Trucking Technology Alert - Sept. 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:
- Engineers Vote on Wireless Mobile Standards
- AvantGo Offers Speedy Delivery-Tracking
- Supply Chain Takes New Direction
- Logistics, Transport Companies Team On High Tech
Engineers Vote on Wireless Mobile Standards
Around forty communications engineers recently voted on a proposed set of technical standards for a new generation of wireless mobile devices.In theory, these devices will be able to exchange information at great speeds over short distances, and they would represent a major step beyond the technology that is currently used in automated toll-payment systems and E-Zpass systems. Engineers believe the new standards could be used to inform motorists and truckers to sudden changes in traffic conditions or enable drivers to download a movie to a DVD entertainment system in their vehicles in a matter of minutes. Emergency vehicles could also use the technology to change traffic lights as they approach busy intersections, while tourists could use these devices to obtain information about nearby restaurants off the Internet.
AvantGo Offers Speedy Delivery-Tracking
In an attempt to bring delivery services to the wireless world, AvantGo has introduced a packaged supply chain management application for mobile devices called AvantGo Mobile Delivery.AvantGo says that Mobile Delivery which supports wireless offline and online connectivity is based on AvantGo 4.0 mobile infrastructure software. With this application, delivery transactions can be completed regardless of the quality, type, or presence of a wireless connection. According to Felix Lin, the vice president and co-founder of AvantGo, delivery drivers' handheld devices synch with the application on a regular basis, enabling people to use the devices in stand-alone mode when necessary.
AvantGo says the application allows delivery fleet operators to reduce costs, cut down on delivery mistakes, and provide customers with real-time package tracking information. The company says that Mobile Delivery can use open communications standards to integrate with existing transportation management and routing systems, as well as with back-office systems. Application features include electronic signature capture, which provides proof-of-delivery confirmation; manifest reconciliation, which includes enforced work rules and automated barcode scanning; and route management, which provides drivers with information on delivery instructions, phone number, delivery address, and stop sequence. CRM Daily.com Online (09/22/01)
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Supply Chain Takes New Direction
Non-manufacturing industries, such as trucking companies, are looking to implement supply chain technology to enhance their operations.Traditionally, supply chain management software has been a tool of component suppliers and manufacturers. But AMR Research analyst Chris Newton notes that the applications offered by supply chain software, such as process management and forecasting, can benefit virtually any industry. According to market data, nonmanufacturing companies invested roughly $724 million on supply chain applications last year.
Until recently, retailers were not interested in investing in supply chain applications. But many retailers now view the collaborative forecasting applications offered in supply chain management software suites as ideal for reducing expenses. The majority of non-manufacturers are not willing to purchase the high dollar applications offered by prominent vendors, such as i2 Technologies, and are instead opting for tools offered by smaller vendors that still deliver key forecasting and collaboration features. G-Log and Descartes are among the vendors offering hosted transportation management services, which saves costs for companies not interested in launching their own supply chain systems. InternetWeek (09/17/01) No. 878, P. 22; Wilson, Tim
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Logistics, Transport Companies Team On High Tech
Logistics companies are teaming with transportation companies to launch collaborative applications, along with E-commerce and supply-chain management technologies.As the transportation industry confronts falling shipments and rising fuel costs, developers of supply chain technology must emphasize slashing inventory and shipping costs. General Motors (GM) selected logistics providers CNF and Schneider National to help reduce its inventory costs. As part of the alliance, GM helped CNF create Vector SCM, which is capable of accessing supply-chain management and other forecasting tools from CNF's wide range of businesses. Schneider National created the Supply-Chain Integrator to offer GM and its customers more access to important shipping data via the Internet.
In past years, customers often had no access to such information. Meanwhile, many of the airline industry's top players, such as Continental Airlines and United Airlines, are launching Internet and self-service kiosks to improve interactions with their customers. United has installed an application to catalog and locate its spare-parts inventory. According to the managing director of United's IS division, Nirup Krishnamurthy, the application is expected to allow United's mechanics access to intranet information via wireless devices by the start of 2001. Railroad company Burlington Northern is currently evaluating the benefits of installing a system to monitor fuel costs. InformationWeek (09/17/01) No. 855, P. 165; George, Tischelle
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