New Articles

What is a Smart Port?

What is a Smart Port?

What is a Smart Port?

A Smart Port is a port that uses automation and innovative technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain to improve its performance.

Although the industry of ports and container shipping is often regarded as conservative and resistant to change, there are new technologies, systems and solutions emerging that will alter this perception in the coming years, leading the entire sector to a brighter, more connected future.

The need to evolve and become “smart” is even more paramount today with the changing demands of global trade: ships are getting biggergoods are moving faster; and geopolitical issues are creating new challenges for ports all around the world.

In Edition 106 of the PTI Journal we examined some of the the most important digital trends and developments across the industry.

The industry has already embraced many emerging technologies such as Digital Twinscargo flow optimization and visualization – giving customers end-to-end transparency of their cargo’s journey through the supply – and the emergence of 5G’s low latency and faster connectivity to improve port operations.

Digitalization

The digitalization of industrial processes is turning the way we produce goods and services upside-down as we look for higher efficiencies and better management of resources. This transformation is the so called Industry 4.0, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can be considered its cornerstone due to the clear need to capture information from all industrial assets.

Digital Twin technologies in use at the Port of Antwerp

The maritime sector is not an exception in this transformation and the change is starting to accelerate.

The Port of Esbjerg, for example, is leveraging a Digital Twin data visualization platform to identify, monitor, and analyse the emissions outputs of not just its own carbon consumption, but eventually all actors using the port’s facility. The digitalization and measuring of the port’s assets has allowed the port to make significant strides in reducing its carbon output within the port community.

But digitalization is still a largely untapped resource in ports: reports found in February 2021 that of the 4,900 ports around the world, a staggering 80% continue to rely on legacy and paper-based processes to manage maritime services.

Smart Digital Ports of the Future Conference

Smart Digital Ports of the Future Conference is the only annual international event on the market that brings together the largest number of global ports, terminals, and the entire supply chain to debate, share best practices, latest developments and to successfully propel the industry forward with digitalization.

Click here for all of the news, insight, and analysis from #SDP

Ports aiming to become smarter must complement their physical operations with digital processes, according to the Port of Rotterdam.

What is a Smart Port? – Joyce Bliek, Port of Rotterdam

In 2019 the Port of Rotterdam’s Director of Digital Business Solutions Joyce Bliek outlined what it means to be a digital port.

As technology develops, and the global supply chain becomes increasingly digital, there is a necessity for ports to become a “digital node” within that infrastructure.

In this respect, Bliek echoes the thoughts of Kalmar’s Director of Terminal Automation Jari Hämäläinen, who argues that the “exponential growth” of digital technology is placing pressure on the port sector to adapt. Those which fail to do so could be left behind.

The benefits of adopting a dual-approach that encompasses both the physical and the digital, as Bliek explains, are considerable, especially for the testing and optimization of physical infrastructure.

Building a quay wall for instance, without the support of digital twin technology and predictive analysis, could be very costly, whereas testing the structure’s functionality before it is constructed offers a much clearer insight as to what impact a major investment like this could have.

Money saved through digitalization can be used elsewhere to fund key maintenance and infrastructure projects, allowing the port to hone its focus on improving the efficiency of its operations.

trade Blockchain is not Revolutionizing the Supply Chain yet

Blockchain is not Revolutionizing the Supply Chain yet

Just four years ago, the mere mention of the word blockchain could spark a never-ending conversation. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology where blocks (records) are added, transaction data is captured, and a timestamp remains. The timestamp is the proof that a transaction took place and marks when the block was created. In 2018 the Food Trust Group was formed, a cluster of some of the biggest food companies in the world – Walmart Inc., Nestlé SA, Dole Food Co., Golden State Foods, Kroger Co, Driscoll’s Inc., among others. The goal was to use blockchain to improve recalls, identify stubborn bottlenecks in real-time, and improve the overall customer experience. 

At the time major firms across industries were using blockchain, excited by its ability to eliminate costly middle layers and its apparent inability to be manipulated or faked. IBM and Walmart  collaborated most famously to track produce items via blockchain. The two decided upon leafy greens as the jumping-off point, but just four years later only one item – green bell peppers – has been added. The technology that was going to revolutionize supply chains has stalled. What’s behind the delay? 

The consulting and technology research firm, Gartner Inc., has a theory, and it’s not overly complex. Namely, most firms rely on a host of partners that require a common “operating language.” Blockchain is intricate and costly and many non-Fortune 500 companies are reticent to adopt it. A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S knows this all too well. Also in conjunction with IBM, Maersk launched TradeLens in 2018 to ultimately digitize container shipping on their global tracking platform. Yet, as with any new system, the success of TradeLens depended on the collaboration of Maersk partners as well as numerous countries. This never occurred and Maersk will be scrapping the platform by the end of the first quarter of 2023. 

