. Look for sensors that don't require capital expense, continuous maintenance or configuration and those that are environmentally friendly and can be recycled after use.
- Get automated notifications for quick decision making. If you want visibility right now, Get sensors that can give you real-time location alerts and report on demand, Data for each carrier and mode of transport. These types of sensors provide alerts for late departures and late arrivals, so you can deal with any ramifications proactively.
- Watch your cargo live and interactive. Look for a load monitoring program that provides a tracking and monitoring platform with access to an interactive map, allowing you to see where the cargo is at exactly the given moment.
- Maximize the power of your existing systems. Would you like a load tracker that can be easily integrated through API-level integrations with other systems you've already implemented?, such as transport management (TMS), Enterprise resource planning (ERP), Telematics or other logistics systems. This gives you a holistic view of the timely and accurate information you need to effectively manage the shipping portion of your supply chain.
- Find weak points in your supply chain. If you are experiencing problems in your supply chain, You can only fix them if you can find the source of the problem. Find a cargo tracking solution that provides logistics reporting and analytics. This is the only way to find these root causes and help you tackle specific problems and improve wrongs.
Source: Sensitech Inc..