Logistics firms must be ready to handle the increased data load created by greater automation and monitoring, claims Chesterfield-based software experts, Lobster.
The electronic data interchange (EDI) specialists are helping freight and delivery companies embrace the additional information available as technology advances.
Jeni Steele, Lobster’s head of UK, said: “Driverless trucks and highly automated warehouses are just some of the predictions for the future of the logistics sector. It is inevitable that such innovations – whatever form they take – will lead to more available data, which we believe will be key to improved productivity and profitability.”
Lobster’s flagship software already helps international logistics clients, such as Hermes and Kühne+Nagel, to process and manipulate the information they receive when tracking and monitoring orders and deliveries, saving time and money.
Lobster data enables various corporate systems to communicate with each other, exchanging thousands of files in any format and allowing mapping and new profiles to be set up in house. It carries no transaction fees and has the capacity to cope with busy periods without interruptions. Complementary packages are also available to manage supply chains, product information and e-commerce.
Jeni continued: “Lobster users enjoy the flexibility and customisable design of our EDI system, allowing communications that flow in and out of the business to be tracked and processed with speed and efficiency. I can’t promise our software will be controlling huge cavalcades of unmanned HGVs singlehandedly, but I can be sure that clients will be equipped with the tools to process and benefit from any additional information produced by advances in distribution.”
Austrian logistics giant, the Gartner Group, is not only using Lobster_data to control communication streams, but also to aid fleet management, reducing its investment in technology. Instead of using separate software to check tyre pressures, the system is configured to monitor every lorry arriving at its depot. It informs the driver and maintenance team automatically if the readings fall below specified values so remedial action can be taken straight away.
PICTURE: Jeni Steele, Lobster’s head of UK.