At this point, blockchain needs to become less complex and more affordable. The learning curve is steep, especially for those firms who rely on small to medium-sized suppliers who are not necessarily tech-savvy. Coming back to Walmart, many of its partners are growers and farmers and blockchain is still out of their purview for the moment. A short-term solution could be to focus on single products. For example, the state of Jharkhand in eastern India has been using blockchain to track the distribution of seed sales to farmers. The chain is only tracking seeds that come directly from the state and the process is exceedingly simple. 

Part of the incentive, however, to use the chain is the farmers want the seeds and are thus more motivated to participate. Perhaps some better incentives are needed.       

digital cargo

DIGITAL TWINNING: Advanced Aviation Software of 2023

Maintaining an aircraft is laborious and managing a fleet is even more challenging. Plane design requires intricate engineering of parts and design. Their equally complex systems are vital to keep the aircraft safe and aloft. 

In recent years, airlines, airports, and other aviation organizations have turned to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) optimization software to make the job of keeping airplanes in peak condition easier and foolproof.

MRO software compiles data from dozens of different sources and uses complex algorithms to deliver analytics on aircraft maintenance schedules to airport operation teams. This software also incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to provide real-time, actionable insights on the status of aircraft. The technology provides the best automation of tasks to keep airplanes running efficiently.

Why Digital Twins Technology Is Important to the Aviation and Aerospace Sector

Digital twin aircrafts are digital replicas of real-world environments. These advanced computing environments resemble engineering technical drawings or drafting. Digital twin technology is being used by a variety of different industries and in recent years, airports have embraced digital twinning as an effective tool for keeping track of airplane operations by documenting wear and tear simulations using sensors in real-time.

Using IoT sensors and artificial intelligence, airport digital twins provide aircraft maintenance technicians (AMT) with comprehensive, maintenance assessments in real-time. Digital twin software provides life data to mechanics and aircraft manufacturers.

As several airlines have been faced with the dilemma to retire aircrafts, many have opted for major repairs. Having the ability to monitor performance of brand new aircrafts and the overall performance of replacement parts is important.

Data sets are based upon the precise moment of successful usage through event management to moment of failure. Analysis of the data called Weibull distribution, provides the avionic sector with statistics for preventive measures. The usage of Weibull analysis software specifically captures “event data” to modify maintenance schedules, parts-replacement and plane services.

The importance of twinning is critical to both, the safety and the efficiency of airline carriers. Incorporating digital twin software technologies into MRO systems will increase productivity for technical teams at SMB and enterprise-size airline companies.

This modern aviation maintenance software provides mechanical technicians with detailed information about the aircraft. Digital twin monitoring development provides aircrafts with preventative events-analysis information similar to those readily available to other mechanical engineering sectors before issues occur.

This is the most critical aviation software development solution available in the industry. It could save time, money and save lives.

Integration of Digital Twins Software to Modern Fly-By-Wire Systems

All modern aircrafts operate on “fly-by-wire” principles, which means that they are automated whenever possible to exclude human error. A variety of sensors keep track of in-flight operations.

Using IoT, fly-by-wire sensors can feed information into central data systems. This software solution provides aircrafts with necessary maintenance solutions and detailed information of in-flight mechanics and potential MRO needs.

Aircraft line maintenance solutions are evolving. Determining which types of maintenance is required during limited timeframes and task execution has always been a major challenge for the aviation industry. Today’s cutting-edge aviation maintenance software solutions make aircraft maintenance management easy with digital twin software integration.

Digital twin platforms are customized to provide the most advanced aviation software development solutions available on the market in the 21st century. Aviation’s original equipment manufacturers (OEM) are adapting the technology to address compliance issues. As systems become more dependent upon electrical automation factors such as Combined Vision Systems (CVS) and Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS), this advanced technology becomes critical.

Mobile MRO Software and Aircraft Digital Twin Development

Sensors provide real-time data using artificial intelligence and IoT communication transmissions. Often, aircraft line maintenance crews are pressed for time. Digital twin enables data driven analysis for machine learning automation.

Airline mechanics and manufactures are able to monitor and capture information to replicate the exact issues that need to be addressed without needing to perform thorough inspections. Line maintenance logs are automated for service ticket generation using diagnostic analytics built into airlines MRO apps and platforms.

