Data Transfer Can Reduce Driving Time
24/07/2008
Transport and logistics companies can save thousands of dollars on
petrol and vehicle wear and tear with mobility technology, according to
Alex Koumaras, director of Leopard Systems.
"Mobility technology has been around for years but with escalating oil
prices its economic value for the transport and logistics sector has
increased significantly.
"The smart freight companies, whether they have 40 or 40,000 trucks,
are installing systems which reduce the amount of time their trucks
spend on the road saving fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. Each driver has a hand held device which can send information to head office wirelessly.
"In its most basic application it removes the need for run sheets, log
books and trips back to head office as it can all be done remotely. And with GPS technology built into the devices drivers can take the
most efficient route for each delivery preventing unnecessary
kilometres on the road and carbon emissions.
"The time savings allow companies to increase productivity by
completing more deliveries in the same amount of time with fewer trucks.
"Companies which keep pace with advances in mobility will be more
competitive, efficient and profitable, and many will find it pays for
itself pretty quickly especially now that the technology costs half
what it did a few years ago despite having twice as many features.
"3G, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), VoIP, Bluetooth and
built-in cameras are all here or on the horizon and have the potential
to revolutionise how freight companies do business. We’re only limited
by our imaginations.
"In its simplest form, 3G enables faster communication of more data
between mobile employees and has a larger coverage network so
freighting companies operating in regional parts of Australia can
access the benefits of mobility.
"RFID uses radio frequencies to track a chip implanted in stock
removing the need for manual scanning of deliveries and reducing human
error.
"With VoIP built into the hand held devices, employees can call their
local and overseas offices using the wireless network and saving the
company traditional phone call costs.
"And with Bluetooth and high resolution cameras drivers can take
payments on the spot and visually record the condition of goods when
they arrive.
"We’re really only scratching the surface of the potential of these
devices. With the right ideas and a skilled team of software
developers, the possibilities are endless," says Koumaras.
Australian Transport News, July 2008
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