10 BULKDISTRIBUTOR Asset Management January / February 2022
Nexxiot launches new big data hardware
Nexxiot has unveiled its latest gateway device for intermodal containers . The asset management company claims it will enable unparalleled big data-enabled traceability and visibility of critical assets . The Globehopper Edge ( pictured ) is a self-sustaining , zeromaintenance wireless connectivity device capable of transmitting thousands of data points every day from multiple onboard sensors that transmit crucial information about a container ’ s cargo such as precise location , temperature , environmental conditions and more . Designed to communicate in real time with Nexxiot Connect , the company ’ s customisable , cloud-based software solutions , Globehopper Edge is said to optimise asset utilisation through AI powered machine learning that has proven to impact on-time performance positively , asset management and achieve intermodal shipping efficiencies . Nexxiot CEO Stefan Kalmund said : “ Combining state-of-the-art sensors , gateways and global connectivity , Globehopper Edge is the most advanced cargo monitoring device in the world today with the present and future capabilities to provide our customers with the most accurate and reliable information possible about their cargo , ensuring unsurpassed accountability across all modes of shipping .” Custom engineered by Nexxiot ’ s own Zurich based R & D lab , Globehopper Edge is built using advanced engineering methods and is designed for effortless use . As with all devices in the company ’ s hardware suite , it is solar powered and built to provide zeromaintenance connectivity with a guaranteed lifetime of more than six years . The device is fitted to the outside of a standard container and is onboarded and paired within 90 seconds , providing access to essential data , powerful dashboards and actionable insights for many years . Kalmund added : “ Nexxiot is focused on the highest strategic level of supply chain digitisation and optimisation . We work in close collaboration with our clients and partners at the C-suite level to define optimal shipping performance outcomes , then deploy our technology to achieve those results . By remaining focused on the most impactful mega-trends across the shipping world , we are redefining the standards and capabilities for future-proof TradeTech .” Nexxiot co-founder Daniel MacGregor ’ s ambition is to reduce worldwide supply chain emissions by five percent over the next five years by preventing empty moves and by removing process inefficiencies around ports and shipping hubs . He said : “ We created Globehopper Edge to take that next step in trade facilitation . Aimed squarely at the 30 million standard intermodal containers that travel around the planet , the rugged IP65 , custom engineered , energy harvesting hardware provides unprecedented access to critical data to enable radical transformation for all participants and stakeholders in the global value network of trade , finance and transport .” Already a dominant presence in the digitisation of European cargo shipping , Nexxiot has been building up its Dallas-based US team of engineers and technicians to help fuel the company ’ s expansion throughout the North American market . The company went on to say that the Globehopper Edge arrives at a critical inflection point for the global shipping industry as an unprecedented 70 + container vessels languish off the coast of Los Angeles , unable to offload their cargo . “ The industry must come to grips with wide-scale supply-chain disruptions around commodities and consumer products as well as a total lack of asset and cargo transparency on a global scale ,” Nexxiot stated .
Fuel transporter aims for ER Status
Road haulage firm AD fuels is working to secure Earned
Recognition ( ER ) status and improve its fleet efficiency . The company ’ s ER goal is being supported with the help of compliance control and fleet management software systems from both TruTac and Microlise . According to AD Fuels managing director Jon Mayes , the transport team now has everything on one platform making complete fleet control easier , thanks to single sign on ( SSO ) between the two systems . All data is remotely captured , securely transferred and instantly accessible , saving time , increasing accuracy and virtually eliminating the risk of either duplication or human error . “ The integrated compliance portal from TruTac is easy to use and looks after everything from driver ’ s hours and vehicle checks to licence details and workshop schedules . The Microlise system focuses on improving driver behaviour and delivers value-add benefits such as fuel reduction ,” he says . From its Worthing base in the South of England , AD Fuels collects from gas suppliers and delivers to end users throughout the UK , supporting a range of industries and businesses including LNG and CNG suppliers , anaerobic digestion operators and local authorities . Fuel transport , explains Mayes , requires maximum safety and compliance , plus every aspect of the fleet operation must run like clockwork and be open to scrutiny and checks . In this regard , he says the data captured and digitally stored by the TruTac and Microlise systems spans a wide range of driver and vehicle activity which can be accessed and retrieved from any portal for auditing and compliance checks at any time . By using TruFleet on a tablet or any terminal , the workshop team can instantly view planned maintenance , inspections , MOTs and repairs , while adding calendar reminders for tax , insurance and service intervals . Furthermore , inspection sheets can be instantly uploaded and if needed , the system can also manage multiple garages , schedules and bookings . Meanwhile , complying with Working Time Directive regulations is made simple for AD Fuels by using TruTac ’ s time and attendance clocking system , TruTime . Using digital tachograph driver cards , TruTime supports duty of care and H & S obligations , plus HR records for holidays , absences and shift activity . Also , by integrating with TruTac ’ s TruAnalysis module , TruTime monitors and controls each driver ’ s working hours and calculates lead-in and lead-out times , by comparing clocked time with tachograph start and / or end times . “ In essence ” says Mayes , “ our drivers have far greater control over their own performance . For example , via the TruTac App , every driver can receive instant information regarding their infringements , and debriefings can also be done via the App – digitally signed , sealed and stored on the system .”
. trutac . co . uk