Trucking Technology Alert - Oct. 24
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Both the online report and e-mail are sponsored by @Track Communications, a supplier of wireless communications and dispatch services.
Today's Technology Headlines:
- System Created for Rapid Recovery of Stolen Vehicles
- Application to Give Real-Time Control of Chemical Shipments
- Roadway Using the Web to Offset Costs
- Consumer Goods Companies to Invest in IT
System for Rapid Recovery of Stolen Vehicles
In Malaysia, four companies have pooled their resources to create a cutting edge automotive security system called Raptor that facilitates the rapid recovery of hijacked or stolen vehicles, and that also provides motorists with roadside assistance.Raptor functions using the Global Positioning System and cellular GSM technology, as well as a locally developed intelligent control microprocessor. The system is complemented by a strong backend system that enables intelligent vehicle tracking, recovery, assistance, monitoring, and security applications.
Celcom, which operates as a GSM network operator for the system, uses Celcom GSM with an automatic vehicle location and security system as a platform for fleet security, fleet management, and for the tracking of mobile assets. APM Industries is the system's automotive system integrator, and the company's primary role is in integrating the Raptor into the vehicle electronic and electrical system, and in providing installation services. New Straits Times (Malaysia) (10/24/01) P. 2; Sooi, Cheah Chor
Application to Give Real-Time Control of Chemical Shipments
Elemica will soon unveil a new logistics and supply-chain management application that allows senders or receivers of chemicals to have real-time control over logistics of freights.The new package -- dubbed Supply Chain Solutions -- will also enable companies to set rules so that cargo carriers, routes and other details can be automatically altered if there is any disruption in air travel or border crossings. The new application will likely allow chemical companies anticipate delays, but industry observers warn technology can only help compensate for disruptions. InternetWeek (10/22/01) No. 883, P. 9; Moozakis, Chuck
Roadway Using the Web to Offset Costs
Roadway Corp. is looking to the Internet to help the trucking company shore up its bottom line. After posting a paltry $650 million in the first quarter, and $642 million in the second, followed shortly thereafter by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the company has seen its numbers spiral downward.To cope, Roadway is raising its rates and slashing costs to keep pace with rising fuel prices. The company's Internet site, myRoadway.com, has also helped to offset rising costs by eliminating the administrative expense of handling paperwork. InternetWeek Online (10/19/01); Wilson, Tim
Consumer Goods Companies to Invest in IT
Results from a survey conducted by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young projects that consumer goods companies will allocate more funding to their information technology budgets.According to the report, 51% of U.S. consumer goods companies expect to raise their IT budgets next year. Only 37% of companies polled said they anticipate their IT spending to hover at the same level, and just 12% said they expected their IT spending to drop off.
About 43% of executives said they plan to invest in transportation management systems and 40% said supplier relationship management and private web linkages would be a priority. eMarketer Online (10/23/01)
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