[ INSIGHT ] SCVISIBILITY
by Michael Finnegan CTO, Cognosos cognosos@walkersands.com | 802-591-1756
Real-Time Asset Data: A Game Changer Too often, supply chain and yard operations rely on outdated systems to track high-value assets, leaving decision-makers without a clear picture of what’s where, when it moved last and how long it has been idle. they’re looking for without a protracted search. But access to granular asset location data also has game-changing rami cations for broader yard and facility operations, including:
1. Greater operational eciency. Tracking asset dwell time surfaces delays and backlogs early, helping
multiple carriers, limited visibility into vehicle or trailer locations adds complexity. Without real-time updates, labor planning becomes guesswork. Teams may be overstaffed with nothing to unload or understaffed when multiple arrivals converge. This mismatch increases overtime costs, drives up dwell time, and can cause downstream issues like production delays or missed delivery windows. Many teams don’t realize how much inef ciency is baked into their work ows until they see what real-time data can reveal. While standard GPS provides baseline data, it often lacks the precision needed in busy yards. AI and machine learning algorithms can correct GPS inaccuracies by recognizing how yard environments disrupt signals. Technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and AI models learn these patterns and predict an asset’s true location with far greater precision. That level of accuracy provides “ground truth” location data that operations teams can trust. That is especially important to help yard jockeys quickly and easily locate the trailer
Leaders need a smarter, more responsive approach to asset tracking. Real-time visibility turns asset movement into actionable insight, enabling faster decisions and better performance. Traditionally, logistics operations relied on a mix of manual audits, RFID readers, or telematics to track assets. But these systems often lack the precision, timeliness, and integration needed for dynamic decision-making. Take outbound vehicle logistics, where cars often pass through multiple handoffs—OEM to 3PL to carrier. Vehicles can dwell too long between these transitions with no visibility into their status, creating delays and planning uncertainty. GPS: THE STRUGGLE IS REAL Tracking systems—often based on basic GPS or intermittent RFID scans— aren’t built for this level of precision. GPS can struggle in dense yards where trailers or buildings block signals, while RFID only captures data when an asset passes a reader. This creates long gaps between updates and less reliable data. At seaports, intermodal yards, or distribution centers receiving from
reduce redundant moves and boosting throughput without added space or labor. It also improves demand planning and supports benchmarking across sites. 2. Enhanced labor planning. Real-time data makes it easier to forecast arrivals and align staf ng—especially helpful in union environments requiring 48-hour notice. Even without union constraints, predictable workloads improve worker satisfaction and reduce costly last- minute overtime. 3. Improved sustainability. Visibility reduces unnecessary movements, cutting fuel use, maintenance, and emissions. In auto logistics, for example, where vehicles may be moved 5-7 times, even one less move per vehicle scales quickly—driving down Scope 3 emissions and supporting corporate sustainability goals. Real-time location intelligence is now easier than ever to deploy. With minimal effort, AI-powered tools can help organizations shift from reactive xes to proactive planning—with results that build quickly. n
52 Inbound Logistics • July 2025
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