turn, that can speed decision-making, so companies can quickly determine how best to move shipments, including those already in transit. Gaining visibility to shipments, particularly with global supply chains that involve numerous carriers and multiple product “touches”, allows companies to optimize decisions and change course when needed, says Michael Tew, vice president of sales-supply chain at QAD, a provider of manufacturing and supply chain solutions. In addition, real-time tracking and live ETA (estimated time of arrival) status helps customers and reduces back-and- forth, high-touch communication, says Kyle Humphries, pre-sales consultant with Rose Rocket, which offers transportation management solutions. INTERNET-OF-THINGS Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions can work with tracking systems to enable real- time updates on inventory as shipments are in transit. IoT devices “eliminate the
Here’s a look at some of the new technologies in the expedited market. A SINGLE INTELLIGENT PLATFORM Nearly one million trucking companies are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and more than 90% operate six or fewer trucks, according to the American Trucking Associations. Shippers that want to streamline shipments need an intelligent transportation management platform that can work across multiple modes and provide live access to the breadth of the carrier market. “Instant access to the market from a capacity standpoint and the ability to execute transactions allow shippers to be agile and move quickly,” says Jared Wilson, senior vice president, customer operations, managed transportation, with logistics company Transportation Insight. The quicker shippers can locate the carrier for each load, the quicker those shipments can begin their journeys.
Moreover, this technology is now available, often through the cloud, to shippers of all sizes. VISIBILITY TOOLS While boosting visibility doesn’t make trucks or planes move faster, it can streamline communication. In DHL Express partnered with REEF Technology to pilot the use of four new low- power electric-assist e-Cargo Cycles for deliveries across Miami.
SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES DIRECTLY AFFECT CONSUMER BEHAVIORS Even in the midst of supply chain disruption and inflationary pressure not seen in decades, consumer appetites for seamless shopping experiences have not diminished, finds a recent PwC survey. Consumers empowered by technology are more likely to use comparison sites to seek product availability and shop across multiple retailers. However, with supply chain snarls and inflation ramping up prices and wait times for delivery— both online and in-store—consumers are switching between channels to find what they want. That could create new opportunities for companies ready to handle them.
How frequently have you taken any of the following actions as a result of supply chain issues? (Showing answers only from respondents answering ‘frequently’ or ‘almost always’)
40% 37% 37% 29% 29%
Use more comparison sites to look for availability
Switch to buying products online
Shop at multiple different retailers to meet your needs
Switch to buying products in-store
Change the retail store/outlet you usually shop in to get the product you want
Source: PwC survey
32 Inbound Logistics • November 2022
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