Leveraging Technology for Real-Time Shipment Tracking and Visibility

The ability to track shipments in real-time has become a critical component of efficient supply chain management. As businesses strive to meet ever-increasing customer expectations for speed and transparency, leveraging cutting-edge technology for shipment tracking and visibility has become essential. Here, we explore the transformative impact of technology on shipment tracking and highlights how Ziegler’s innovative solutions are leading the way in this digital revolution.

The Evolution of Shipment Tracking

Gone are the days when tracking a package meant calling a customer service line and waiting for manual updates. The advent of digital technologies has ushered in a new era of real-time visibility, allowing shippers and recipients to monitor their goods at every step of the journey. From GPS and RFID tags to IoT sensors and blockchain, a myriad of technologies now work in concert to provide unprecedented levels of transparency and control.

Real-time tracking offers numerous benefits:

Enhanced customer satisfaction: Customers can access up-to-the-minute information about their shipments, reducing anxiety and increasing trust.
Improved operational efficiency: Logistics providers can optimise routes, predict delays, and proactively address issues.
Reduced losses and theft: Constant monitoring helps prevent loss and quickly identify any irregularities.
Better inventory management: Real-time data enables more accurate forecasting and just-in-time inventory practices.
Increased sustainability: Optimised routes and reduced empty miles contribute to lower carbon emissions.

Ziegler’s Cutting-Edge Solutions

Recognising the critical importance of real-time visibility, Ziegler has developed two powerful applications that are revolutionising the way businesses manage their shipments: Ziegler Order Entry (ZOE) and Easy Track.

Ziegler Order Entry (ZOE)

ZOE is a game-changing platform that streamlines the entire order entry process. This intuitive application allows users to:

Quickly create and submit shipping orders
Access real-time quotes and transit times
Track shipments from pickup to delivery
Manage documentation electronically
Generate customised reports

By centralising these functions in one user-friendly interface, ZOE significantly reduces administrative burden and minimises the risk of errors. The result is a more efficient, cost-effective shipping process that keeps customers informed every step of the way.

Easy Track

Complementing ZOE, Easy Track takes shipment visibility to the next level. This powerful tracking tool provides:

Real-time GPS tracking of shipments
Customisable alerts and notifications
Detailed shipment history and status updates
Integration with other supply chain systems
Mobile access for on-the-go monitoring

Easy Track empowers businesses with the information they need to make informed decisions, proactively address potential issues, and keep their customers satisfied. By providing granular visibility into the shipping process, Easy Track helps companies optimise their supply chains and stay ahead of the competition.

The Future of Shipment Tracking: MyZiegler

As impressive as ZOE and Easy Track are, Ziegler is not resting on its laurels. We are currently trialling an exciting new platform called MyZiegler in Belgium, with plans to roll it out to other countries, including the UK, in the near future.

MyZiegler promises to be a comprehensive, all-in-one solution that combines the best features of ZOE and Easy Track while adding new functionalities to further enhance the user experience. Whilst the program goes through the latter stages of refinement, the final package of MyZiegler will offer:

Advanced analytics and predictive capabilities
Seamless integration with customers’ existing systems
Enhanced collaboration tools for stakeholders across the supply chain
Customisable dashboards for at-a-glance insights
Artificial intelligence-powered route optimisation and risk assessment

The introduction of MyZiegler demonstrates Ziegler’s commitment to continuous innovation and its dedication to providing customers with the most advanced shipment tracking and visibility tools available.

Embracing the Digital Future

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the future of shipment tracking looks brighter than ever. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to the Internet of Things and 5G networks, emerging technologies promise to make tracking even more precise, predictive, and valuable.

By leveraging these advancements, we are are not just improving visibility; we’re transforming the entire logistics landscape. Real-time tracking is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for businesses looking to thrive in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.