Digital twin software and sensors provide for event-based data recordings and are priceless because they eliminate the need for manual intervention. Maintenance of an aircraft requires multiple levels of experienced technicians. Top-of-the-line MRO software also makes it easy to provide efficient work schedules for maintenance crews.

Projection data enables maintenance teams to schedule mechanics and plan accordingly for base maintenance to be performed during times when aircrafts are temporarily out of commission or during the turnaround time that aircraft experience between flights.

Android SKD

Android SKD is an Android application kit that allows the coder to create, debug and test mobile applications before publishing them to the Android market. Make sure your coder knows how to use this language if you want an app that meets your goals and helps grow your business to the next level.

This developer kit includes tutorials and sample codes that developers use to create programs that are much more complex. In addition to the other features listed in this section, Android SKD includes an emulator that allows your developer to run the program before installing it on an Android device. Running an app in an emulator makes it easy to catch and address problems from the start.

The Bottom Line

Airports that invest in digital aviation software solutions have the safety of passengers and employees in mind by optimizing both in-flight and on-the-ground operations with the most advanced technology available, and they are also those airlines which reap the profitability of their efforts through the confidence they gain from their employees and passengers.

About Chetu

Founded in 2000, Chetu is a global provider of software development solutions and support services. Chetu’s specialized technology and industry experts serve startups, SMBs, and Fortune 5000 companies with unparalleled software delivery model suited to the needs of the client. Chetu’s one-stop-shop model spans the entire software technology spectrum. Headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, Chetu has fourteen locations throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. For more information, visit: www.chetu.com.

 

Agility Robotics to Launch the First Human-Centric Robot for Logistics

Meet the World’s First Human-Centric Logistics Robot at ProMat 2023

Agility Robotics to Launch the First Human-Centric Robot for Logistics

Agility Robotics is excited to launch Digit, the world’s first human-centric robot designed to work reliably and safely with people, at ProMat 2023. Digit will work in existing spaces without needing costly retrofitting to help with tote movement and manipulation applications.

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch live demonstrations of Digit handling totes and learn how Digit works in warehouses or distribution centers.

Additionally, Jonathan Hurst, Agility’s Chief Technology Officer, will present “Human-Centric Robotics: Walking Into the Warehouse,” on Wednesday, March 22, in Theater F at 2:15 PM. Dr. Hurst will discuss the three “robot revolutions,” including the dawn of human-centric, multi-purpose robots that work in human spaces with and around people. Such flexibility allows robots to walk into existing warehouses and augment the human workforce.

More information to come in early 2023.

WHERE: ProMat 2023 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

WHEN: March 20-23, 2023

WHY: ProMat brings together some of the world’s leading manufacturing and supply chain solution providers so attendees can explore the latest technology fueling the future of supply chains. Agility Robotics will introduce Digit to the marketplace and launch the forthcoming Agility Partner Program.

Explore the future of supply chains as you get up close and personal with Digit. The Agility Robotics booth (#S1031) will be an absolute “can’t-miss” at ProMat 2023.

sonatype

Sonatype Names Finalists for 2022 Elevate Awards

16 Organizations Recognized for Driving Innovation and Delivering Remarkable Results Through Software Development Lifecycle

Sonatype, the pioneer of software supply chain management, today announced the finalists of the 2022 Elevate Awards. The annual Elevate Awards celebrate leading organizations and teams that are bold innovators and fearless experimenters transforming software supply chain management.

This year’s finalists include:

Fastest Time to Value Award

  • Commerzbank AG
  • KKB – KKB Kredi Kayıt Bürosu A.Ş. (Credit Bureau of Turkey)
  • U.S. federal agency
  • Vitality Group International

OSS Health & Fitness Award

  • ABN Amro Bank NV
  • KKB – KKB Kredi Kayıt Bürosu A.Ş. (Credit Bureau of Turkey)
  • Railinc

Silo-Bridger Award

  • 1-800 Contacts
  • BNP Paribas Bank Poland
  • Changi Airport Group (CAG)
  • Instinet

Software Supply Chain Impact Award

  • Alvaria, Inc.
  • Atruvia AG
  • EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG
  • Leading US-based global financial services technology provider

Tech Debt Destroyer Award

  • BMW of North America
  • KKB – KKB Kredi Kayıt Bürosu A.Ş. (Credit Bureau of Turkey)
  • Healthesystems
  • US-based asset tokenization platform

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 7 at Elevate 2022, Sonatype’s annual user conference. In addition to honoring Elevate Awards winners, this year’s free, virtual event will bring together practitioners, leaders, and industry experts from around the globe for educational sessions, breakout groups, peer to peer exchanges and 3 insightful keynotes about the changing landscape of software development and security.

