Strengthening supply chain disruption preparedness through connectivity and communication enhances logistics strategies to address today’s global trade uncertainties and challenges. Forwarders must have access to timely information about disruptive supply chain events to quickly manage exceptions, whether weather-related, geopolitical, health-related, due to labor issues or another event.
Establishing effective and secure digital connectivity with parties to a shipment allows a simple, yet critical way for all global trading partners to improve supply chain resiliency, flexibility and safety.
Effective, cloud-based communication and collaboration empowers shipment partners to proactively identify disruptive events, assess their impact, and explore alternative solutions. To maintain production schedules, on-time deliveries, and meet customer expectations, it’s crucial to swiftly evaluate supply chain and logistics options, such as alternate routes, backup storage facilities, port gateways and transportation modes.
Additionally, when expanding into new markets, a secure, globally connected network provides access to new business partners, including agents for local and regional logistics expertise. These partners bring valuable knowledge and on-the-ground support to facilitate reliable freight movements.
By participating in a collaborative industry network that securely connects global shipping industry participants, 24/7, organizations can swiftly address disruptions and capitalize on business opportunities, effectively navigating unique market and infrastructure conditions.
Worldwide Connected Network
Adopting a cloud-based, connected global network with a community of users allows freight forwarders to access logistics and market information from across the globe and electronically exchange transactional information, including shipping documentation.
This network of worldwide trading partners is a connected digital ecosystem that enhances supply chain visibility, predictability and control. A collaborative, global industry network offering timely, direct peer-to-peer connections helps facilitate reliable origin-to-destination cargo flows. Information can be exchanged faster, more securely and more accurately when sent electronically in the cloud.
The goal is for all parties to a shipment to be quickly informed of disruptive situations so they can work together to find solutions. By notifying shippers as early as possible, shipment exceptions can be addressed and unanticipated costs minimized.
Moreover, proactive communication supports better coordination between a logistics provider’s team and a shipper’s operations and logistics group to re-establish operational and logistics schedules. This collaborative exercise fosters the development of alternative solutions to get cargo flows back on track. Forwarders achieve greater customer satisfaction with this proactive and timely outreach.
Another significant benefit is the ability to process shipping documentation electronically which improves data accuracy, efficiency and processing speeds. End-to-end transactional information flows smoothly streamlining traditionally time-consuming, tedious manual phone calls and emails. Participants can immediately transfer all necessary shipment and customs documents electronically eliminating errors that occur with manual data entry, ultimately lowering costs.
In the Cloud
Cloud-based technology is a reliable global communication choice. It is less vulnerable than on-premises installations to hazardous weather events and offers greater flexibility, access to data and reliability when disruptions occur.
Relying on old, on-premises systems is limiting, especially if you cannot physically travel to your headquarters. Businesses with modern, connected, cloud-based systems with redundancy built in can pivot more quickly by working remotely to access important online business data for effective business continuity and decision-making.
Cargo Insurance- Safeguarding Shipments
Cargo insurance protects shippers from loss or damage to cargo during transit. Cargo should be adequately insured for any potential damage caused by weather events or other disruptions. Insurance policies and terms should be tailored to a cargo’s value and be evaluated for any exclusions that could limit coverage.
Cargo insurance provides peace of mind for both shippers and freight forwarders. It ensures them in the event of unforeseen events such as accidents, theft or natural disasters. The cargo is protected, and financial losses are covered.
Logistics Tech Security
The global shipping community is increasingly impacted by scams, spam, and cyber-attacks. With these ongoing risks, it’s essential to electronically transmit shipment documentation via a secure network.
Networked communication has encrypted data and uses authentication to verify a user’s credibility. It is much more secure than email, which is known for its risk of data breaches and can easily fall into the wrong hands. Additionally, as part of a global network, trading partners can rely on an outside firm for its established cybersecurity protocols and ongoing security updates. This alleviates the burden on businesses to manage this critically important aspect of their business.
Collaboration, connectivity and communication are indispensable enablers for today’s global supply chains, which are marked by uncertainty, disruptive events and evolving market dynamics. Seamless global connectivity fosters robust partnerships and facilitates high-value digital networks to strengthen supply chains and logistics against disruption while creating new business opportunities.
Digitized communication platforms provide secure communication and reliable data exchange to support resilient, efficient supply chains. Strategic planning, greater connectivity and streamlined collaboration reduce the impact of disruptive events, enhancing logistics and supply chain performance and bottom-line results.
