International Asset Systems (IAS) and Motorola are working together to identify opportunities where they can test and develop radio frequency-based technologies and applications to bring improved visibility of container assets to the world's ocean carriers.
The two companies plan to develop container visibility solutions that automate and expand data capture, dramatically enhance asset decision-making, and, by virtue of improved asset visibility, provide opportunities for companies to differentiate service to their customers.
IAS and Motorola believe that efficiency gains driven by automated data capture could enable the ocean carrier industry to realise estimated bottom-line cost savings of $5-7 billion per year. Initial opportunities for savings include the improved management of intermodal chassis and the use of electronic seals to facilitate security compliance.
Over the last twelve months, IAS and Motorola have been exploring markets and technologies for automated collection of event data in the complex and often inefficient container transport chain, while considering ways in which they can partner with ocean carriers and other transportation equipment owners to deploy appropriate and effective real-time data capture devices, supporting hardware and communications infrastructure. Potential container and chassis data-specific applications would provide free-standing or integrated services, depending on ocean carriers' needs and the capabilities of their in-house systems.
After working with the ocean carriers for more than six years to reduce container inefficiencies, IAS chief executive officer Paul Crinks said the company has helped carriers to make significant headway by addressing the actionable points such as imbalance management, the equipment repair cycle and last mile visibility. While IAS’ services have helped these carriers to save millions of dollars a year, Crinks said that the current lack of complete data constrains the savings they can achieve.
Motorola’s general manager, Girish Rishi, said the company has developed and deployed RFID solutions that help customers reduce costs, improve process efficiencies and enable new business opportunities. “By providing high-quality visibility, Motorola and IAS will help the container transport industry to locate, monitor and manage their assets throughout the supply chain.”
