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Your Quick Guide to How Real Time Tracking in Logistics Improves Competitive Advantage

Veltri Logistics
Warehouse employee scanning packages to gain a real time tracking competitive advantage in logistics

What is Real-Time Tracking?

It's a system for tracking the movement of items through the supply chain. It uses GPS tracking, barcodes, and RFID chips to keep track of items. This allows companies to know exactly where their products are at all times and make adjustments to optimize their supply chains.


How Does Real-Time Tracking Work?

Real-time tracking is very simple. Each item or product is tagged through a chain of custody and may have a GPS tracker affixed to it. GPS may also be used to track the location of vehicles; these systems also help drivers find the best route through traffic and weather issues. Items are signed out of the warehouse onto the truck and then signed in again at their next destination. These systems can track parts and finished products.  The tracking services provided by the USPS and couriers are also a form of real-time tracking. They allow customers to know where their package is and quickly see if it might have been misdirected or mislaid. People have become accustomed to this level of tracking. Typically, these systems use barcodes and RFID chips to scan items in and out.


How Real-Time Tracking in Logistics Improves Your Business's Competitive Advantage


All of this is useful, but how do logistics help provide a competitive advantage?


What are the significant benefits of real-time visibility in your supply chain?


There are several ways real-time tracking can really help you serve your customers better than your competitors, including:


1. Optimized routing saves time and fuel

Real-time tracking allows you to establish the best routes for your drivers to take, even down to knowing where not to go at certain times of the day. This saves drivers time and can result in significant energy savings.

2. Reduction in loss of shipments and misplaced inventory

A good tracking system means that if something goes missing, you can pinpoint where in the process it was lost. Being able to track freight:

  • Reduces loss and theft

  • Increases the chances of discovering the missing item (say, tucked in the corner of the truck)

  • Establishes where loss is likely to occur

3. Improved coordination with suppliers

By linking up your tracking networks, you can work with regular suppliers to increase efficiency, track routes, and optimize warehouse choice. This ensures greater supply chain visibility and helps you analyze your entire supply chain.

4. Reduced supply chain vulnerability

Real-time tracking data allows you to spot and track shortages much faster, increasing agility and letting you know when to make orders from backup suppliers. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how vulnerable supply chains are and sharing data is vital for reducing disruptions.

5. Optimizing deliveries to end-users to improve customer satisfaction and retention

Real-time tracking lets you be more accurate about when a shipment will arrive, reducing customer disappointment. It also lets you optimize delivery routes and schedules to help everyone get their product on time.

6. Predicting disruptions

When you can predict disruption, you can act to stop interruptions before they occur or plan for them. This might include switching providers or moving trucks to safer locations ahead of a predicted weather event.

7. Reduced shipping costs

You can pass these savings on to customers to improve retention (as well as improve your bottom line). As you can see, the benefits of real-time tracking are very real. Once you know how real-time tracking in logistics improves competitive advantage, you can move forward with finding the right partners and systems.


How to Introduce Real-Time Tracking Into Your Logistics Systems:

Establishing the infrastructure for real-time tracking can be a true challenge. Many companies, especially smaller ones, cannot afford the upfront investment. However, due to the many moving parts, including contact with other coordinator contract services or working with freelance drivers, incorporating a real-time tracking system can ultimately save you time and money. Partnering with a logistics provider helps your business run more efficiently.


Choosing a Logistics Provider

Veltri Logistics is a leading logistics provider that specializes in real-time tracking systems. They can help you choose the right real-time tracking system for your business, coordinate with contract services and freelance drivers, and help you get the most out of real-time tracking. By choosing a logistics partner who uses quality real-time tracking systems, like Veltri Logistics, you can get that competitive advantage and have more time to focus on running your business. Contact us today to learn more about our services.



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