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INTELLIGENT ASSET TRACKING KEEPS YOUR TRAILERS IN CHECK

by Don Dovgin

TMG works with technologies to help companies with asset tracking. Whether it's an airline container, ship container, or a 40 foot trailer, you can know in "real time" where shipments and assets are located.

Some software introduces the next generation of resource management tools for planning, scheduling and utilization of yard resources. The system enables companies to achieve a new level of efficiency for the movement of trailers and product through supply chains. Common problems such as spoiled cargo, late departures, line shutdowns and demurrage disputes can be avoided. Examples of resources which can be managed include:

• Trailers
• Containers
• Switchers
• Dock Doors
• Gates
• Real Estate

Essentially, just about anything that moves throughout a yard can be tagged and tracked in real-time, because applications can instantaneously locate yard assets within ten feet, finding time-critical equipment and cargo has never been easier.

Some Features Include:

Real-time location and status of trailers and switchers through continuous yard location updates
Trailer Inspection
Appointment Scheduling
Resource Utilization and performance reporting
Historical and real-time reporting
Automatic alerts for warning conditions
- Demurrage
- Perishable goods deadlines

• Inbound and Outbound gate control
  Wireless switcher task assignment
  Interface with traffic TMS and WMS
  Graphical view of trailer and switcher locations
  
  BENEFITS
• Increased yard throughput
• higher productivity of workers and equipment
• reduction in operating costs

The system facilitates efficient supply replenishment and product shipment while minimizing product spoilage and demurrage cost. This adds to increased customer satisfaction and increased profits.

HOW IT WORKS

The software conventionally uses a Real-Time Locating System (RTLS) for tracking and managing trailers, switchers and other yard assets. The system works in tandem with wireless local area networks and bar code data capture products to provide users with up-to-the-minute business information from a single, integrated tracking system. It enables real-time management of yard assets in locations requiring local area coverage such as outdoor truck yards, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. It leverages Visibility Suite software and the RF system; a communications infrastructure of miniature wireless Tags, fixed-position antennas, location processors and hand-held tag-communicator terminals. is Web-enabled, allowing users access to yard assets through a Win 32 client or an Internet browser.

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