Registration for Sonatype’s Elevate 2022 conference is free and open to all Sonatype customers and those who are interested in learning how to effectively manage their software supply chains across their organizations and at scale.

ABOUT SONATYPE
Sonatype is the software supply chain management company. We empower developers and security professionals with intelligent tools to innovate more securely at scale. Our platform addresses every element of an organization’s entire software development life cycle, including third-party open source code, first-party source code and containerized code. Sonatype identifies critical security vulnerabilities and code quality issues and reports results directly to developers when they can most effectively fix them. This helps organizations develop consistently high-quality, secure software which fully meets their business needs and those of their end-customers and partners. More than 2,000 organizations, including 70% of the Fortune 100, and 15 million software developers already rely on our tools and guidance to help them deliver and maintain exceptional and secure software.

ARRIVEnow™ Launches as the Technology Brand of Arrive Logistics

Unified platform uses technology, data science and talent to customize solutions for transportation partners and increase employee productivity

ARRIVEnow™ Launches as the Technology Brand of Arrive Logistics, Delivering Optionality and Enhanced Customer Experience for Shippers and Carriers

Arrive Logistics, a leading multimodal transportation and technology company headquartered in Austin, Texas, recently introduced ARRIVEnow, the suite of proprietary digital solutions created to increase productivity and drive efficiency for its shippers, carriers, and employees at scale.

ARRIVEnow is a cloud-based native technology platform that uses machine learning models and human expertise to support the most complex transportation challenges. Over the next three years, Arrive will invest more than $120 million into ARRIVEnow software development, led by a growing team of more than 250 engineers, data scientists, and product management professionals. Arrive will hire more than 3,000 team members across sales, client success, and business operations through 2025 to complement that investment and further drive growth.

Investing heavily in developing purpose-driven technology and a team of experts is the Arrive copilot strategy. Implemented at every level of the company, the copilot strategy uses human-centric automation and omnichannel solutions to increase productivity and drive efficiency – without replacing the importance of close relationships.

The ARRIVEnow platform is comprised of two elements–digital solutions offering optionality and streamlined operations for shippers and carriers, along with tools for employees to optimize performance and delivery to Arrive’s partners:

  • ARRIVEnow is the proprietary Transportation Management System (TMS) for Arrive employees. It is backed by algorithms that automate operational tasks. For example, ARRIVEnow’s matching algorithm ensures that each load is paired with the right carrier every time, reducing empty miles and carbon emissions– ARRIVEnow has saved 90 million kg of CO2 this year, in deadhead reduction alone.
  • ARRIVEnow Carrier is a one-stop freight management portal that enables carriers to find, bid on and book loads instantly using a mobile device or desktop browser, with access to 24/7 customer support. The portal is accessed by over 50,000 active carriers representing more than one million power units. By 2023, ARRIVEnow Carrier will offer over 5,000 transactional truckload shipments to its carrier network daily.
  • ARRIVEnow Shipper, which provides instant pricing for over 500 shippers through integrations, is adding to its suite of digital solutions by launching a web portal in early 2023. On top of their enterprise integration offering, ARRIVEnow Shipper will provide SMB shippers access to receive instant quotes, tracking updates, and manage documents from any device.

This year, Arrive will have opened three new office locations in San Antonio, Texas, Tampa, Florida, and Guadalajara, Mexico. In 2023, the company will open additional offices, beginning with Phoenix and Columbus in the first half of the year.

About Arrive Logistics

Arrive Logistics is a leading multimodal transportation and technology company delivering unparalleled service and custom strategic solutions. With over 1,500 employees, 6,000 customers, and 70,000 carriers in its network, Arrive is one of the largest firms in the freight brokerage industry, with projected $2.4 billion in 2022 revenue. The company has been recognized as a top workplace by Inc., The Austin-American Statesman and The Chicago Tribune.

Using UAVs to deliver shipments of export cargo and import cargo in international trade.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market to Reach US$ 106.03 Billion by 2030

Global unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market was valued at US$ 56.7 Billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 106.03 Billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2022 to 2030.

Unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs, have been in use for over two decades and are now seeing a growing demand from various businesses and governments. This is due to their numerous advantages, such as cost-effective operation and the ability to provide high-quality imagery and data. In fact, according to Astute Analytica, the global unmanned aerial vehicle market will grow at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period 2022-2030.

