Insights - January/February 2018 - 13
Intermodal Moves Toward
'Digitization' of Data
T
he words intermodal and technology have been yoked together for years as providers
across the industry continually look for newer and better ways to serve their customers.
But how far have we come, and how much further do we have to go to consistently deliver
timely, accurate information across modal lines?
It will be a complicated and ultimately rewarding road to
reach that goal, according to expert comment from the 3PLs and
technology vendors contacted for this article. Their comments,
included verbatim in almost all cases, identified a wide variety of
innovations to advance information flow among participants.
Chris Ricciardi, chief operating officer, Logistical Labs
"While we've seen some improvements in the flow of
information between providers, progress has been slow. A lot of
information is still transmitted through emails and phone calls
instead of direct system integrations like updates concerning
rates, schedules, capacity, etc. and tendering is mostly utilizing
legacy EDI systems.
"If transportation providers worked to integrate their systems
and automate the flow of information, we'd see huge efficiency
gains. The first step is for providers to admit they have a problem.
They don't obsess about increasing customer satisfaction like
they should. Now, companies have a jumbled way of gathering
all the little pieces of available information by creating a
messy 'Frankenstein' process. To improve the current state of
information flow, providers need to adjust their culture, invest in
advancing their own internal technology, then open the doors for
others to interact with them through integrations.
"We're trying to push for more visibility and communication
in the industry by aggregating drayage, door-to-door, and ramp
rates into a single, integrated platform, while also comparing with
the current truckload market. One major goal is to enable IMCs
to offer a complete door-to-door solution with minimal effort and
grow their customer base via API connections.
"Theoretically, measurable benefits could happen right away.
The technology for improving information flow is there. Instead
of keeping information close to the vest, or making it confusing
or difficult to obtain, the industry needs to be more open to sharing data. Open APIs and self-service systems have empowered
many industries and if the rail industry moved in this direction,
we'd see more people looking at intermodal as a viable shipping
option."
Data - continued on page 15
January/February 2018 | Intermodal Insights
13
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Insights - January/February 2018
IANA News
Service, Capacity, Innovation Focus Will Help to Sustain Intermodal Progress
Intermodal Moves Toward ‘Digitization’ of Data
Ocean Carriers Focus on Continued Adjustment to Global Freight Network
Freight Report
Voice of the Shipper
Intermodal Industry Participants Stand to Gain from Tax Bill
Early Days of ELD Mandate Seem to Indicate Adjustment Period
Government News
New Members
International Intermodal News
People News
Intermodal Calendar
Insights - January/February 2018 - Cover1
Insights - January/February 2018 - 2
Insights - January/February 2018 - 3
Insights - January/February 2018 - IANA News
Insights - January/February 2018 - 5
Insights - January/February 2018 - 6
Insights - January/February 2018 - 7
Insights - January/February 2018 - Service, Capacity, Innovation Focus Will Help to Sustain Intermodal Progress
Insights - January/February 2018 - 9
Insights - January/February 2018 - 10
Insights - January/February 2018 - 11
Insights - January/February 2018 - 12
Insights - January/February 2018 - Intermodal Moves Toward ‘Digitization’ of Data
Insights - January/February 2018 - 14
Insights - January/February 2018 - 15
Insights - January/February 2018 - Ocean Carriers Focus on Continued Adjustment to Global Freight Network
Insights - January/February 2018 - 17
Insights - January/February 2018 - 18
Insights - January/February 2018 - Freight Report
Insights - January/February 2018 - 20
Insights - January/February 2018 - Voice of the Shipper
Insights - January/February 2018 - Intermodal Industry Participants Stand to Gain from Tax Bill
Insights - January/February 2018 - 23
Insights - January/February 2018 - Early Days of ELD Mandate Seem to Indicate Adjustment Period
Insights - January/February 2018 - 25
Insights - January/February 2018 - 26
Insights - January/February 2018 - Government News
Insights - January/February 2018 - New Members
Insights - January/February 2018 - International Intermodal News
Insights - January/February 2018 - 30
Insights - January/February 2018 - 31
Insights - January/February 2018 - Intermodal Calendar
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