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Supply Chain Transformation: Smarter with Smart Containers
05/09/2024
As a customer shipping your goods, one of the most important things is knowing where your containers are, and what condition your cargo is in. Thankfully, due to the development of ‘smart containers’, this is becoming increasingly possible.
Smart containers are equipped with internet-enabled devices that collect and transmit data about the container’s location, temperature, humidity, and other conditions. This data is accessible to stakeholders in your supply chain via system integration, allowing more efficient tracking and management of cargo.
MSC’s Smart Containers are available for all types of dry cargo. Learn more about our solution now!
Exploring the Development of Smart Containers
The growth of smart containers over recent years has been phenomenal. It is estimated that a third of reefer containers and 40% of dry containers are now equipped with smart technology. Drewry, the maritime industry market analysts, reported that by the end of 2022, 5.6% of the global container equipment fleet was fitted with smart technology devices.
Exploring the Development of Smart Containers
The growth of smart containers over recent years has been phenomenal. It is estimated that a third of reefer containers and 40% of dry containers are now equipped with smart technology. Drewry, the maritime industry market analysts, reported that by the end of 2022, 5.6% of the global container equipment fleet was fitted with smart technology devices.
Smart containers are about more than just knowing the position of your container on a map. Offering more visibility and control over what is happening to your cargo, they increase your peace of mind while shipping. Whether by alerting you if a container door opens unexpectedly or monitoring variations in environment you have all the information you need even miles away from your cargo.
They truly represent an innovative step forward, transforming traditional shipping practices into an interconnected, digital, and data-driven ecosystem.
Their benefits extend beyond simply a more efficient tracking and management of your cargo. Other important advantages for your business could be:
Supply chain efficiency
Smart containers can help you optimise your inventory management, reduce buffer stock, and anticipate delays or disruptions in your shipments through digitalization.
Cargo integrity and security
Smart containers can help you monitor and control the conditions and security of your cargo, preventing spoilage, damage, or theft. You can also configure alerts in case of container mishandlings, which will provide you with early warnings, helping you to mitigate risks.
Easier Customs clearance
Smart containers can help you comply with customs regulations, provide proof of origin, and facilitate faster and smoother clearance processes.
Enhanced Trade finance
Smart containers can help you trigger payments, reduce transaction costs, and improve cash flow.
Simpler Cargo insurance
Smart containers can also have a positive impact on premiums that customers pay to insure their goods. Customers show they are protecting their cargo, which can result in lower premiums.
Shaping Tomorrow: The Influence of Smart Containers on Supply Chains
Big data means more efficient, sustainable outcomes
Smart containers can also help to reduce the environmental impact of shipping. By monitoring the temperature and humidity of cargo, carriers can optimise the use of refrigeration units, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, by using data to enhance their operations, carriers can also reduce fuel consumption and further decarbonize operations.
Shaping Tomorrow: The Influence of Smart Containers on Supply Chains
Big data means more efficient, sustainable outcomes
Smart containers can also help to reduce the environmental impact of shipping. By monitoring the temperature and humidity of cargo, carriers can optimise the use of refrigeration units, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, by using data to enhance their operations, carriers can also reduce fuel consumption and further decarbonize operations.
Beyond the benefits for individual shipments, smart containers can be beneficial for the overall economy. Some of the wider benefits of smart containers include:
Ports can operate more efficiently
Data sent by smart containers is transmitted to port authorities. This allows ports to get a clear picture of where ships are, in relation to their schedule and allows ports to prepare more effectively for docking and the unloading process.
Business continuity is improved
If anything should go wrong with cargo, the transparency and data reporting from smart containers helps understand when, where and why disruptions or delays occur and allows for better decision making. It ensures all relevant parties can be more responsive during unexpected situations, and to take prompt action, triggering contingency plans when needed.
Cost reduction
Smart containers also help to save considerable time and money by allowing you to manage your logistics assets regardless of location, reducing the possibility of loss, theft, or damage to the cargo.
Easy Integration with MSC's Smart Containers
MSC can fit smart devices into any of our standard dry containers, and it is easy for us to integrate these into your IT systems. You can set up personalized notifications so that you receive only the information you need about your shipment.
We also provide consultation and advice on all aspects of international container shipping and can help customers with our range of shipping and logistics services. Contact us today to find out more.
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