Get sample copy of this report @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/unmanned-aerial-vehicle-market

One of the key drivers of the global unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market is the increasing demand from industrial sectors, such as oil and gas, surveying and mapping, forestry, agriculture, and security. Additionally, government agencies are increasingly opting for unmanned aerial vehicles to reduce costs and improve efficiency. For instance, the US military has ordered more than 1,000 drones since 2017.

Drones are also becoming increasingly popular as tools for businesses and entrepreneurs. They can be used to capture footage and photos, monitor crops or property, and perform other tasks that would be difficult or impossible to do manually.

One of the biggest challenges facing the growth of drones is regulatory uncertainty. Many countries have not yet developed laws or regulations governing drone use, which presents a major obstacle to their widespread adoption. However, this uncertainty is beginning to dissipate as more countries adopt policies governing drone use.

Military & Defense Sector to Generate More than 21% Revenue of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market

The military and defense sector is projected to generate more than 21% of the revenue generated by unmanned aerial vehicles in 2020. This increase is a result of increased demand for these devices, as well as the development of new applications for unmanned aerial vehicles. The market for unmanned aerial vehicles is growing rapidly, and this growth is expected to continue over the next few years. One of the main reasons for this growth is the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles in military operations. These devices are used to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as to conduct bombing and missile attacks. They are also used to provide support to ground troops during combat operations.

Moreover, increasing militancy and terrorism in various regions across the world has added fuel to the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market growth. This has resulted in increased demand for surveillance capabilities, which in turn is fueling the adoption of UAVs across numerous industries. Another key factor driving this market is growing awareness regarding the benefits of UAVs across various sectors such as agriculture, security, and transportation.

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has come a long way in recent years, and there are many applications for this technology outside of military and defense. Some companies are using UAVs to help with mapping, surveying, crop monitoring and logistics. While there are many uses for UAVs, the military and defense industries continue to be some of the biggest proponents of this technology. Here are five countries that are investing heavily in UAVs for military and defense applications:

1. United States: The United States is one of the leading investors in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market. They use them for reconnaissance purposes, as well as for bombing raids. However, the United States is also working on civilian applications for UAVs such as Amazon’s Prime Air project.

2. China: China has been making huge investments in UAV technology over the past few years. This has resulted in them becoming one of the leading manufacturers of these aircrafts. They use them primarily for military purposes, such as bombing targets and shooting down drones from other countries’ airspace.

3. Israel: Israel is another country that invests heavily in UAV technology. They use them extensively for reconnaissance purposes, as well as to attack enemy targets from a distance. Israeli soldiers have even been known to use UAVs to carry out surgical strikes on remote targets.

4. Russia: Russia is also a big player in the world of UAVs. They use them predominantly for military purposes.

Europe to Hold Over 36% Share of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market

Europe is projected to hold over 36% share of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market, according to a new report by Astute Analytica.The demand for UAVs is expected to grow exponentially in the next few years because of their enhanced capabilities and applications in security, surveillance and mapping, as well as agricultural and environmental monitoring. Airbus SE, Boeing Co., Northrop Grumman Corp., Tianjin Haiguangping Aircraft Industry Holding Co. (THAIIC), and Israeli manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd are some of the key players in this market.

These companies are engaged in a wide range of activities related to UAVs, including research and development, manufacturing, and sales and marketing. The market is forecast to grow steadily over the next few years, with the potential for considerable value creation for participants.

The key players in the European unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market are expected to benefit from strong growth across all segments of the industry. Aircraft manufacturers will see increased demand for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used for civil aviation applications such as mapping and cargo transport; while systems integrators will benefit from increased demand for fleet management and security services.

Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/unmanned-aerial-vehicle-market

Drone Industry to Witness Boom of 62% Between 2022 and 2030 in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market

In a report released in October, Astute Analytica predicted that the drone industry will grow by 62% between now and 2030. The main contributors to this boom include the growth of civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for administration, inspection, surveying, and mapping; as well as traditional military UAVs being applied in new missions such as firefighting and ambulance service.

There are three main reasons why we expect the drone industry to be so successful: increased safety and efficiency benefits; increased connectivity to infrastructure; and increased cost savings for businesses. Increased safety and efficiency benefits include improved situational awareness for users; eliminating or minimizing human error by reducing the need for human interaction with drones; streamlined processes by automating workflows in the global unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market; and greater precision thanks to GPS navigation capabilities. These benefits lead to significant cost savings for businesses – estimates from Astute Analytica put the potential savings at up to $135 billion over the next ten years.

