What can you really do with real-time cargo tracking and the global visibility it creates in your supply chain? Below are 6 typical supply chain disruptions that are best solved with supply chain visibility that is truly global.

Disruption #1: Unplanned opening

With global visibility, you are alerted instantly that there is an opening of your container, and its current location. This is made possible with real-time data collection from light sensors and location tracking. Even if it isn’t a theft incident, the alert allows you to promptly verify authorisation and stay on top of who is accessing your container. Without real-time visibility, you have an information delay. Hearing about the opening hours or days later means your response is entirely too late. 

Disruption #2: Theft incident

If a theft does occur, global visibility lets you follow your goods and everything that happens to them. This unbroken flow of tracking data is crucial to finding and retrieving stolen goods. Your chances are the absolute highest with seamless, real-time data. Not to mention, all your data surrounding the theft is critical information to optimise your theft prevention strategies.

Disruption #3: Shipment delay

With global visibility, ETA predictions are made possible and more accurate. This means that in the case of a shipment delay, you know as soon as possible. This instant insight is easily shared with stakeholders for contingency management – giving you the highest possible chance of delivering on time. If you are reliant on third parties to provide updates on delays, those chances decrease drastically.

Disruption #4: Route deviation or unplanned stop

Scenario: your shipment heads off on a detour without warning. Combining the power of real-time visibility of location and your designated waypoints, you know as soon as realistically possible that your shipment isn’t following the plan. If you rely on the driver or the logistics service provider, this information may never even surface.

Disruption #5: Shortage scenario

Nothing less than a global picture of your goods in transit can help you navigate shortage scenarios. Real-time updates on the location of resources helps you plan around shortages effectively with a coordinated response. If you don’t know where your goods and assets are – how could you possibly know how to orchestrate them?

Disruption #6: Unexpected change in modes of transport

Your global shipments go through long and winding journeys. Loading and unloading between multiple modes of transport is not uncommon. In the event of an unexpected change in transport mode, global visibility lets you continue keeping track with no extra settings or input. If you’re reliant on visibility technologies that don’t provide seamless coverage, unexpected delivery changes mean you are left in the dark.

Global supply chain visibility is the standard today

Overcoming both common and unusual supply chain disruptions is best done with global visibility. A global level of visibility means having access to all the information you need about your cargo in transit, not just isolated snapshots. That’s why it is vital to understand the difference between snapshots and global visibility when making investments into cargo tracking technologies to overcome shipping disruptions.

To learn more about creating global visibility with real-time cargo tracking, here’s the guide for you: