Week of August 5, 2019
Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance
Technology innovation has led to the emergence of new delivery methods – from autonomous vehicles to aircraft systems. And these emerging technologies promise to impact the supply chain of the future, including the transport of dangerous goods.
To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods throughout the supply chain, Labelmaster has launched “Supply Chain Moves,” a weekly report linking the latest technology news to dangerous goods compliance.
Let’s examine the recent supply chain technology and industry news.
TECHNOLOGY
- The Hazmat Possibilities of Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Will drones ever have a role to play in Dangerous Goods transport? One expert says yes – and soon.
- How is Machine Learning Influencing Supply Chain Management?: Machine learning helps to keep the supply chain updated about weather forecasts, traffic situations and other important factors impacting the delivery schedule.
- Three Benefits of a Proper Device Utilization Program:Get the most out of your mobile devices by understanding how and when they are being used.
- Peak Fever: As retailers prepare for the holiday shopping season, new inventory strategies and real-time data will be key to coping with the turbulent market forces of 2019.
- How Does a Digital Transformation Apply to Supply Chain Planning?: Digital transformation requires that companies transform their decision-making processes with technology. Here are 3 steps to make that happen.
3PL TECH
- eBay Partners with Third-party Logistics on Fulfillment: eBay will launch an end-to-end fulfillment service to drive uniformity and improvements in service levels across its network of third-party sellers and bring it into closer competition with Amazon.
- These Technologies Are Key To High-Performing Logistics: Scarce trucks and drivers, late deliveries and rising shipment costs can put a supplier’s relationships with customers to the test. Fortunately, suppliers are starting to apply a range of new technologies to address those problem areas.
- UPS Boosts Logistics Visibility for SMBs: UPS has begun onboarding small business customers to its UPS My Choice platform to provide greater visibility into their logistics and shipping operations.
Technology & Dangerous Goods Compliance
Will unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) have a role in dangerous goods transport? If Mark Wuennenberg has anything to say about it, the answer is yes – and soon.
According to Wuennenberg, the main advantage of unmanned aircraft is that no one is on board. So, in certain circumstances, you could transport dangerous goods that you couldn’t on a manned aircraft. He states, “You can accept greater risk. With lithium batteries, for instance, you’re not worried about them catching fire and endangering the crew.”
He cites several ways in which unmanned aircraft could soon be used more effectively for hazmat transportation, including helping solve last mile delivery issues. However, Drone Delivery Canada, is more focused on how to get cargo from the main depot to the local depot rather than consumer home delivery.
“Unlike others who propose dropping a burrito on your front step, we’re looking at depot-to-depot delivery services allowing numerous flights over the same route,” he says.
He adds that the unique advantage of unmanned aircraft is that they can often be used to reach locations that ground vehicles and conventional aircraft can’t easily get to – and can do so at a fraction of the cost. This will be very beneficial when delivering to remote and rural areas that are poorly served or not served at all by conventional delivery services, which drives up the costs of goods.
Mark Wuennenberg will speak about “Innovation Taking Flight – Drones in Cargo Logistics” at the 14th annual Dangerous Goods Symposium, September 4–6, 2019, in Chicago.
Will unmanned aircraft become a part of your supply chain?
Labelmaster’s Dangerous Goods Information System (DGIS) is the leading SaaS solution to help companies more efficiently and accurately manage their Dangerous Goods shipments. DGIS validates your Dangerous Goods shipment data against the latest regulations, ensuring a more efficient supply chain and reducing friction found in Dangerous Goods shipments. DGIS is a certified partner/validation solution with ERP, transportation and warehouse management systems.