Increased connectivity to infrastructure is another key factor behind the success of the drone industry. With more drones flying autonomously around us, there is an increasing need for efficient data sharing across networks. This brings us to another important benefit of the drone industry – increased accuracy of data due to better geographical co-ordination. This increased accuracy leads to wider applications in areas such as agriculture, forestry, mining, construction, land management, transportation planning, surveillance and search & rescue missions. All in all – we can expect even more enhanced opportunities.

Top Players in the Global Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market

  • Boeing
  • Elbit Systems
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Textron Inc.
  • BAE Systems Plc
  • Autel Robotics
  • 3D Robotics
  • General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
  • DJI Technology
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Saab AB
  • Israel Aerospace
  • FLIR Systems, Inc.
  • AeroVironment, Inc.
  • Delair
  • Yuneec
  • Holy Stone
  • Other Prominent Players

Directly Purchase a copy of report with TOC @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/unmanned-aerial-vehicle-market

About Astute Analytica

Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company which has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron-come at the top. You can be sure of best cost-effective, value-added package from us, should you decide to engage with us.

logistics

Six Key Technologies for High-Performing Logistics

The fields of logistics, manufacturing, transportation, and supply chains are experiencing a rapid and unprecedented transformation today. The future development of these industries lies in innovation and technology improvement. Recently, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, drone delivery, and other modernizations that have become almost a reality, previously, have been the subject of science fiction. So, let us consider the most prominent implementations to high-performing logistics.

3D printing

“The concept of 3D printing itself has existed since the 1980s. However, only now this technology has become available on a relatively large-scale market. This revolutionary advancement allows almost any company to create devices or their parts from metals, plastics, mixed materials, and even from human fabrics without special expenses” – according to Noah Miller, CEO of PhotoRetouchingServices.NET who plan to provide a new 3D printing service in 2021.

How can this affect logistics and supply chain management?

1. 3D printing significantly expands the production process

2. Increases independence from specialized industries and enterprises

3. Reduces delivery times, eliminating the need to store a large number of finished products in warehouses

The use of 3D printing will lead to drastic changes in the logistics field. Companies will supply raw materials instead of many finished products. Therefore, they will be able to provide 3D printing services at delivery points, which will be an additional source of income.

Smart systems and the Internet of Things

By the end of 2020, the number of connected devices is expected to surpass 50 billion. A world of coupled things is a treasure trove of opportunities for all sectors of the economy, including the trucking industry. Smart devices, connected in one information space, can store important data. For example, technical requirements, customer names, and shipping addresses.

Smart pallets and long-distance containers will make it much easier to track or locate goods in transit. Such systems will not only make it easier for warehouse employees to find, distribute, and dispatch orders, but also help manufacturers to perform maintenance and processing of goods at the end of the expiry date with higher efficiency. Over time, most logistics processes can become semi-automatic.

Tracking shipments in transit with network-connected devices will remove shipping worries. Moreover, in this way, it will be possible to check if the vehicles are in need of repair and receive information about the mishandling of some goods.

At the moment, tracking goods and services on the road is one of the major problems of logistic services. The use of the Internet of Things, along with the use of cloud GPS-systems, will allow you to track individual consignments easily. 50% of logistics service providers are already using cloud services, while 20% are planning to do so.

As data moves to the cloud, logistics services become available through pay-on-demand. This means that small businesses no longer have to spend money on complex IT solutions. They only pay for what they need.

In its turn, the Internet of Things is based on the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, which communicate with each other. Chips attached to the individual elements of the consignment transmit data such as:

-product identification

-location

-temperature

-pressure and humidity

Once there is a notification of any negative action, it will be a trigger to promptly prevent any possible damage or theft. The chip can signal the onset of adverse weather conditions, such as high temperature or humidity. It can also transmit road condition data and info related to  specific parameters, such as average speed and traffic patterns, or return information.

Supply and transportation chain management is a relevant issue for logistics managers and directors. Therefore, logistics companies will benefit greatly from using this technology. Also, they will be able to get an increased number of satisfied customers.

Drone delivery

A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle. It can be either controlled remotely or fly autonomously, using programmed flight routes arranged in its system. Drones are small, light, and quite cheap to operate. They manage to fly where other means of transport fail to perform.

In the near future, operators will use drones to promptly deliver small packages in both cities and remote areas. Due to their high speed and accuracy, it is possible to reduce the supply chain and significantly decrease transportation expenses. As a result, courier companies may incur financial losses. There are certain obstacles that hinder the widespread use of this technology: the issue of government regulation, air traffic safety, the permitted size and weight of the drone.

e-AWB

The Electronic Air Waybill, e-AWB, is the first step towards digitalizing the industry. It is a standardized electronic version of the existing paper air waybill that accompanies cargo from shipper to delivery. E-AWB improves the efficiency of tracking and processing cargo data, as well as the transparency and safety of the route.

