7.4 Ports and Their Impact on the Global Supply Chain {#SupplyChain-Seaport impact}

  1. An efficient supply chain relies on optimized relationships, effective technology, excellent information sharing and streamlined infrastructure.
  2. Port efficiency impacts organizations throughout the supply chain—suppliers, manufacturers, logistics service providers (LSPs), freight forwarders, cargo shipping lines and others.
Ports and Their Impact on the Global Supply Chain

(#fig:Figure 7.3)Ports and Their Impact on the Global Supply Chain

  1. Some of the problems with the current port system and discuss possible solutions to help streamline port and downstream supply chain operations:

A Lack of Visibility into Container Status Impacts Forward Planning

A supply chain platform that integrates with port and terminal systems with a minimum of extra configuration A centralized view of container status and information, so one can see where all your shipments are at a glance Detailed container content information, so you can link specific supplies, parts and finished products back to loading, unloading and transportation schedules

  1. An Increase in Demand on Ports Can Make Carriers Less Efficient

Deep analytics into exactly how ports are processing your shipments Predictive forecasting and modeling so you can proactively make changes to your fleet operations At-a-glance and in-depth reporting on the movement of goods so you can quickly identify and resolve potential issues

  1. Infrastructure and Transportation Within and Around a Port Makes a Big Difference

Optimize routing and fleet transport through artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics Accurate tracking of exactly where your containers, trucks, chassis and other assets are through GPS positioning Take into account specialized handling needs for different types of sensitive goods

  1. Environmental Factors Can Impact on Ports and the Supply Chain

The latest updates from air, ocean, rail and motor carriers Communications from airport, marine and rail terminals Data from electronic logging devices, automated information systems and GPS location services Air traffic, weather alerts and maritime conditions

  1. Specialized Port Arrangements Can Take Advantage of a Centralized Supply Chain Platform