Consumers have come to expect live updates on the movement of goods and delivery times. Leading companies, as a result, are finding solutions to take that to the next level. Real-time transportation visibility platforms are integrated software systems offering live updates on the movement of fleet assets and goods. Sometimes abbreviated as RTTVPs, the technology provides far more than tracking. They can streamline operations, improve logistic solutions and build cutting-edge management solutions. Keep reading to find out more.
What is real-time visibility in transportation?
Real-time visibility in transportation means you can monitor the location of your goods throughout your supply chain at any time. This information provides fleets and dispatchers with an understanding of current conditions to improve productivity and reduce costs.
Real-time visibility is one step ahead of current industry standards, and can help your fleet stand out from competitors. It also enhances the customer experience by improving last-mile transparency.
Why does visibility in the supply chain matter?
Visibility in the supply chain allows shippers and dispatch to more effectively manage the transit of goods and reduce bottlenecks. You’ll be better able to control costs, improve your customers’ experience and proactively address disruptions. Visibility also empowers fleets to reduce border crossing delays and clear customs more efficiently. With so many supply chain participants and contributors, efficiency improvements can benefit entire industries.
Finally, real-time visibility is essential for the bottom line in transportation companies as it mitigates risk and improves operations. Greater retention levels and optimized delivery strategies position a company to deliver excellent value with every truckload.
Common uses of real-time transportation visibility platforms
Real-time transportation visibility platforms offer more than basic vehicle tracking. Here are the most common uses of RTTVPs.
Cargo tracking
Tracking cargo is essential for delivering maximum value to the end-customer. But cargo tracking goes beyond last-mile visibility or delivery ETAs. More advanced real-time transportation visibility solutions enable companies to monitor individual products rather than truckloads. Users are empowered to view load times, yard departure times and delivery statuses.
In addition to daily operational benefits, cargo tracking can improve fleet security and reduce theft. With a single theft potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, enhanced security through real-time tracking helps protect your company’s bottom line.
Monitoring fleet vehicle and driver performance
Fleet and driver performance is another area where monitoring makes sense. With real-time transportation visibility, you can keep an eye on drivers’ idle, loading and unloading times, and yard efficiency. This information can help companies locate and head off delays or bottlenecks with employee training or updated processes. The birds-eye view offered by RTTVPs enables companies to make operational adjustments that keep the business running smoothly.
Optimizing supply chain management
Supply chain optimization can help businesses stand out in a highly competitive market. Real-time visibility software often includes advanced analytics that offers detailed insights into the performance of trucks, lanes and facilities. Some solutions calculate a fleet’s carbon footprint or the carbon footprint of your entire supply chain. These metrics can offer deeper insight and also meet consumer demand.
Benefits of real-time transportation visibility platforms
Why consider real-time transportation visibility platforms? Because they can set you apart from competitors and give your fleet an edge. Here are five key benefits of RTTVPs for fleets.
Access to accurate real-time data
Data is the wave of the future and the currency that moves businesses forward. With accurate, real-time data, fleets can more effectively adjust operations, respond to disruptions and improve delays. Fleet managers can use analytics to improve efficiency throughout the supply chain, leading to further opportunities for growth.
Communication within the supply chain
Miscommunication can cause losses and delays throughout the supply chain, while real-time visibility improves connectivity. Software integrations allow dispatch, drivers and suppliers to access current information about product movements, reducing avoidable issues due to miscommunication.
Improved traceability
Consumers have come to expect access to up-to-date order statuses and location information at all times. Real-time transportation visibility platforms offer the precision of premium services like international tracing, continuously updated ETAs and last-mile tracking.
Increased efficiency
Market research suggests that companies lose as much as 20 to 30 percent of annual revenue from inefficiencies. Data analytics, real-time traceability and improved communication can all contribute to increased fleet efficiency. Saving time benefits everyone and can lead to greater profits, faster deliveries, greater customer satisfaction and more driver home time.
Reduced costs
Related to home time, improved efficiency can reduce expenses at every level of operations. From fewer driver hours to lower fuel costs, real-time transportation visibility should more than pay for itself in increased savings. Reduced costs means more resources to invest in the business, higher profits and greater growth potential.
Enhanced visibility for a competitive edge
Fleet management software offers the power of visibility for improved customer satisfaction, reduced downtime and greater growth. By combining the benefits of data analytics software with communication and visibility solutions, you can position your business to succeed in a constantly evolving marketplace. If you’re looking for growth and a competitive edge, consider real-time transportation visibility to take your fleets to the next level.
Read more in our “Supply chain visibility essentials” article hub
- What is supply chain visibility?
- How to improve supply chain visibility
- What are real-time transportation visibility platforms?
- Guide to supply chain visibility software
FAQ
Visibility in the supply chain means the ability to track goods in transit. For example, a truckload of oranges could be tracked from a warehouse in Florida to final delivery at a major grocery store warehouse in Colorado.
Supply chain visibility software is a technological solution for supply chain tracking and data analytics. It empowers companies to optimize operations with real-time information.
Logistics visibility is the ability to track and see detailed information about cargo at different stages of the supply chain. Logistics visibility is also called real-time visibility.
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