Trucking Technology Report - Nov. 29
 |  |
Both the online report and e-mail are sponsored by @Track Communications, a supplier of wireless communications and dispatch services.
Today's Technology Headlines:
ul>
Survey: Few Executives Moving Toward Internet-Enabled Supply Chains
Although most companies realize the importance of integrating their supply chain with the Internet, few have taken steps to do so, according to a recent survey from Meritus Consulting and the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Executives must redefine their supply chains to focus on the customer. Businesses should provide customers with accurate information on product availability and delivery schedule, because customers expect their orders to be right and arrive on time. This requires that businesses build a real-time network between their operations and those of their suppliers and outsourcing partners to ensure that inventory is constantly updated and orders are delivered on time. Businesses should use real-time communication to maintain their inventories.
The survey revealed that some executives believe offering e-business is merely a matter of integrating their present systems into the Internet. This could be very damaging. Businesses need to evaluate heir entire information architecture and implement only those systems that allow for comprehensive, real-time contact between them, their suppliers, and their customers. Additionally, businesses must act now, as the market is quickly outpacing those who fail to do so. Supply Chain Management Review (11/00) Vol. 4, No. 5, P. 82; Ljungdahl, Lars G.
Technology Helping Keep Tabs on Port Traffic
Intended as a way to reduce truck congestion at container ports, the Web site eModal.com has many more services in the works. Currently covering 25 terminals at six ports, the site is designed to let trucking companies check ahead of time to find out which containers are available to be picked up - including such details as unit locations and demurrage charges.In the works is a plan to enable Los Angeles-area customs brokers find out whether cargo has cleared Customs, and a reservation system enabling trucking companies to schedule windows of time for their pickups.
The Port of Vancouver is also working on reducing congestion with vehicle scheduling and closed-circuit TV, as well as an automatic vehicle location system that is currently in pilot testing. Traffic World (11/27/00) Vol. 264, No. 9, P. 18; Cottrill, Ken
New Venture Looks to Trade Truck Availability Like a Commodity
Trantis is a new Internet venture aiming to allow companies to trade in "transportation instruments" - derived from truck availability, shippers' bids, and carriers' offers in various lanes - much as financial markets trade in futures. The trading system will be occupied with forward, series, and spot markets and is expected to appeal mainly to big shippers and third-party logistics companies.For smaller shippers, there will be "managing 3PLs" that will take responsibility for shipper-carrier transactions. Trantis expects companies to benefit through increased shipment visibility, rather than through lower rates. Traffic World (11/27/00) Vol. 264, No. 9, P. 38; Hickey, Kathleen
Benefits of Internet2 Development Slow in Coming
Advanced network projects such as Internet2 and the Next Generation Internet (NGI) have not released any new technologies that benefit the public in the six years since the government suggested building a new and far more powerful Internet. However, researchers involved in these projects say they are making progress, but upgrading the commercial Internet will be a very gradual process.The idea for a second Internet came in the early 1990s, after the commercialization of the Internet made it difficult for scientists and academics to continue using the network for research. The federal government, a group of universities, and corporate partners joined forces to create a new Internet.
Over the past three years the government has given $272 million to advanced Internet projects, while companies have contributed large amounts of money and equipment. Internet2 was started by a group of universities in 1996 as a testing ground for large-scale networking technologies.
Meanwhile, the government started the NGI to connect various agencies' advanced networks and develop commercial and research applications.
Internet2 and NGI have already led to some advances that are likely to benefit the commercial Internet, for example, in multicasting. Multicasting will improve the ability to send streaming audio and video over the Internet by enabling the source server to transmit a single stream of data that is replicated by other servers. Some campuses already use multicasting to stream lectures to remote students.
Meanwhile, other advanced Internet projects are improving the ability to control scientific instruments such as telescopes from a distance. This technology could eventually allow scientists to perform remote surgeries, bringing the best medical care to everyone regardless of location. Optical switching, distributed applications, and security are among the other areas that are benefiting from research on the advanced networks. Interactive Week (11/13/00) Vol. 7, No. 46, P. 44; O'Connor, Rory J.
Putting Wings on Wireless Data Delivery
Over the next year and a half, many carriers are expected to complete upgrades to their GSM, TDMA, and CDMA networks. While some industry observers conclude that these modifications will be to the 2.5 standard, other experts believe some of the upgrades will meet 3G standards.For instance, the modifications to TDMA networks by installing EDGE technology will satisfy the requirements of 3G communications. And upgrades to CDMA will approach or meet 3G requirements, depending on the version modified. But upgrades to GSM networks will only increase network capacity to the 2.5G standard.
For the first time, GSM networks can be upgraded to 2.5G with the implementation of GPRS. The incorporation of GPRS technology requires only minimal changes in network software and hardware. But since the technology is a packet data service, networks must install infrastructure equipment to conduct packet transportation. But the service does not place an extra burden on GSM networks since it conducts data and voice transmissions on the same channel.
In addition, GPRS is expected to eventually offer data rates of 115 Kbps. Some telecom analysts have criticized GPRS manufacturers for not introducing their products fast enough.
Meanwhile, EDGE is considered capable of handling 3G communications. EDGE is designed to offer data rates reaching 384 Kbps and is scheduled to debut near the end of 2001. According to Chris Pearson, marketing vice president for Universal Wireless' Communications Consortium, the upgrade while not be extremely complex, but is more involved than the GSM modification. Pearson estimates that the upgrade cost for TDMA networks incorporating EDGE will be $6 to $10 per user. Modifications to CDMA networks call for operators to install new channel cards or change existing ones.
Sprint PCS, one of the leading CDMA carriers, plans to upgrade its own network to offer services by late 2001. Wireless Week (11/13/00) Vol. 6, No. 46, P. 18A; Dziatkiewicz, Mark
WLL Down But Not Out
Wireless local loop has not been implemented widely as expected by its backers, according to a study by Dittberner Associates of Bethesda, Md. The study's figures indicated that implementation of WLL remains low. Furthermore, the study cites a variety of reasons for the technology's low adaptation, including its high cost, the unattractive placement of WLL cable in cities, regulatory obstacles, and the need for more spectrum for system deployment.But the study also concluded that WLL systems based on current cellular air interfaces could still become popular and are cost effective. Eastern Europe leads the international market for WLL. But according to the study, Eastern Europe will represent a mere 10% of the global WLL market by 2006. Communications News (11/00) Vol. 37, No. 11, P. 10
© copyright 2000 INFORMATION, INC. Terms of Service
| ||||
