IT\\\


DG International sets its sights on Horizon


Essex, UK-based freight forwarder DG International has begun what it describes as a process of “digital transformation”, including developing a new Cloud-based bespoke IT system called Horizon designed to bring “end-to-end digitisation, visibility and integration to supply chain management”. Horizon has


digitalised DG


International’s internal processes and allows large amounts of data to be fed into an integrated fourth- party logistics (4PL) solution. It enables customers to request


quotes, book shipments and manage freight movements online. Through Control Tower, Horizon’s satellite tracking system, customers can see exactly where their shipments are on each journey. In addition, the platform’s Cloud-based advanced analytics and real-time reporting help


inform cost-saving decisions and drive business strategy. According to the cargo agent,


the introduction of Horizon has “revolutionised not just the external frameworks of DG International, but the internal soſtware on which DG International relies on to function”. By consolidating sales and


business processes together with freight management processes, including satellite tracking of vessels through to final mile delivery, Horizon brings together the internal digitalisation of DG International with an external platform for all customers. The multi-faceted digital


platform can handle all transport modes. Moreover, DG International points out that it is custom-built and can be tailored to different business objectives. James Appleby, managing


Hapag-Lloyd offers near-real-time reefers


Hamburg, Germany- headquartered container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd is enabling near real-time monitoring and tracking of its refrigerated (reefer) containers. A new capability, Hapag-


Lloyd LIVE, will offer users location and status of their reefer containers. The product will initially be launched to a select group of customers and will subsequently be made available across the line’s reefer fleet of 100,000 containers. The data made available will be displayed in a client- customisable form to include graphically presented temperature limits as well as the actual temperature, GPS location data and container track and trace events. A convenient map mode will


be available while all the data sets will be easily downloadable. Users will access the information in the Hapag-Lloyd Navigator dashboard interface, which was launched in December last year. The amount of information made available is expected


by Hapag-Lloyd to gradually increase “according to the needs of customers” as the roll out progresses. The Hapag-Lloyd LIVE


product will be available at a price premium and not for free use.


Lloyd


The development of Hapag- LIVE was driven


by


its customers’ demand for transparency and visibility of their containerised cold chain, says Olaf Habert, Smart Container project lead for Hapag- Lloyd. The fresh fruit, pharma and high-value segments of the line’s business will all see an immediate benefit, while he also confirms that “We are now exploring applications for other cargo types as well.” “At the core of our Strategy


2023 is an enhanced differentiation by offering unrivalled levels of reliability and service quality,” says Juan Carlos Duk, managing director global commercial


development for


the shipping line. “To be number one for quality is the ultimate promise to our customers and


director at DG International, says: “Horizon is transforming the way we work, bringing increased efficiency and cohesion to our business processes, whilst still providing the human touch through dedicated account managers and operational contacts. Moving everything onto one digital platform with access to real-time data and insights means our customers will be able to improve margins, streamline their efforts and scale their businesses faster than ever before.” Appleby considers: “Supply


chain visibility is no longer a nice to have, but an essential capability to remain competitive. Our ambition has always been to bring the entire supply chain and all its processes together, accessible and connected on one screen. That is what Horizon does.” Looking to the future, he


a strong differentiator from our competitor. “‘Hapag-Lloyd LIVE’ increases


significantly the


reliability of the global supply chain and the accountability of all parties involved. We are committed to the highest level of transparency by making data available unfiltered and untampered,” he advises. The remote container


monitoring devices are being developed by Globe Tracker ApS, a specialist in supply chain


visibility technology.


The transmitters will send data from the containers on which they are fitted whenever the vessel carrying the reefers is within mobile network reach – up to every 15 minutes when connected to a power source, otherwise every four hours. The


Hapag-Lloyd LIVE


technology will operate on 2G, 3G and 4G global networks. If there is no connectivity – as at sea – the data is saved and uploaded when it is next possible to do so. Haber confirms that Hapag-Lloyd is working with other carriers in the DCSA to agree on a standard for local vessel networks at the moment – which then would provide seamless transparency on all vessels.


DHL Global Forwarding has


upgraded its myDHLi Quote + Book instant online quotation and booking service to include DHL Ocean Direct FCL (full container load) volumes. myDHLi Quote + Book now


enables real-time bookings for air and ocean freight as well as door- to-door shipments, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The system enables customers to compare available options and


directly book the most suitable mode of transport at the required speed and price. Users can save any quotes they receive and share them with selected recipients via e-mail. Quotes are valid for up to 30 days. Users of myDHLi Quote + Book


can also choose to book cargo insurance with their shipment and reduce their carbon emissions by selecting an alternative fuel or an offsetting option.


Tim Scharwath, chief executive


of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, observes: “With the expansion of myDHLi Quote + Book, customers can now easily compare and book even more transport services online, be it less than container load or full container load, be it ocean or air freight. “This allows us to offer even


higher transparency and flexibility and thus adapt to current customer needs,” he points out.


Issue 3 2020 - Freight Business Journal


11


confirms: “We will continue to invest in and enhance features for Horizon. For example, phase two of its development will see the use of artificial intelligence to predict changing weather conditions and alert DG International and our customers.”


Staying at the forefront of the industry


Appleby and DG International’s Leah Samy, who pioneered the Horizon system’s design and implementation, tell FBJ about what lay behind the company’s move toward this technology. “As a business, DG has always aimed to stay at the forefront of the


industry. In 2019, it became clear that, if we wanted to execute the vision that we had to propel DG into the digital arena and put us ahead of our competitors, then we had to make some drastic changes. This started with our internal operational system. We wanted to build something that was flexible, secure and able to provide real time data internally and externally for our customers.” Horizon has been in


development for nearly a year. “It will never truly be finished as we will continually strive to improve the platform by collecting feedback from our staff and customers,” Appleby and Samy insist. In fact: “We have several


very exciting developments in the pipeline, many of which have come via customer suggestions.” Customer feedback continues


to play an important role in Horizon’s evolution. “Digital transformation is primarily about adapting to developing customer habits and demands”, they point out. “Technology is just the vehicle for achieving this. As a result, we’ve had several meetings with some of our largest customers about Horizon, who are all very excited to have their own communities built for them. The feedback has been extremely positive but also constructive, we are always looking at how we can improve customer service, and this is a great platform to implement some of those solutions. “An example of this is that a few


of our customers said it would be useful if they had access to a calendar that shows the specific slots when a delivery driver is available for final mile delivery. This ‘load board’ is now on our road map and will be rolled out to all our customers.”


Forward thinking, Forward moving Since purchasing ForwardOffice in 1998, our business


has evolved considerably. ForwardOffice has developed with us throughout this period. We have developed a


fruitful relationship with FCL and see them very much as a strategic partner, rather than just a software supplier.


Jerry Cook, IT Manager, Meachers Global Logistics


forwardcomputers.co.uk


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