Trucking Technology Report - Aug. 4
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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:
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Intranet Helping Companies Align Logistics
Intranet collaboration is quietly helping businesses improve their internal processes. An intranet is allowing FedEx's air operations division to automate the preparation, approval, and online publication of all flight operations manuals, minimum equipment lists, and other mission-critical technical documents. Putting those documents on the intranet boosts safety and data accuracy, as author collaboration and reusing data from aircraft and parts manufacturers allow for double-checking and even industry-wide revision.
Swissair and Sabena airlines have teamed up to produce a product development and management solution via intranet. The initiative is widely anticipated, as product developers have long needed fast product
nd project information delivery designed for end users. The solution, which eliminates the need for a time-pressed Webmaster, is expected to speed product delivery to consumers. Imaging & Document Solutions (08/00) Vol. 9, No. 8, P. 23; Bolita, Dan
Verizon Faces Strike Deadline
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Representatives of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have been involved in negotiations with Verizon representatives. Yesterday, the two sides were unable to come to a consensus on whether the unions will be able to gain employment in the fast-growing segments of the company, including its wireless arm.
The chances of an all-out strike are growing and the workers' current contract expires at midnight on Saturday. CWA spokeswoman Candice Johnson said that the unions would strike immediately if the contract were to runs out before a deal was made. Verizon spokesman Eric Rabe admitted that no one knows yet if certain issues will be resolved prior to the deadline. Washington Post (08/04/00) P. E1; Goodman, Peter S.
Sprint Offers Dialing Activated by Voice
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The system uses speech recognition software that allows for the translation of a user's voice into digitized computer commands, which in turn are understood by Sprint's database. From there, the network software locates the number and places the call. The new service is also geared to eliminate safety concerns regarding users punching in numerous keypad numbers to place a call while driving. Wall Street Journal (08/04/00) P. B2
Old Economy Companies Use New Economy Tech Tools
A pillar of the old economy, Bethlehem Steel is working hard to join the Internet economy through participation in the construction-industry online exchange OneBuild, the prime and nonprime metals marketplace MetalSite, and the industry buying consortium CoNext.Now, Bethlehem is creating an e-procurement system, based on the business-to-business platform from Ariba, designed to include over 7,000 suppliers. Bethlehem's Tom Conarty says the steelmaker is trying to take part in the "tapestry of horizontal and vertical markets" that work with Bethlehem, both in directly steel-related industries and indirect markets like office supplies and standard bearings.
At the outset, the focus of new e-procurement system will begin with the indirect marketplaces, since those are more likely to have commonly accepted materials specifications. Conarty says this will help Bethlehem make transactions and the selection process more efficient, while enabling the steelmaker to link its manufacturing processes to the needs of the customer.
However, the steel industry has a lot further to go in creating industry-wide e-commerce projects than such industries as retailing; one problem is learning how to make the New Economy harmonize with the old. Traffic World (07/31/00) Vol. 263, No. 5, P. 19; Cottrill, Ken
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