Trucking Technology Report - Jan. 3
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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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Cell Phone Law Takes Effect in N.Y.
New York's Suffolk County is perhaps the first county in the United States to prohibit vehicle drivers from using mobile phones while driving, unless using a hands-free attachment. Violators of the provision can be fined $150. However, calls placed in case of an emergency will be exempt from the new law.
Log On, Good Buddy
The trucking and logistics industry is becoming more Internet-savvy. Today, 47% of professional truckers are wired for the Internet, up from 5.3% in 1995.To meet the rising demand, several Internet portals now offer specially-priced packages specifically for this group. eTrucker.net offers independent owner/operators free email along with its load-matching services. Similar packages are being offered by Drive.com and Layover.com, though Layover.com includes other amenities like a list of truck stops that are wired for the Internet. Business 2.0 (01/09/01) Vol. 6, No. 1, P. 26
The Logistics of the Last Kilometer
Online grocery stores, and other Internet-based retailers, have to pay close attention to the final leg of products' delivery to customers -- a problem that is only getting worse because of the exponential growth of online consumer shopping.Delivery problems are the main complaints of online consumers in the United States and in other countries, and grocery stores are especially wary of the problem because they are delivering perishable items. At the recent SIAL global food marketplace conference in Paris, European companies sought to address the logistics problem.
As retailers seek solutions to the logistics problem, different models crop up; some believe that the unattended delivery popular now may be replaced by having the customer pick up items at a store could be the most successful model. In the end, the consumer's preferences will determine what is the best model for online retailers. Grocery Headquarters (12/00) Vol. 66, No. 12, P. 82; Donegan, Priscilla
From the 'Net to the Kitchen
Fulfillment processes are critical to online grocers like HomeGrocer and Webvan. The companies are attempting a merger that will benefit both firms by fine-tuning order, warehouse, and delivery practices. Because of the nature of their business, online grocers have to be absolute in their demand for timely execution, and for that reason must use sophisticated technology.
When a customer places an order with HomeGrocer, the order goes into the warehouse system nearest that customer and alerts a "personal shopper" who collects items from the list on a small wearable computer. The computer even suggests the order in which products should be packed to lessen the chance of damage. Webvan uses the same wearable computer method, together with its warehouses fitted with huge rotating carousels that save time, labor, and space in bringing the product to the picker.
Webvan's complex technology and database allows it to keep inventory lean. Webvan director of produce Randy Ducummon says that his warehouse receives produce shipments twice daily, throughout the week. But Webvan's system makes sure that inventory maintains a low turnaround of just two days.
The merger of HomeGrocer and Webvan will involve serious technology integration issues, but will result in a fulfillment system that will set the standard for e-logistics. Warehouse Management--Supplement (12/00) Vol. 7, No. 11, P. 8; Zielin, Lara
Viewpoint Wireless: 2001 to Mark Real Data Movement
Larry Swasey, senior vice president of communications research at Allied Business Intelligence, expects third-party access platforms to improve the performance of data services next year. He notes that future 3G speeds of 144 Kbps could enable in-vehicle interfaces to perform like desk-based computers.Swasey also expects service providers to employ new speech recognition technology from equipment makers, such as IBM (IBM) and Lucent Technologies (LU), next year. The technology will allow users to dial numbers from their cell phones without touching their keypads. Hardware costs have also dropped from $1300 to $695.
Swasey says that General Motors (GM) is planning to make its OnStar services standard on all of its vehicles by 2003. The new Virtual Advisor online service from OnStar allows users to access voice portals where their personal information is provided. Various content, including e-mail, stock quotes, and the latest market news will be provided by America Online.
Meanwhile, many of GM's competitors are choosing ATX Technologies for their wireless vehicle systems, Swasey adds. ATX is offering is Protection One's wireless telematics technology in the entire line of Infiniti 2001 models. The system costs $1600 and provides four years of service. In addition, Mercedes-Benz will provide standard ATX telematics technology in all of its 2001 models.
Meanwhile, Ford (F) and QUALCOMM (QCOM) have agreed to offer Wingcast, an in-vehicle mobile system, to consumers near the end of 2001. Wingcast will be first offered on cdmaOne digital wireless networks during 2001. Sprint PCS has agreed to provide coverage for the service until the conclusion of 2001. Telecommunications (12/00) Vol. 34, No. 12, P. 34; Swasey, Larry
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