Whether by ship, airplane, train or truck, conveying goods around the world generally involves at least two different means of transport. Today, individual sections of a logistics process can be digitalised and thereby made more seamless and transparent.
In logistics hubs such as air cargo terminals and parcel centres, the products and solutions from Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics (SPPAL) ensure efficient operation. The information for the upstream and downstream sections of the supply chain, for example transport management data from the logistics service providers, is currently not always accessible for hub operators.
Therefore, further optimisation of the flow of traffic and goods around the premises is only possible to a limited extent. Consequently, jams caused by any number of factors are not uncommon in the vicinity of the loading ramp.
Networking, breaking down silos and data sharing become the keys for designing logistics hubs that are as profitable and reliable as possible for all stakeholders. SPPAL and its subsidiary AXIT are focusing on the optimisation of the entire transport chain with their joint efforts on an integrated workflow via a cloud-based platform. Operators can receive transport-related data from other links in the transport chain. This information allows them to fully utilise their capacities and increase their productivity.
Sharing information increases efficiency among all stakeholders in the logistics chain
Will the goods arrive on time? What delays can be expected? Does the delivery volume on the truck correspond with the quantity registered at the hub for further handling?
With access to the plethora of information on every aspect of the anticipated goods, the transport companies and the traffic situation, the flows of goods in and around a logistics centre can be optimised by means of a fully digitalised controller.
A prerequisite is that all stakeholders in the process share their data via a central platform. All relevant information is bundled and provided to the individual employees in the logistics centre via a user-friendly web interface on the PC or a mobile app. Furthermore, data can be integrated into individual software solutions, such as ERP and WMS.
When a truck is loaded, for example, information on the volume, weight and estimated time for unloading is sent to the hub. If the arrival time changes along the way due to a traffic jam, the logistic hub automatically receives a message with the updated arrival forecast.
To ensure that the carrier’s dispatcher does not send the driver to a congested loading ramp, the dispatcher can adjust the unloading time to correspond with free capacities in the logistics centre, which are publicised at a web interface.
Data transparency via the cloud allows both dispatchers in the logistics centre and all connected logistics companies to efficiently and reliably control transport flows in an integrated manner. With this solution for logistics centres and transport companies, SPPAL and AXIT are paving the way to fully utilise the opportunities of digitalisation.