In addition, it reduces expenses and delays. The International Air Transport Association, IATA, announced the transition to e-AWB in early 2019. Major airlines such as Lufthansa and Emirates, have already implemented the electronic air waybill. Delta Airlines and United Airlines are likely to follow suit soon. Thus, by the end of 2020, 80% of air waybills will be electronic.

Blockchain

Since its advent in 2008, blockchain has never fallen off the radar in any industry. Unfortunately, the complex concept is difficult for many logisticians to understand. Despite its great potential, it has hardly evolved.

In addition, many logisticians are tired of the very frequent use of this term. As you know, blockchain is an open ledger of transactions distributed among computers on the network. Since everyone in the common blockchain has access to the same ledger of transactions, there is complete transparency that makes it impossible for users to hack the system. Thus, it eliminates the need for third parties.

In the logistics industry, blockchain can make it easier to exchange sensitive data for different carriers or shippers. Also, companies are able to create trade finance and supply chain finance solutions.

Digital twins

Digital twins, electronic copies of a physical object or process, are one of the most exciting trends in logistics technology to follow in 2020. Many logisticians know that products will never be the same as their computer models. However, the technology of digital twins changes it. Now, the physical and digital worlds can be combined into one, which allows us to interact with an e-model of an object or its part in the same way as with their physical counterparts.

The potential for using digital twins in logistics is enormous. In the transportation sector, this novelty can be used to collect products and packaging data. In this way, it uses the information to identify potential blind spots and recurring trends to improve future operations.

Web technologies, programs and transport management systems do not stop evolving. Currently, the logistics industry is experiencing yet another revolution. The latest technologies are mostly related to speed, accuracy, security, and continuous delivery.

________________________________________________________________

Marie Barnes is Marketing Communication Manager at Adsy guest post service and a writer for gearyoda. She is an enthusiastic blogger interested in writing about technology, social media, work, travel, lifestyle, and current affairs.

blockchain

How Blockchain Can Fight Counterfeiting and Fraud

A recent report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union’s Intellectual Property Office shows that imported counterfeit goods raked in $509 billion in 2016 — nearly 3.3% of all global imports for that year. To fight back against the rising tide of knockoffs threatening their brands, companies are turning to blockchain technology to create more transparent supply chains.

Blockchain is a distributed, decentralized ledger technology controlled by smart contracts and regulated by a consensus protocol. The ledger automatically records every transaction, and every record it creates is unalterable. Depending on exactly how one uses the ledger, it can be classified as permissioned, public, or fit for purpose.

Within a brand’s supply chain, a blockchain ledger can manage a variety of activity from automating contract compliance between entities via smart contracts to tracking products from manufacturing to distribution. The ledger eliminates supply chain ambiguities and creates transparency that ensures companies and customers get the quality for which they pay.

Blockchain’s Value in Existing Supply Chains

The value of modernizing supply chains with blockchain isn’t just theory. Major brands have already begun partnering with tech firms and other entities in response to rising demands for improved brand protection. LVMH (Louis Vuitton SE), for instance, working closely with Microsoft and ConsenSys, has created Aura Ledger to provide proof of authenticity of luxury items and trace their origins from raw materials to point of sale and beyond to the used-goods markets.

Throughout the retail industry, companies like eBay are starting to offer product authentication as a value-added service. Currently, the company authenticates only handbags due to rising concerns from customers about their authenticity. However, eBay plans to expand authentication to additional luxury items that might be subject to counterfeit.

In agriculture, the blockchain-based Grain Discovery streamlines transactions between farmers and buyers, making it easier for them to form new partnerships. In the pharmaceutical industry, distributors have formed the MediLedger consortium to track the provenance of pharmaceuticals and stem the counterfeit drug market worth more than $75 billion annually.

In virtually every industry, suppliers and distributors are turning to blockchain technology to lower their risk of fraud. A decentralized, immutable record of every product’s journey can help verify authenticity — or lack thereof.

Blockchain as a Force Against Fraud

Companies that worry about counterfeit versions of their products have options to address the issue. When implemented together, the following steps can help mitigate risk and inspire confidence among companies and consumers alike:

Establish a secure supply chain network.

For blockchain to successfully transform a company’s supply chain, every business entity along the chain must agree to participate. That makes establishing a network of trusted partners the most important step toward securing products.

