Trucking Technology Report - Feb. 2
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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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AT&T to Ask Officials to Split up Verizon New Jersey
AT&T New Jersey's president, J. Michael Schweder, said the company intends to request that state officials break Verizon New Jersey in half as a way to encourage competition in the phone market.
If the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approves AT&T's proposal, Verizon would be split into retail and wholesale businesses. The proposal would push for Verizon to have to pay the same fees as rivals for access to Verizon's network, according to Schweder.
Verizon spokesman Eric Rabe contends that the proposal is identical to an antitrust case except that it is not being taken to court. Philadelphia Inquirer (02/02/01) P. C3
FedEx and UPS Lead the Logistics Pack
FedEx (FDX) and United Parcel Service (UPS) have become important trendsetters in operating extensive logistics systems, each spending some $1.5 billion a year on technological development and acquisitions to keep their global infrastructures strong and growing.Now, both giants have diverted their business focus toward the Internet, adding integrated Web-based logistics and service capabilities customized primarily for e-retailers and B2B vendors.
FedEx eLogistics is capable of putting together an e-commerce site in less than two months, and will also sell its software applications individually.
UPS e-Logistics offers its software and services in integrated package form. While UPS e-Logistics currently handles more business-to-consumer than B2B business right now, the company expects the B2B sector to take the lead in the future. InformationWeek (01/22/01) P. 46; Turek, Norbert
Freightliner LLC Launches Trio of Customer Support Websites
Freightliner has launched three linked Web sites offering support and services for truck operators.MyTruck.com, collaboratively developed with IBM, provides users with information and services on virtually any model truck as well as weather reports and maps; it also operates as a portal site with links to other useful locations on the Web.
MyTruckShop.com concentrates on service-related issues, assisting drivers with scheduling maintenance and repair times, informing drivers of recalls, and
racking truck maintenance data, among other offerings.
The third site, D-Machine.com, is basically an online catalogue of truck parts and accessories, giving users access to part numbers, descriptions and dealer locations.
Later this year, D-Machine.com site intends to offer customers the option of purchasing directly off the Web. Fleet Equipment (01/01) P. 50
On the Horizon: ERP Market Expected to Grow 6%
The markets for enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management (SCM) will grow 6% and 45%, respectively, in 2001, according to AMR Research.According to Giga Information Group, sales of both applications will be fed by he effects of "business time compression." Larger firms are expected to purchase ERP software in order to consolidate their current multiple ERP systems into one system.
Mid-market buyers are expected to increasingly buy SCM systems, mostly through application service providers. Analysts contend that e-business will change what companies look for in ERP systems, with larger firms desiring systems that can support demand flow techniques and which can manage outsourced production of parts for configurable products. Managing Automation (01/01) Vol. 16, No. 1, P. 34; Callaway, Erin
Mobile Location Services Could Offer Growth
Wireless operators are hopeful that mobile location services will become a huge market. Operators will be able to send a user's location information to content providers for applications including directions to a specific store within the vicinity.Operators worldwide want to follow the business model started by Japan's service providers, which charge wireless users small fees for accessing specific Internet information. Operators are eager to develop new sources of revenue by offering various content via location services.
According to Gartner Group, non-voice services currently represent only 5% of revenues for operators. But the research firm also predicts that wireless
ata services could represent up to 29% of revenues by 2004.
Mobile phone operators prefer location-based services based on pinpointing a cell's fixed-position, rather than those using more advanced satellite technologies, such as GPS. While GPS is a very reliable means of tracing a user's wireless device, the technology can be rendered ineffective while the user is in a building or in urban areas.
Operators are most concerned with offering attractive content. Operators are working on establishing agreements with publishers and content providers to
ffer location-based information in the most accessible format possible. Using location technology for connecting with safety services, emergency crews, and mechanics is expected to become an industry standard. Far Eastern Economic Review (01/25/01) Vo. 164, No. 3, P. 35; Bickers, Charles
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