Locating and Securing Cargo at any Point in the Supply Chain
Shipment monitoring technology is advancing quickly, resulting in cellular and satellite tracking devices that can do everything from store solar power for five years to sync data bidirectionally with each other without the need for any human intervention. The technological advancements have dramatically improved the speed with which manufacturers and shippers can effectively manage inventory, track shipments, and prevent theft of their goods. As inventory and shipment information can now be rapidly obtained through the use of advanced tracking systems, it is important to have a strategy in place regarding how you will take action when alerted to deviations in the collected data. The companies which quickly and effectively turn any deviation in cargo tracking information into action can increase their bottom line and enjoy rapid return on investment (ROI).
Even though cellular and satellite technology makes it easier to secure instant real-time coverage of your goods while in transit, traditional devices like bar codes and radio frequency identification (RFID) are still being utilized for shipment tracking by many businesses. RFID will still remain relevant because of its accessibility and low cost no matter how far other technologies advance. As cellular and satellite shipment monitoring technologies are typically more expensive than bar codes and scanning systems or RFID, companies must weigh budget restrictions with realistic ideas concerning the extent of the cargo coverage they require.
Evaluating Shipment Monitoring Technology
When researching shipment monitoring technology solutions for purchase, there are many things to consider. For instance, if you require a simple means for tracking the movement of items that come in and out of your warehouse(s), you may want to consider reviewing inventory management solutions as well as bar codes and mobile scanning solutions. If you are transporting goods that have a a great potential of being stolen or your cargo containers are being shipped to high-risk regions of the world, you may want to consider a more sophisticated solution which includes a global positioning system (GPS) for tracking things like asset idles, device location, and cargo loading status. Although satellite systems and related devices can be expensive, they allow you to track your assets in (close to) real-time, from any device with an Internet connection. As part of a cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) solution, you’ll be able to obtain instant access to the location of your database of items.
Sensor-based Logistics Program
There are systems on the market today, like SenseAware, which can provide you with sensors that can detect and then report if a package has been opened before delivery. The sensors can alert you to light and temperature changes with your package as well as provide you with the real-time location data of your shipment(s) on cellular networks. If a package has been opened before delivery, shippers receive an email notification which enables them to act promptly if/when a breach occurs.
Sensors increase security by working with two types of geofences: time-based and route-based. Companies have the option to set durations for each part of the journey.
Chris Swearingen, marketing manager for SenseAware, a FedEx subsidiary that operates a sensor-based logistics program stated, “If a shipment does not meet the specific time measurement for that part of the trip, it could indicate theft or another problem with transportation.” Shippers receive real-time alerts via email if a shipment breaks the geofencing parameters in both cases.
SenseAware subscriptions can be purchased which includes connectivity, equipment, and access to the system which users can track shipments.
Source: http://www.inboundlogistics.com/cms/article/shipment-monitoring-technology-picking-up-the-signals/
SAP Gold Business Partner-Reseller | Providing SAP Business One Software, Tech Support and Related Services to Small and Midsize Manufacturers and Wholesale Distributors
Based in Tampa, FL, Cornerstone Consulting, Inc. is a business consulting and information technology (IT) company. Not only is Cornerstone an award-winning value added reseller (VAR) of SAP Business One, an extremely efficient and integrated business (accounting, customer and sales management (CRM), inventory tracking-control-management, warehouse management, materials requirement planning (MRP), light manufacturing, accurate real-time analytical reports, and more) software systems, our highly-skilled team specializes in cutting-edge solutions and tech support for:
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- Bar codes and Scanning
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Mobile Warehouse Inventory Tracking, Control and Management Solutions and Technology for Your Growing Small or Midsize Business | Cornerstone Consulting Provides SAP Business One (SAP B1) Software, Tech Support and Related Services
Cornerstone provides software products, tech services and business process outsourcing which support all areas of a small or medium sized business, such as: financial accounting, operations, customer relationship management, sales, inventory control-tracking-management, warehouse management, e-commerce, and more. Cornerstone’s “dream team” of programmers, trainers and consultants specialize in providing our Manufacturing, Wholesale Distribution, Medical Device, and Online Retail clients with optimal business process configuration, integration and automation.
If you’d like your small or medium enterprise (SME) to run better, streamline warehouse inventory management with the use of mobile solutions, out-maneuver competitors, improve interactions with each customer, have better solutions for finding new customers, and transform your business with the latest in technology, you’ve definitely found the right team to collaborate with and make it happen.
For answers to your SAP software sales, support, and service questions, Contact Cornerstone Consulting at 813-321-1300. Looking forward to connecting with you!
