The newest tracking device
The device ParceLive, made by the Internet of Things Company Hanhaa, will be officially launched on January 30th. After a series of successful pilots, the company is teaming with several leading logistics companies, which supply some of the world’s most recognized brands, to use its real-time parcel-tracking device. An event at Hanhaa’s London headquarters will display the results from the pilot tests and show how the innovative device will benefit the logistics industry. ParceLive is a subscription service, meaning the sending company will rent the devices.
The device tracks parcels in real-time, enabling receiver and sender to see its exact whereabouts and its current condition. It was specifically designed to track packages that are more susceptible to change throughout the journey; this includes packages of high-value, fragility and those that are time and temperature-sensitive. Alerts will be given if the package is dropped or if there is a significant change in temperature, which could affect the contents of the package. The device is postcard-sized and is inserted into the package at the point of distribution. ParceLive hopes to bring a value-adding service to the packaging industry and help address current sustainability concerns.
Read more on the device here.
Vacancy? E-commerce will help!
Over the previous years, malls have been increasingly under pressure from online retailers. Sales in the online industry have risen drastically, affecting brick and mortar stores. However, this is now changing. Online retailers have begun to purchase space in such malls, creating a place for their customers to return unsatisfied items or physically shop their collection. It is becoming more popular for online-only stores to create a physical presence in malls; Amazon is one company in particular who has sought to do this.
The trend is helping contribute towards declining mall revenue. So-called B and C class malls across America are allocating 70 million square feet to pop-up stores. These specific stores usually have 60 to 90-day leases and are a trend that has been growing for some time. Online retailers are striving to find new ways to satisfy their customers and optimize their shopping experience, as well as reaching new customers. Analysts believe a dip in demand for retail space is expected over the coming year so investments from online retailers will help towards increasing sales and foot traffic.
Find out more on the plans here.
The train is here!
After setting off on January 3rd, the first freight train from China to London has finally arrived. The 12,000 km journey lasted a total of 15 days, passing through countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia and Germany. London is the 15th city to be added to China’s rail cargo expansion. Transporting merchandise like suitcases, clothes and an assortment of household goods, the service shows China’s push to improve commercial links across Europe and Asia.
In 2013, China’s president announced the ‘One Belt, One Road’ policy in an attempt to increase global partnerships and the expansion of globalized trading. China is now the world’s biggest exporter, with its export of goods totaling $2.28 trillion in 2015. Rail freight has many advantages when compared to alternative means of transportation, emitting less carbon dioxide than air travel and taking less time than shipping services. It also creates opportunities for businesses along the emerging trade route throughout Europe to explore the idea of exporting their goods to China.
More information on the expanding rail line can be found here.
Have a great weekend!
