Transparent communication between shipper and carrier is almost always an important basis for plannable processes in logistics: For follow-up processes to run smoothly after a delivery, the partners must agree on a binding delivery date. But there are numerous challenges in doing so, such as unforeseen traffic situations that cost valuable time or create uneconomical downtime at the logistics yard. Security is provided by advanced software solutions that can track the status of trucks.
Monitor Truck Transports and Optimize Subsequent Processes
Tracking and tracing of truck transports is an effective means of harmonizing many logistical processes in the depot. If the arrival time of a vehicle is known, preliminary and subsequent processes can be scheduled on a time-bound basis. Often, however, there is radio silence from the time the shipment is confirmed until the truck arrives. The consequences - for both parties - are delays and negative effects for subsequent processes. In addition to loading, unloading and retrieval, this primarily affects resource and capacity planning on the yard. Logistics tries to provide the right goods at the right place at the right time. But only in a perfect world is the delivery date notified and then met. In practice, unexpected events are the order of the day instead. Therefore, dealing with sudden delays is crucial for a smooth supply chain. This is where truck tracking comes into play: with reliable information, problems can be identified and averted at an early stage. This means that everything can start on schedule and the supply chain remains undisturbed.
Sparse Communication Jeopardizes the Entire Supply Chain
Without adequate inbound control of the respective consignee, serious problems arise. These include, for example, a lack of capacity in the warehouse, faulty planning processes or even a complete loss of control over the transport processes. Furthermore, the throughput times of the trucks are stretched, resulting in additional costs for the shipper for idle times. As a result, the carrier may terminate the cooperation and look for a more reliable partner. Even the best route planning of the respective dispatcher becomes useless due to unforeseen downtimes. Conversely, constant unpunctuality of the trucks leads to problems for the shipper, who then looks for another carrier. Remedies for these challenges are system solutions that can track truck transports based on status messages or even GPS or truck telematics. But what should such a system be able to do?
What Features Does a Truck Tracking System Need?
The ability to provide information and plan processes is only possible in conjunction with transparent communication between all parties. But a qualitative arrival forecast can only be made with the appropriate information. For the planning of loading equipment movements and capacities, it is therefore essential for the carrier to share data on the estimated time of arrival in a transparent manner. To do this, he can give his customers access to the necessary data so that they can obtain information on their own. High tracking quality also requires the connection of all available data sources. On this basis, the respective system derives forecasts in order to determine the arrival time of the trucks and to issue a status message beforehand for all relevant steps such as loading. With such periodic status messages, the carrier can keep the shipper informed at all times. These can be easily integrated into the adjacent systems and are usually sufficient for the planning of subsequent processes. This variant is also called passive tracking. With its help, the shipper can identify unforeseen delays in good time, reschedule his just-in-time processes and, if necessary, bring other processes forward if a vehicle is delayed.
As much information as possible from different sources helps to create the necessary transparency about the current shipment status - the more information, the more precise the ETA forecast. This can be GPS data, an analysis of the traffic network or historic data. The variant with GPS technology is also called active tracking. Here, the shipper receives a continuously updating arrival time forecast based on live information.
Benefits of Holistic Software and Established Providers
To conveniently connect all parties and share tracking information with each other, advanced cloud software such as myleo / dsc is a good choice. On the cloud platform, all parties in the supply chain can view, collaborate and communicate the transportation information.
Tracking is Privacy Relevant
When working with sensitive data such as the location of trucks in real time, the question of data protection also arises. For this reason, myleo / dsc processes the raw data first and does not send it unfiltered to the logistics partner. The collection and use of the location information only takes place within the software. It only shares the current status of the delivery with the help of status messages, without passing on the direct location data of the trucks. As mentioned earlier, it is even possible to track deliveries entirely without GPS, but only based on the status messages issued by the telematics system and transmitted in the software solution. Although this option is less accurate, it is usually perfectly adequate for many companies.
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In addition to tracking & tracing, there are many other factors for successful dock & yard management. myleo / dsc also supports companies in other fields of site and transport logistics, such as slot and ramp management. More information about our holistic platform is available here: www.myleodsc.com
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