A seamless supply chain forms the core of any business. It impacts the brand image. Concurrently, it also increases the reach of the product to the end user. Eventually, it helps in boosting brand recognition. Over the years, technological intervention has made the supply chain more productive and effective. The tracking system is an integral part of it. Several companies are offering end-to-end tracking solutions, thereby ensuring that the products are delivered unscathed and on time.
The Paradigm Change
Over the years, there has been significant development in the supply chain domain. The primary reason triggering this growth is the rise of technology. It has simplified the tracking system by providing real-time tracking, thus making the entire functioning easier and simplified.
Comprehending the significance of the supply chain and real-time tracking of the shipment, logistics companies are pouring in substantial amounts of their resources to enhance the customer experience. With advanced tracking and tracing service, customers can keep a tab on the status of the ordered items. Thus, it enhances the customer experience.
Benefits of Container Tracking
In simple words, ocean container tracking (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) is the process of monitoring the status of shipping containers throughout the supply chain. Some of its key benefits include:
· Improved Tracking: With the modern container shipment tracking (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) system, it is easier to keep a check on the status of the shipment and get real-time visibility into the location and movement of containers. Thus enabling the companies to understand the flow of goods and potential bottlenecks.
· Better Inventory Management: Inventory management is yet another significant pillar of a smoothly functioning supply chain system. The container track and trace technology allow the companies to manage the inventory efficiently. This helps in extracting real-time information on the location and status of their containers. And so it helps in reducing the risk of stock-outs or overstocking.
· Increased Efficiency: Container tracking can help companies optimize their supply chain processes and reduce lead times by identifying and addressing inefficiencies.
· Cost Savings: Every organization is looking forward to adopting measures that make their operations cost-effective. A smooth-running supply chain can significantly contribute to this. With the help of advanced container shipment tracking, it becomes easier to reduce the risk of loss or stolen containers and other inefficiencies.
· Compliance and Security: With the best real-time container tracking, it becomes easier for companies to work in alignment with the regulations and standards of work. It also helps in improving the security of the supply chain by providing transparency and traceability of the goods.
· Optimized Routing: Container tracking can also enable companies to optimize routes for shipping containers, reducing transit time and costs.
Top-of-the-line Technologies to Track Supply Chain in Real-Time
Tracking the supply chain in real-time for a container can be done using a variety of technologies and methods. Some of the most common include:
GPS tracking
It is one of the most common methods of tracking the containers in shipment. To successfully deploy this technology, the containers can be equipped with GPS tracking devices. These devices transmit their location in real-time, thus allowing for real-time monitoring of their whereabouts.
It is one of the most common methods of tracking the containers in shipment. To successfully deploy this technology, the containers can be equipped with GPS tracking devices. These devices transmit their location in real-time, thus allowing for real-time monitoring of their whereabouts.
Key Features of GPS Container Tracking
· With GPS tracking (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre), it becomes easier to quickly track the status of the shipments without any time lag.
· Enhances efficiency is a guarantee when you are using the best real-time container tracking technology like GPS tracking. You can optimize shipping routes and reduce the time lag.
· Monitor the movement of high-value or sensitive cargo, with GPS tracking, thus prevent the probability of theft and ensure the safety of the cargo.
· Get real-time data on the movement of containers using the container tracking system.
RFID Technology
It involves the placement of Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags on containers. It works of radio communications. Thus allowing for real-time tracking of their location and movement.
Key features of RFID technology
· These tags are visible from a long distance, thus making it easier to track the shipment. Thus it can help in optimizing the supply chain operations and improving the ability to respond to changing demand.
· RFID tags can track multiple shipments. This makes this tracking system the most efficient one.
· RFID tags are highly durable and can easily bear the harshness of inclement weather. This makes it suitable for logistic industries.
· When compared with other methods of tracking, RFID technology is less expensive. Thus companies can follow a flawless tracking system without splurging money.
· When compared with other methods of tracking, RFID technology is less expensive. Thus companies can follow a flawless tracking system without splurging money.
IoT sensors
Another advanced technology used by shipping and logistic companies is the IO sensors. These can be easily placed on the containers to monitor the real-time location.
Key features of IoT Sensors
· It gives a real-time update on the location and status of the shipping containers.
· It gives a real-time update on the location and status of the shipping containers.
· It can be easily integrated with other tracking systems like AIS and RFID to provide accurate information on container movements.
· IoT sensors can be remotely accessed, which allows for real-time monitoring and management of containers.
Automated identification system (AIS)
It is a satellite-based tracking system that keeps track of the containers in real-time. It uses radio communication to track the shipment. It can also be used for container tracking by equipping shipping containers with AIS transceivers.
Key Features of AIS Technology
· It can be integrated with GPS tracking to give more precise information on the shipment status.
· The AIS helps in keeping track of the shipment, thus enabling better monitoring of the system, thus ensuring the safety of the shipment.
· AIS allows ships to communicate with each other and with shore-based stations. This enables them to share information on their location, speed, and intended routes which can improve safety, efficiency, and logistics.
· Implementation of an Automated Identification system becomes mandatory if the shipment is above a certain size and weight, thus ensuring that the companies are adhering to international regulations.
There are several new developments that have taken place in this domain, like the Blockchain. It will make the supply chain system more efficient and accurate. Most of the technologies work in association with software platforms that provide a centralized view of the supply chain and allow for real-time monitoring and analysis of data. By using these technologies, companies can improve supply chain visibility, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tracking shipping containers is an essential part of any supply chain management system. Different methods such as GPS tracking, IoT sensors, RFID technology, and others are bringing a paradigm shift in the market. Every shipment tracking method may have its pros and cons. Ultimately it’s up to individual companies to decide what method best suits their particular needs when implementing a container tracking solution. Companies like Vizion API focus on delivering flawless and seamless real-time container tracking (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre) services. With an array of services in the logistics and supply chain, Vizion API has become a trusted name in the business.