Depending on where your function in the supply chain lies, visibility can take on a number of different definitions. The widely accepted understanding of visibility refers to the ability to track and monitor a route or specific cargo and/or vessels throughout the supply chain, but ‘visibility’ as a broad term contains so much more than just being able to locate where a shipment is. A solid visibility solution provides the ability to identify and minimize risks, helps businesses meet customer expectations, and ensures on-time deliveries to avoid supply chain disruptions. In fact, in a recent survey conducted by McKinsey & Company, it was reported that respondents who implemented digital dashboards for end-to-end supply chain visibility were twice as likely as others to avoid supply chain problems.
But, as with any rapidly developing technology, not all visibility solutions are created equal. For example, some are mode-dependent while others have multimodal features, which is especially helpful for companies seeking global traceability across various modes.
Supply chain modes like trucking, ocean, and rail transport offer a number of solutions for visibility. Telematics systems, used primarily in trucking, provide real-time data on vehicle location, speed, fuel consumption, and engine diagnostics. Transportation management systems (TMS) are another important visibility tool. These software platforms allow companies to plan, execute, and optimize the movement of goods, offering visibility into shipment status and carrier performance. In rail freight, cloud computing, IoT sensors, and data analytics are all being employed to improve real-time tracking of goods. GPS tracking and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags are other tools used throughout the supply chain to improve visibility by automatically and continuously providing real-time information on the location and status of items as they move through the supply chain.
Until recently, more innovative technologies have not been applied to domestic marine transportation, yet the need for visibility remains. So what tools can you use to solve some of the most disruptive obstacles in domestic marine transportation? Read on to find out.
Challenge #1: Detecting Breakaways
Barge breakaways are one of the most catastrophic risks in terms of domestic marine travel, but also unfortunately one of the ever-present challenges of the trade. A barge breakaway is when a barge becomes unmoored and can cause damage to people, the environment, the economy, and infrastructure. One potential barge breakaway consequence is collisions with other vessels. A loose barge can collide with other ships, which can injure crew members, damage other ships, or even cause fatalities.
Breakaways also pose a significant risk to instructure. A drifting barge can collide with bridges, which can cause structural damage, resulting in costly repairs and potential bridge closures. Depending on the severity of the damage, these consequences could reverberate for months or even years.
In terms of environmental consequences, many barges carry hazardous materials. In the event of a breakaway, these toxic substances may be released into waterways, as was the case a few years back in the Ohio River. This contamination harms aquatic life, degrades water quality, and can lead to lasting impacts on entire ecosystems.
The good news? Many breakaways can be mitigated with adequate planning. The best way to prevent costly and dangerous consequences is to detect breakaways early. Comprehensive visibility tools can alert operators to unusual movements, helping to prevent incidents entirely or avoid escalation.
BargeOS monitors barge positions continuously, providing real-time status updates and to-the-minute reporting and sending immediate alerts when unusual movements are detected, allowing operators to respond swiftly. This feature is crucial in supporting quick decision-making to ensure operator vigilance in addressing issues before they escalate.
Challenge #2: Optimizing Scheduling (and reducing downtime)
Though visibility is an important tool when it comes to mitigating risk, it isn’t just about safety. Research has also shown that the deployment of tracking/tracing applications can also deliver value in creating operational efficiency. Operating at peak efficiency can reduce idle time throughout the supply chain, improving labor and capacity utilization and increasing customer satisfaction.
For example, visibility tools help support streamlined scheduling. For more time-sensitive freight such as construction materials or project cargo, shippers can use visibility tools to identify opportunities for improved routing, eliminating or reducing unnecessary stops, and ensuring project timelines continue as planned. For bulk commodities, time may be less of a concern, but recent findings on the fragility of the “just-in-time” supply chain have shown us that bulk shippers benefit from enhanced visibility as well. Tracking and tracing technologies, and the ability of organizations to implement the data they deliver, improve scheduling overall and prevent critical impacts to the downstream supply chain. With more accurate and reliable delivery windows for cargo, shippers can also increase customer satisfaction through enhanced communication between parties.
For barge transportation specifically, BargeOS provides a new opportunity to enhance efficiency. BargeOS goes beyond basic tracking by providing advanced ETA predictions. This feature empowers companies to streamline their scheduling, minimize unexpected delays, and fine-tune their routes. By incorporating real-time traffic and weather information, the system enables more efficient and responsive logistics management.
Challenge #3: Predicting Delays and Managing Risks
Marine transportation means dealing with the potential for a number of route disruptions, including but not limited to unexpected weather and port congestion. The recent Ever Given incident in the Suez Canal brought port congestion and the delayed arrival of cargo into the news and revealed just how consequential delays can be.
We’re still feeling the effects of the pandemic here in US ports, with unprecedented port congestion on both the East and West coasts in the past few years, which can cause chaos along marine routes and have a sizable financial strain on operators. And more transportation disruptions loom, with labor negotiations potentially impacting both rail and port activities.
Anticipating these challenges and adapting plans accordingly, and nimbly, requires advanced visibility. As with most risk management, an offensive approach vs. a reactionary stance will put you in the position to minimize impact. Reducing the element of surprise helps operators manage risks proactively, avoiding costly delays and maintaining smoother operations.
Using BargeOS can help you leverage data analytics to predict delays. BargeOS can also suggest alternative routes, helping operators make informed decisions quickly.
The Future of Visibility in Domestic Marine Transportation
Visibility tools are one of the most powerful solutions when it comes to arming yourself against marine transportation disruptions and bolstering peak efficiency and safety.
Continuous monitoring of vessel locations helps identify potential hazards, such as nearby ships, navigational obstacles, or adverse weather conditions, allowing for timely interventions. In terms of efficiency, visibility equals optimized routing, which allows for dynamic route adjustments, helping vessels avoid congested areas or unfavorable weather, which reduces travel time and fuel consumption. And there’s also the benefit of increased operational control that visibility offers by providing a comprehensive view of operations, allowing for better decision-making and coordination among various stakeholders. Real-time data also allows companies to track performance metrics, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements in processes.
When you discover that visibility is so much more than just knowing where things are, and that it’s really about how you use that data to make smarter, safer, and more profitable decisions, you’ve cracked the code for improved operations overall.
Want to learn more about OpenTug’s visibility solutions and how they can help you conquer domestic maritime transportation obstacles? Learn more here.
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