China's COSCON Logistics announced it will begin real-time, tracking and monitoring of shipper conveyances using global positioning systems (GPS). The program, which it says is the first large-scale commercial GPS-based tracking system launched thus far in China, will provide COSCON shippers and customers with improved supply chain execution, efficiency and security.
Savi Networks provided the global GPS-based sensor network. Sensor devices attached to COSCON shipping containers will provide real-time data through Savi Network’s GPS system helping increase security, reduce inventory levels, provide real-time information on delivery times, and most importantly, says the company, reduce overall supply chain costs related to China’s complex logistics environment.
In addition to providing real-time visibility of cargo location, sensor devices report on the security status of the shipments as well as environmental conditions inside the container such as temperature and humidity. The sensing capabilities provided by the GPS network give immediate alerts of cargo theft and damage, offering a higher level of security and product integrity, says Savi.
Real-time, actionable data on the location and security of the container and its cargo will be available through a Web-based application accessible to COSCON customers, enabling them to view the actual route of shipments through automatically generated maps and perform exception management of the progress and security status of their shipments in real-time. With this capability, says COSCON, customers, their suppliers and partners in China and across the extended supply chain can now monitor shipment status at any time and from virtually anywhere.
“As the leading integrated logistics provider in China, we intend to use Savi Networks’ GPS network to extend our leadership position by providing our customers improved supply chain execution and decision capabilities that significantly reduce cost,” said Lin Hongbing, General Manager of COSCON Logistics.
COSCON will offer the service to key shippers on domestic and international container moves as a part of its existing integrated logistics offering. “China is a major logistics hub for many of our multinational customers and we are excited to form this strategic partnership with COSCON,” said CK Lim, senior vice president of Savi Networks. “The collaboration will bring forth one of the largest commercial GPS tracking networks for ocean containers in the Chinese market.” Savi Networks’ system has been successfully tested in both the China domestic market as well as international markets, he added.
