Real-time cargo monitoring

Ocean carriers, manufacturers, retailers and governments will be able to share reliable, real-time cargo shipment information worldwide.

Intelligent Trade Lane addresses three of the most critical challenges facing the logistics industry today:

security, shipment visibility and data standardisation. They say there are too many information “black holes” in the supply chain due to the many different players involved, lack of data standards and various systems, and they continue to affect supply chain control and increase security risk.

IBM and Maersk have integrated two key emerging technologies for the first time: Intelligent real-time tracking devices, called TREC (Tamper-Resistant Embedded Controllers), and a global data network to store and provide information to all supply chain partners in near-real-time.

The wireless TREC devices incorporate significant processing power enabling them to instantly receive and send critical data, including location, temperature and notification if the container is opened or closed. The devices automatically collect this information, which is then linked to an integrated network, eliminating manual processes, and enabling accredited supply chain participants access to relevant data.

A company or government organisation will know where its cargo shipments are at any given time, and their condition and position in any process, such as Customs clearance, during weather delays or strikes.