In recent years, the transportation industry has recognized the importance of tracking the location of their most valuable assets. This has led companies to invest in asset tracking systems to improve supply chain visibility. While this information has proven helpful for a variety of reasons, some fleet managers have found they still need more visibility of their operations. Beyond mere tracking, asset monitoring encompasses a wide range of technologies and strategies aimed at providing organizations with real-time insights into the status, condition, and performance of their assets throughout the entire lifecycle. The specific information they’re looking for depends on what they transport and the decisions they need data to make. Let’s dive into which assets need monitoring and why.
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- Loss Prevention. Reduce the amount of loss that occurs during the supply chain process
- Location Coverage. AirFinder Everywhere uses a combination of GPS, Cellular, and WiFi to determine location everywhere
- Security Alerts. Know when a delay in shipment has occurred so the problem
can be addressed immediately.
The Importance of Asset Tracking
Visibility of assets is difficult to have without an asset tracking system in place. It’s important for fleet managers to have asset visibility so they can prevent loss and improve supply chain operations. When you have visibility of your assets, you can mitigate the risks associated with lost, stolen, or misplaced items, thereby minimizing disruptions and ensuring timely deliveries. Moreover, asset tracking facilitates optimized resource utilization by enabling you to monitor the usage patterns of your assets. This information allows for data-based decision-making regarding asset allocation, maintenance scheduling, and inventory management, ultimately leading to improved operational efficiency and cost savings. Asset tracking also plays a crucial role in enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. With the ability to provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding the whereabouts of shipments, companies can offer customers greater peace of mind and reliability, fostering trust and loyalty in the long term. As supply chains become more interconnected and globalized, the ability to track and trace assets accurately becomes indispensable for maintaining operational agility and resilience.
The Importance of Asset Monitoring
Temperature
If you transport temperature-sensitive goods, it would be a wise investment to implement an asset tracking solution that monitors the temperature of the goods you’re moving. Reefer trailers have refrigeration systems to regulate the temperature of the goods inside, but these systems aren’t fail-proof. Any deviation from optimal conditions could lead to spoilage, resulting in financial losses for companies and potential health risks for consumers. With asset condition monitoring software, you can receive alerts when the temperature falls out of range. This information allows you to respond quickly, before spoilage occurs. Cold chain monitoring also helps you comply with regulatory standards and industry regulations. The FDA has strict guidelines regarding the transportation of perishable goods, mandating precise temperature control to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. Asset monitoring solutions will document the temperature throughout the supply chain so you have proof of compliance allowing you to avoid fines and maintain a strong brand reputation. Monitoring the temperature inside a reefer trailer provides valuable data for quality control and process optimization. By analyzing temperature trends and fluctuations, fleet managers can identify potential issues in their supply chain, such as equipment malfunctions or inadequate packaging. This proactive approach enables them to take corrective actions promptly, minimizing disruptions and ensuring consistent product quality. Consumers expect their goods to arrive fresh and intact, and reliable asset monitoring ensures that deliveries meet these expectations.
Shock
Monitoring shock in logistics operations is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of goods during transit. By implementing asset monitoring software, fleet managers can accurately assess the extent of impact events and identify potential areas for improvement in their supply chain processes. This data-driven approach enables them to mitigate risks, such as product breakage or malfunction, which could lead to financial losses. Monitoring shock helps to ensure compliance with industry regulations and customer expectations regarding product quality and safety. Many industries, such as electronics, have stringent requirements for the handling and transportation of goods to prevent damage and maintain warranty validity. By proactively monitoring shock levels and adhering to established thresholds, fleet managers can demonstrate their commitment to meeting these standards and building trust with stakeholders. IoT asset monitoring also provides valuable insights into the performance of packaging materials and handling procedures. By analyzing shock data, companies can identify opportunities to optimize packaging designs and enhance load securing techniques. Investing in asset monitoring software is not only a proactive measure to protect valuable cargo but also a strategic decision to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs associated with damages, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Acceleration
Monitoring acceleration in logistics operations is paramount for ensuring the safety and integrity of transported goods. By implementing an asset monitoring system that monitors accelerations, fleet managers can accurately measure and analyze the forces acting on their shipments, allowing them to identify and mitigate potential risks. This data-driven approach enables fleet managers to optimize transportation processes, minimizing the likelihood of incidents such as product breakage, spillage, or shifting within containers.. Asset monitoring enables logistics operators to enhance their risk management strategies by identifying and addressing potential hazards in their supply chain networks. By proactively identifying factors contributing to excessive acceleration, such as poorly maintained roads, inadequate packaging materials, or inefficient loading procedures, companies can implement preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents and disruptions. Monitoring acceleration also helps fleet managers monitor driver behavior. When drivers know they are being monitored, they are likely to make an effort to drive safely. It also gives managers the tools to hold their drivers accountable. Safe driving practices ensure the safe transportation of goods and reduce unnecessary damage to vehicles. Leveraging an asset monitoring system provides fleet managers with the tools to ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods while maintaining the trust and loyalty of their customers.
