Abstract
HighlightsWe describe a new development of a tracking/tracing/management information systemThe system is designed for containers in an intermodal corridorThe paper links the impacts of the system with the supply chain requirementsBenefits for the different stakeholders involved are described and discussed PurposeIntermodal transport chains often appear as “black boxes” to the cargo owners and their clients, who lose track of the container until it arrives at the final end of the chain. The paper discusses why a tracking and tracing system should represent an important added value for them. Design/methodology/approachWe describe here the configuration and features of a novel low-cost system to track and trace containers in an intermodal supply chain, provide information to shippers regarding delays and other unexpected events, and assist terminal operations accordingly. We then analyze the positive impacts of such a system over the entire supply chain, identifying the requirements of the main chain actors regarding the availability of information and how the proposed system contributes to the fulfillment of those requirements. FindingsThe visibility of containers throughout the entire supply chain provides multiple benefits for shippers, terminals and transport providers. Research limitations/implicationsThe operational and economic benefits of the system are clear, but the lack of historical data does not allow for a quantitative estimation of those foreseen benefits. Practical implicationsIntermodal terminals might see this type of information systems as an opportunity to generate added value for their customers, including shippers and carriers. In a scenario with high competition levels between terminals, this added value could represent the competitive advantage necessary to guarantee the growth of a terminal without requiring expensive investments and costs. Originality/valueThe paper describes the benefits provided by the system to the main stakeholders of the intermodal supply chain and provides some conclusions with respect to those benefits and to future developments. Keywords: Containers; tracking and tracing; supply chain; logistics; port
Highlights
The evolution of supply chain management (SCM) over the last half century can be described through an increase in integration and information sharing (Muzumdar et Balachandran, 2001)
The second phase covered from the late 1980s to the late 1990s and gave birth to the concept of integrated SCM, incorporating tools like advanced planning and scheduling systems (APS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business process reengineering (BPR)
The activity of an intermodal container terminal is related to the transshipment of containers between the different transport modes
Summary
The evolution of supply chain management (SCM) over the last half century can be described through an increase in integration and information sharing (Muzumdar et Balachandran, 2001). The third phase corresponds to the transformation of supply chains into value networks, with integrated and centralised planning, focusing on increased availability and sharing of information and aiming for higher customer service levels and lower supply chain costs. We present here a novel low-cost tracking and tracing system which, in combination with a series of planning tools and automatic devices, provides visibility throughout the entire containerised transport link of the supply chain. Our aim is to demonstrate how this type of system covers all the visibility-related requirements of the supply chain
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