How Does a 4PL Orchestrate Supply Chain Operations?
Your supply chain relies on effectively tracking raw materials, products, fleets, and shipments, wherever they might be. Understanding the different technologies you can use to monitor and measure the movement and storage of goods is especially important as the IoT (Internet of Things) transforms your supply chain. In this blog post, we'll explore the different fleet tracking technologies available and how they can improve your supply chain visibility.
Installing fleet vehicle tracking technology can dramatically improve your supply chain visibility. As a fleet manager, you can improve operational efficiency and productivity, leading to cost savings and increased customer satisfaction.a0
Fleet Tracking Benefits
Tracking technology allows you to understand precisely wherea0your goods are in the supply chain at any given moment. This allows a more accurate, up-to-date handoff of goods between supply chain partners.
- Supply chain performance optimization requires information – the more data, and the more in-depth that data is, the better.
- Manufacturers, logistics providers, and others will know when goods arrive, simplifying the process of planning production and shipping schedules.
- Security is enhanced because you know where your goods are at every step along the way, reducing the risk of theft or loss.
- Delays and bottlenecks in the supply chain can be readily identified and resolved more efficiently and quickly.
- Optimized supply chain management relies on high-quality data and lots of it. Fleet tracking provides a combination of real-time positioning and reporting applications.
- With so many moving parts, controlling supply chain costs can be crucial. Fleet managers will find vehicle tracking technology a very effective way of tracking fuel usage and controlling fuel consumption.
You can use a wide range of real-time tracking hardware and software for supply chain visibility. Here's an overview.
Fleet Tracking Technology
Fleet tracking technology hardware is installed on the individual vehicles used to move goods through the supply chain. Installation may include ocean vessels, railcar chassis, truck cabs, and other modes. The IoT devices can report vehicle positions intermittently or in real-time based on GPS coordinates. The GPS hardware is integrated with reporting software that shows locations on a map.a0
Most GPS fleet tracking systems are highly automated and do not need constant monitoring. They are designed to send alerts automatically when attention is needed.
A GPS fleet tracker lets fleet managers apply route optimization strategies, planning detours to bypass traffic and avoid accidents. Fleet tracking systems also increase driver and dispatch manager efficiency. Drivers can access real-time information such as traffic data and accidents along planned routes.
Thanks to the real-time tracking options, fleet managers are able to make timely decisions without getting bogged down in paperwork. They can instantly see and ask about technical difficulties that drivers are encountering and receive fast responses. Fleet managers can also make timely pickups, scheduled deliveries, and maintenance decisions.
Shipment Tracking Technology
You may prefer tracking the shipment rather than the vehicle(s) it travels on. GPS IoT devices can be attached to individual pallets, intermodal shipping containers, or other shipment parts to provide real-time location updates.a0
Shipment tracking devices work similar to vehicle tracking, with location software that provides data on the shipment's exact location at all times.
Warehouse Tracking Technology
Once goods have arrived, whether at an intermediary storage location or their final destination, it's essential to know where they are in the warehouse. Warehouse management software works alongside these tracking technologies to maintain accurate inventory positioning.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
BLE beacons transmit location to Bluetooth-enabled devices within range. Powered by batteries, BLE signals can be detected by smartphones, tablets, and similar technology. BLE is not often used in larger warehouses because of its limited range and accuracy.
Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
UWB beacons provide real-time location tracking within a warehouse. Although the most expensive option, their speed, and accuracy are unmatched.a0
UWB systems work by placing "anchors" around the tracked space, creating an invisible grid that can monitor the storage facility. UWB tags can be attached to specific assets, and the anchors will track the location of every marker. The UWB software provides fast, accurate position reporting.
Forklifts, carts, and other warehouse equipment also use UWB technology so that warehouse managers can track high-value equipment. UWB tags on equipment can work with barcode, RFID, or othera0tracking technologies.
Radio Frequency Identification
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has been used to track inventory levels and locations of goods in warehouses for a long time. Although the technology remains popular, it has limitations.
RFID tags are often only scanned when passing through a certain point, such as being placed on a shelf or delivered to a warehouse. RFID passive tags have very short ranges, too. The gates and readers can be expensive to purchase and deploy.
For these reasons, RFID tags are typically used for stock levela0tracking and inventory management rather than location identification.
Barcodes
Probably the most ubiquitous technology, barcodes provide a passive method of tracking inventory and location. They are simple to work with and inexpensive. Barcodes can be combined with other technologies to provide low-cost but limited location management.
Storage Conditions Monitoring
Some supply chain technology can monitor the environmental conditions in which goods are transported or stored using IoT monitoring sensors. Examples include:
- Temperature monitoring for the cold storage and transporting of agricultural goods, pharmaceuticals, etc.
- Atmospheric monitoring to pick up on changes in atmospheric composition and humidity
- Light monitoring for photo-sensitive products
- Other sensors for pollutants, radiation, and other factors
Typically, these devices are paired with software that issues an alarm or alert if certain thresholds are breached.
Final Thoughts
Fleet tracking technologies improve efficiency in supply chain management, increase driver safety, reduce vehicle theft, and ensure happy customers.
If you're not leveraging the power of fleet tracking technology and supply chain visibility, you risk falling behind competitors. Contact Redwood Logistics today to learn how our Modern 4PL approach can enhance your supply chain visibility.
FAQs
What is fleet tracking and how does it improve supply chain visibility?
Fleet tracking is the use of GPS and IoT devices to monitor vehicles, shipments, and related assets as they move through the supply chain. It improves visibility by showing where goods are at a given moment, which helps partners coordinate handoffs, plan production and shipping schedules, identify delays, and respond faster to disruptions.
How does GPS fleet tracking work in real time?
GPS fleet tracking works by installing hardware on vehicles or other transport assets, then sending location data to software that maps positions and generates alerts. Depending on the setup, updates can be intermittent or real time. The system helps managers monitor routes, spot traffic or accident issues, and make faster pickup, delivery, and maintenance decisions.
What are the main benefits of fleet tracking for logistics operations?
The main benefits of fleet tracking are better visibility, improved efficiency, stronger security, and lower fuel waste. It helps managers locate goods, reduce theft or loss, identify bottlenecks sooner, and control fuel consumption through better routing and monitoring. It also supports faster decisions because managers can act on current data instead of waiting on paperwork.
Can fleet tracking help reduce fuel waste and delays?
Yes, fleet tracking can reduce fuel waste and delays by supporting route optimization and giving managers current information about traffic, accidents, and vehicle issues. With better route planning and faster responses to problems, fleets can avoid unnecessary detours, make timelier deliveries, and reduce time lost to bottlenecks or avoidable idle time.
What is the difference between vehicle tracking and shipment tracking?
Vehicle tracking follows the truck, cab, vessel, or railcar that is moving the freight, while shipment tracking follows the freight itself, such as a pallet or intermodal container. Both use GPS IoT devices and location software, but shipment tracking is better when you want visibility at the load level rather than the transport mode level.
Which warehouse tracking technologies are used to locate inventory and equipment?
Common warehouse tracking technologies include BLE, UWB, RFID, and barcodes. UWB offers the fastest and most accurate real-time location tracking, while BLE has shorter range and is less common in large warehouses. RFID is often used for stock level tracking, and barcodes provide a simple, low-cost way to manage inventory and location.
Can fleet tracking also monitor temperature and other storage conditions?
Yes, fleet tracking systems can be paired with IoT sensors to monitor storage and transport conditions such as temperature, humidity, light, atmospheric composition, pollutants, and radiation. These sensors typically trigger an alert when readings cross a set threshold, which is especially useful for cold chain and sensitive products.
