The BiTA members list keeps growing
Blockchain is a buzzword we are hearing ever more frequently in the supply chain space as the technology has the potential to transform the supply chain with transparency, innovation and efficiency. But there is still a lot to understand regarding its application – this is where the Blockchain in Transport Alliance (BiTA) comes into play. The total number of active members is consistently increasing to help set blockchain industry standards and encourage and guide an extensive adoption of the technology in the freight industry.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Indian software company HCL Technologies has joined the alliance and will play a key role in helping develop the blockchain standards for transportation activities such as track and trace, smart contract management and fraud detection, by using its vast experience with blockchain applications. HCL has already created a blockchain platform; the CoTrust Blockchain Application Platform, which facilitates a fast expansion and utilization of blockchain applications across many blockchain engines. Also, throughout this week, three other companies have announced their recent BiTA membership. The new members include Florida East Coast Railway, Swiss forwarder Panalpina and RIM Logistics.
More information can be found here.
Data solution for poor returnable container management
On Wednesday, it was revealed at The Supply Chain Conference in Atlanta that carmakers including Honda, Toyota and Nissan are teaming up with suppliers, logistics providers and the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) to develop a data system to solve the industry-wide problem of poor visibility and management of the journey of returnable containers between supplier and OEM. Having bad visibility of the container’s location can create delays which has a significant impact in production, and in turn forces suppliers to, in some cases, use non-returnable alternatives.
The system, otherwise known as The Automotive Data-Ecosystem, takes data from RFID tags on containers and uses it alongside a digital platform provided by Surgere, a specialist in digital supply chain and packaging, to map and analyze the lifecycle of returnable containers. This way, the correct containers can be in the right place at the right time, in the right order and in good condition. As a result, auto-parts makers will have a single solution for managing containers for each vehicle manufacturer and won’t have to use so many different systems.
To read more about this, click here.
Ryder launches new fleet management app
On Tuesday, Ryder Systems, an American provider of rental trucks and transportation and supply chain management products, launched a free new smartphone app called RyderGyde for both customers and drivers to manage their fleet in a digitally customized way. In the freight market today, there are very high expectations concerning delivery and service. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the fleet operating time is as efficient as possible.
The app allows users to conduct a variety of tasks, from comparing fuel rates in real-time to scheduling any maintenance services, and to observe their entire fleet and maintenance performance. As a result, this tool provides great visibility and facilitates companies to optimize their fleet in order to meet customer demand. Throughout the next year, Ryder wants to add more features to the mobile app, such as booking rentals and ELD (electronic logging device) integration. Moreover, RyderGyde can also help non-customers with finding the best fuel prices and Ryder locations to rent vehicles.
Click here for more details.
Have a great weekend!