Humidity
Monitoring humidity in logistics operations is crucial for ensuring the quality and integrity of transported goods, especially those sensitive to moisture. High humidity levels can lead to condensation, mold growth, degradation of packaging materials, and corrosion of metal components, compromising the safety and quality of goods. Conversely, low humidity levels can cause products to dry out, shrink, or become brittle, affecting their usability and marketability. By implementing an asset condition monitoring solution that monitors humidity, fleet managers can accurately measure and control environmental conditions throughout the supply chain, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and industry requirements. Monitoring the humidity inside of a trailer provides valuable insights into the performance of transportation vehicles and packaging materials. By analyzing humidity data, fleet managers can identify potential sources of moisture ingress or loss, such as leaks, improper sealing, or inadequate ventilation, and take corrective actions to mitigate these issues. Humidity monitoring enables fleet managers to optimize their inventory management practices by identifying and addressing conditions that could compromise the shelf life and quality of stored goods. By maintaining optimal humidity levels, logistics companies can extend the lifespan of perishable products, reduce waste, and minimize the need for costly returns or replacements. By continuously monitoring those humidity levels and implementing appropriate measures, such as humidity-controlled containers, desiccants, or climate-controlled warehouses, fleet managers can safeguard against moisture-related damage and ensure the safe and timely delivery of goods to their destination.
Tampering
From theft and pilferage to contamination and sabotage, tampering incidents can have serious consequences for businesses, consumers, and regulatory authorities. By implementing tamper-evident seals, security cameras, and tracking technologies, fleet managers can deter potential threats and detect unauthorized access to shipments in real time. This proactive approach enables the identification and response to tampering incidents promptly, minimizing the impact on operations and mitigating potential losses. Monitoring tampering helps ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry requirements governing the handling and transportation of sensitive or high-value goods. Many industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and electronics, have strict regulations in place to prevent tampering and ensure product safety and authenticity. By implementing tamper-proof packaging and employing robust security measures, fleet managers can demonstrate their commitment to meeting these standards and protecting the interests of their customers and stakeholders. Tampering monitoring also provides valuable insights into the vulnerabilities of supply chain networks and distribution channels. By analyzing tampering data, fleet managers can identify potential weak points in their security protocols, such as unsecured loading docks or inadequate surveillance systems, and take proactive measures to strengthen their defenses. Having a tamper prevention plan in place helps to build trust and confidence among customers by assuring them of the safety and authenticity of the products they receive. In an era of increasing concerns about product safety, counterfeiting, and supply chain security, providing transparency and visibility into the handling and transportation of goods is essential for maintaining customer loyalty and brand reputation.
Open/Close Door
Monitoring when trailers are opened and closed is critical for ensuring the security of transported goods. Open doors pose a significant risk of theft and unauthorized access to shipments, compromising the safety, quality, and legality of products. By implementing door sensors, fleet managers can detect in real time. This proactive approach enables fleet managers to identify and respond to door-related incidents promptly, minimizing the impact on their operations and mitigating potential losses. This proactive approach enables operators to enhance their risk management strategies and safeguard against potential threats to their operations and assets. This not only reduces the risk of theft and loss but also minimizes the likelihood of damage or contamination to goods during transit.
The Solution That Does Both
Since asset tracking and asset monitoring are both crucial for supply chain success, the best possible solution is one that tracks both the location and condition of your assets. Good thing that solution exists: it’s called AirFinder. AirFinder tracks the location of your assets in real time to provide you with visibility of their movements for you to use to make strategic decisions. AirFinder’s data goes beyond just tracking location. It also monitors your assets' conditions in real time. From temperature and humidity to shock and tampering, this solution has you covered. Any information you need to know about your assets will be collected by the AirFinder solution. This real-time data will give you the tools to optimize your logistics operations and maintain safety of your assets.
Will You Go Beyond Tracking?
It’s clear that while asset tracking is important, it may not be enough on its own. You can make the most of your location data by also collecting data based on asset monitoring. Our solution AirFinder brings the best of asset tracking and monitoring together so you only have to invest in one solution instead of two. This also means all your data and reports are stored in one easily accessible location. If you want to invest in asset monitoring or learn more about our AirFinder solution, book a demo with us!
