Week of March 30th, 2020
Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance
The impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain has put a spotlight on the importance of having adequate technology, infrastructure and processes to adapt to unexpected changes, ensure safety and comply with the latest regulations – a reality dangerous goods shippers face every day.
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
- Virtual Hazmat Training: Interactive, Customized and Ideal for These Times: Companies struggling to cope with the impact of COVID-19 can put off many things, but hazmat training isn’t one of them. Fortunately, virtual training capabilities are ideal for times like these.
- Turning Analytics Into Actions: Analytics need to be actionable, if supply-chain managers are to enable their technology investments, says Zebra Analytics’ J.R. Werner.
- The Autonomous Supply Chain: Autonomous technology continues to make an impact on the supply chain. Here’s how these technologies are being used and what the future holds.
- The World’s Largest Brands Are Using Inventory Accuracy and Yard Automation to Fight COVID-19 Chaos: Supply chain disruption is becoming a certainty, but good inventory management enabled by automation can help companies gain the visibility they need to keep the wheels turning.
3PL TECH
- The Rise of the Next-generation 3PL: How shippers engage and utilize 3PLs, and the emergence of new technologies, have created more complex, demanding, and data-driven service requirements that are foreshadowing the rise of the next-generation 3PL.
- Parcel Shipping in TMS: Transportation management systems continue to evolve rapidly in response to changing market forces and customer requirements. One area of growing demand and innovation is parcel shipping.
- The 5 Data Sets You Need to Effectively Leverage 3PL & Fulfillment in 2020: Capturing data will enable merchants to lower their transportation and inventory carry costs to improve profitability while simultaneously driving higher customer satisfaction.
Technology & Dangerous Goods Compliance
The impact of COVID-19 on the global supply chain is undeniable. According to the Institute for Supply Management, nearly 75% of U.S. businesses have experienced supply chain disruptions as a result of the Coronavirus.
As companies struggle to cope with the new normal, many must now also comply with even more rules and regulations for transportation dangerous goods. For example, some airlines have started using passenger planes to transport cargo, requiring greater levels of compliance that come with transporting good as opposed to people.
Similarly, as pharmacies create drive-up Coronavirus testing facilities, these businesses, and their employees may be transporting infectious substances for the first time. This requires they take steps to ensure their shipments comply with Dangerous goods transport regulations, as well as ensure their test samples are not rejected by testing laboratories.
Dangerous goods shippers must also take additional steps in order to help keep their supply chain operating as normal as possible. And while many things can be put off until life gets back to normal, hazmat training, however, is not one of them.
If a company’s – or its team’s – certifications are coming due, they have to renew their training, or risk fines for non-compliance. Unfortunately, in-person classroom training isn’t an option right now, and may not be for a while. That’s why companies need to look to virtual hazmat training to get the interactive and customized training they need, and maintain compliance – even in these unprecedented times.
COVID-19 has put a spotlight on ensuring a safe, secure and compliant supply chain. While that can be challenging, having the right technology and infrastructure can help ensure your shipments aren’t getting delayed or fined due to non-compliance.
Labelmaster is here to help our customers navigate these uncertain, challenging times. Our Dangerous Goods Information System (DGIS) is fully operational and able to process all type of hazardous materials, including Category B biohazards, and continues to be fully supported to give you the help your business needs – from tech support to training.
To learn more about dangerous goods software or how to establish a safer, more compliant supply chain, visit https://www.labelmaster.com.
Have questions about dangerous goods transport? Call the Labelmaster Regulatory Hotline at 1.800.621.5808.
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.
