[131212.EN.SEA] Cargosmart Visibility Software Gives Shippers Heads Up On Cargo Delays

A NEW software called VisibilitySmart alerts shippers about cargo delays earlier than ever before, according manufacturer, CargoSmart, an IT company providing systems to keep cargo moving on time.

Trials throughout October and November showed potential for collaboration between shippers, logistics service providers, and ocean carriers, said the CargoSmart statement.

The new software monitors and analyses live vessel data through the automated identification system (AIS), sailing schedules, historical route patterns, and shipment plans to anticipate delays.

It offers extensive coverage of 21 carriers, 3,500 vessels, and 800 ports. The new solution monitors three types of delays - skipped ports of call, missed transshipments, and late arrivals.

The system provides a daily e-mail with shipment delay summaries to support operations. It also provides a monthly scorecard to measure carriers' on-time performance and delay reasons to support contract negotiations.

The software is said to help shippers to improve their operations with daily, early notifications of potential delays and to measure their carriers' on-time performance and delay reasons with monthly scorecards, said the company.

"VisibilitySmart fosters collaboration by equipping shippers with timely information about cargo delays that they can act on with their carriers to improve service and to meet delivery schedules," said the press release.

CargoSmart said 95 per cent of shipments arrive on time, but five per cent are late with costly consequences.

"Terminal congestion, labour strikes, weather problems, or lack of space on a vessel can all cause cargo delays that can disrupt supply chain plans. Late cargo can mean costly rebates if merchandise does not arrive by a sale date, factory shutdowns if parts are not available, or even spoiled goods if the cargo is delayed too long," said the company statement.

Said CargoSmart sales chief Graham Collins: "CargoSmart's early notifications of delays help shippers identify shipments that need urgent attention while in transit. VisibilitySmart lets shippers begin working with their carriers as soon as potential delays are detected, providing them with more time to adjust their downstream operations."

Source : HKSG.