Within the context of Brexit and COVID-19, the question of how to track container location has acquired new importance. These landmark moments in history put pressure on existing systems and exposed supply chain vulnerabilities. There are many unique challenges facing the smooth running of supply chains. As with most industries, the solutions around container tracking and monitoring are getting smarter.
TRACK CONTAINER LOCATION THE SMART WAY
Gone are the days when a ship leaving port meant a loss of control. Knowing the precise location and status of containers is evolving the global shipping market. It is also counteracting many of the challenges being faced through supply chain disruptions as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. IoT and RFID smart container tracking solutions provide global, real-time visibility to stakeholders to streamline end-to-end logistics.
THE BENEFITS OF SMART CONTAINER TRACKING
- The ability to aggregate data to work towards transparent supply chains.
- The opportunity to meet higher demands and improve reputation for meeting deliverables.
- The insights to respond to issues in a time-effective manner to prevent further delays and bottlenecks.
- Regulate in-container conditions to ensure the integrity of shipments – especially cold supply chain and sensitive cargo.
- Mitigated loss and theft and increased chances of recoverability.
- Retrospective data visibility to drive sustainable change.
- Potential for reduced insurance premiums.
- Reduced risk of demurrage and ports’ detention costs, with savings affecting profitability (it has been reported that delays in ports add around 10% to imported goods).
- Highly refined repurchasing and maintenance scheduling.
- Increased container lifespan.
- Ensure optimal utilisation of each container in operation.
- It outperforms GPS/GSM tracking even on remote ocean routes.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES OF SMART CONTAINER TRACKING?
- Smart technologies are evolving fast and different technologies are being implemented around the world. Within this lies the risk of reliance on differing platforms. The solution is to look to simple, scalable systems predicated on in-depth data accuracy.
- As an extension of the above, the next challenge is the integration of smart technologies into existing systems – to work in tandem with current hardware. The most effective deployment of smart technologies for international shipping will rely on ease of integration and inclusive operability.
- Cost-effectiveness. Smart technologies employed on the scale demanded by the international shipping market do not need to be prohibitively priced. From initial investment to integration costs, price is one of the challenges of digitalising container location tracking.
HOW TO TRACK CONTAINER LOCATION USING RFID, RSSI, GPS, AND IoT
The smart container tracking solutions from NFC Group combine the low-power, long-range Orion Data Network with a system of tags and gateways for full, remote visibility of containers wherever they are in the world. RFID tags send reports every two minutes when stationary and every 30 seconds in motion. The IoT tags and sensors report on pre-defined metrics, sending alerts when anything out of the norm occurs. This includes things like latitude and longitude, but also conditions such as temperature fluctuations, shock, speed, and tampering.
HOW TO TRACK A CONTAINER WITH DATA AS A CENTRAL DRIVER
Within the COVID-19 context, lockdown and general uncertainty created instability in the industry. This is where data is playing a crucial role. Detailed data collected and assimilated throughout the logistics supply chain expose changes and expedite the opportunity for adaptation.
FIND OUT HOW TO TRACK CONTAINER LOCATIONS FROM NFC GROUP
From source to supply, shipping is notoriously complex and hard to monitor. Shipments are often of perishable materials – or are temperature or shock sensitive. In such an instance, technology has the ability to connect different logistic processes across the supply chain.
