Trucking Technology Report - Dec. 28
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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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Dashboard Device to Unite Cell Phone, Palm Handheld
Palm (PALM) and Delphi Automotive Systems Corp. (DPH) are developing a wireless device to be attached to a vehicle dashboard.
Future systems may be equipped with a global positioning system chip, enabling the driver to access information pertinent to the vehicle's location. CNet (12/27/00); Fried, Ian
Aether Gains New Customer
RTS Wireless, a unit of Aether Systems (AETH), has agreed to supply WebLink Wireless, a provider of mobile messaging services throughout the United States, with software systems for linking various wireless devices to the Web. The software provided to WebLink will allow the firm to provide 2.3 million of its users with various information services, such as e-mail and the latest news, via their two-way pagers. In addition, RTS Wireless will be required to offer training, support, and other resources to WebLink. RTS Wireless was purchased this month by Aether in a $109 million cash and stock deal. Aether has been attempting to broaden the scope of its business operations by adding new customers via acquisitions of small, wireless-focused companies. Washington Post (12/28/00) P. E5; Johnston, Nicholas
Seven Elements for Supply Chain Success
Success in the coming century will depend on maximum efficiency in supply chains. The Uniform Code Council works with users in 23 industries to develop perfect supply chains. More information is required through e-commerce, and the UCC has begun an effort to leverage the power and functionality of XML to bring open standards and efficiency.More information is needed through data carriers to supply item identification, and the UCC has introduced Reduced Space Symbology and Composite Symbology to bring complete identification capabilities to small items, produce, and variable-measure products. Other important items include the Serial Shipping Container Code, the EAN UCC system, radio frequency identification, and Global Tag.
Supply chains are becoming global, and companies will have to widen their horizons and get ready to increase participation in global commerce. The UCC and EAN International are refining and expanding the EAN UCC System for global commerce, and its Global Trade Item Numbers give companies the ability to uniquely identify all trade items.
Companies are putting more emphasis on tracking services through their supply chains, bundling value-added services as part of their sales strategies. Supply chains must be able to handle services as efficiently as they do products. Supply chain operations and solutions should be open and technology-provider neutral so it is easy to add new trading partners.
Companies are learning to collaborate, and there are two new supply chain management tools to use -- collaborative planning forecasting and replenishment, and collaborative transportation management. Both bring supply chain providers together to make processes more efficient. Frontline Solutions (12/00) Vol. 1, No. 13, P. 42; Terwilliger, John
Spotlight: Making DSL Safe for the Masses
Nortel Networks (NT) is introducing a high-speed service node that provides DSL with security capabilities such as network-based firewalls and business-class VPNs.Service providers can use the Shasta 5000 Broadband Service node to provide value-added IP services, while corporate customers may use the offering to exert greater control over their networks. The offering allows Nortel to provide security beyond Fortune 500 companies to a broader market, according to Joe Hickey, Nortel's vice president and general manager of IP services. eWeek (12/25/00) Vol. 17, No. 51, P. 55; Burt, Jeffrey
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