For example, the jewelry consortium TrustChain, which operates on IBM’s blockchain platform, only works because the group includes the mines that produce jewels, manufacturers that refine them, and retailers that sell them.

Given the rise of counterfeit purchases, most companies with strong brands are looking to work with their suppliers to prevent fraud. The momentum of such efforts increases when every stakeholder in the supply chain sees the value and signs up to actively participate in the efforts.

Choose the tags most suited for the brand and product.

Only with the right tagging technology can blockchain technology track every product along its journey. Through various IoT devices, tags can detect diversions, liquid leaks, vibrations, package openings, tilt, excessive force, and more.

Companies have several options, such as smart tags and high-resolution signatures that digitally relate products to the blockchain. Purpose-fit tags that have been developed to track shipments at the container, pallet, and package levels further help. Companies can also employ decentralized identifiers (DIDs) that are universally resolvable and globally visible to stakeholders throughout the supply chain.

This topic holds great interest across many industries. The RFID Lab at Auburn University recently announced the Chain Integration Project (or CHIP) launch, a project focused on finding ways for retail and apparel companies to communicate with their suppliers about tracking product inventory at the item level using radio frequency identification tags and blockchain. The project has attracted global companies across many industries due to the applicability across supply chains outside of retail and apparel.

Some products don’t need to be tracked with such intricate detail, while others should be tagged to track every moment of their journeys. Determine what tagging technology makes the most sense, adds business value, and is easiest to manage along the entire supply chain.

Encourage customers to be part of the solution.

When customers clearly and directly benefit from a company’s use of a blockchain-enabled supply chain, getting more partners to join the consortium becomes easier. However, brands can’t expect all end users to automatically jump on board.

When eBay released its authentication program for handbags, it did so in response to a need its customers had expressed. To entice sellers to participate, it offers several incentives if they sign up to authenticate their products.

Before long, the streamlined processes and unprecedented transparency that blockchain provides will be more than enough to encourage participation. Until then, make it more attractive through bonuses and other rewards in order to incentivize users and increase customer stickiness.

Unleash IoT, AI, and ML to actively fight fraud.

Protecting against counterfeiting and fraud isn’t always a passive exercise. With blockchain, companies can unleash the potential of IoT, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to actively prevent fraudulent transactions.

For instance, customers can scan product tags to verify their authenticity or compare images of the product against its stored signatures. Proof of purchase and other transaction details can be cryptographically linked to the buyer and product and then subsequently uploaded to the blockchain.

Any product that bears a brand’s name but can’t be tracked to its manufacturer would be considered counterfeit. A company can ensure, in real time, that it receives compensation for every product sold with its name on it.

The reported value of fraudulent goods that hit the global market is expected to continue rising, but companies are no longer helpless in the face of counterfeiters. As more industries and their supply chains embrace blockchain technology, counterfeit goods will no longer have a place in any market.

__________________________________________________________

Mohan Venkataraman is the chief technology officer of Chainyard, a blockchain consulting company focused on delivering production solutions that address supply chain, financial services, transportation, government, and manufacturer pain points. With more than 20 years of proven experience, Mohan has extensive skills in software engineering, governance best practices, and industry models. With exposure to more than 70 clients, he has a clear focus on understanding client needs and aligning technology and business priorities to deliver value. His current interests include blockchain, cloud solutions, big data, service-oriented architecture, governance and integration competency center establishment, and enterprise architecture, with a focus in telecom media, technology, insurance, retail, healthcare, and life sciences industries.

Transplace Opens New Arkansas Operations Center

A new operations center in Rogers, Arkansas will support efforts to serve the increasing customer base and technology investment for leading transportation management provider, Transplace. Additionally, the new center provides added support to meet the company’s overall goal to create more than 100 jobs in the region in upcoming years.

“Transplace has a deep heritage in Northwest Arkansas and has continued to expand its presence in the region over the past 20 years,” said Frank McGuigan, CEO, Transplace. “Continuing to invest in this area, which has become a global logistics hub, supports our company vision and goals, while building value for our growing customer base and creating attractive opportunities for employees.”

With construction scheduled to begin immediately, the new operations center will reflect the company’s innovative and collaborative culture spanning across 150,000 square feet.

“Transplace is committed to providing innovative technology and logistics solutions that enable global shippers to better manage their supply chains, improve financial performance and deliver outstanding service to their customers. To achieve this goal and to deliver meaningful value to our customers, we need a collaborative, high-tech work space that attracts high-potential talent and is a place where employees can thrive. This new Transplace Center of Excellence will be a space where shippers and Transplace employees can collaborate towards better individual shipper solutions as well as cross-customer network solutions.”