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Descartes’ Bluetooth Low Energy air cargo tracking solution is typically used to monitor high-value shipments such as electronics and pharmaceuticals with the ability to monitor temperature, humidity, light and vibration.
Cathay Cargo integrated the technology into its Ultra Track service to provide real-time condition and location monitoring for a particularly valuable shipment of two giant pandas.
The solution was used to monitor An An and Ke Ke the giant pandas as they flew from Chengdu to Hong Kong, who enjoyed a first-class journey while the Cathay Cargo team used the IoT-based tracking capabilities to make sure the guests were flying in optimal conditions.
Cathay Cargo has been using Descartes’ solution as part of its Ultra Track cargo tracking service since 2021 to monitor the movement of high-value goods such as electronics, perishables and pharmaceuticals. The service is available at 29 airports across the airline’s network.
Frank Hung, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Descartes says Cathay Cargo wanted to monitor factors like shipment location, temperature, humidity and handling quality for timely and safe deliveries.
Cathay Cargo’s Operations Control Centre (OCC) uses the tracking solution to help prevent damage and recover services when disruption occurs.
The solution gives them real-time shipment data, respond to issues and initiate corrective action directly with ramp and cargo staff.
He says, “Customers can directly communicate with the OCC via live chat, enhancing transparency and responsiveness. Descartes’ solution enables this proactive monitoring and rapid response, which is essential for high-value and sensitive cargo.”
Monitoring requirements are different for live animal shipments due to the need to comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations as live animal need specialised attention for their comfort, safety and well-being throughout the journey.
Descartes’ air cargo tracking solution has had extensive real-world testing and validation, says Hung, who says the solution is distinguished by the seamless integration of Bluetooth Low Energy technology within tracking tags and gateways.
He says, “These gateways effectively aggregate Bluetooth® data and relay it via cellular networks, creating a robust, reliable tracking infrastructure or IoT network.”
Cathay Cargo exemplify the technology’s potential of equipping shipments with a Bluetooth Low Energy tag connected to a web-based portal to provide real-time visibility.
“This sophisticated approach redefines automated air shipment tracking, enhancing customer satisfaction through unmatched transparency and elevating service standards,” says Hung.
Since Cathay Cargo started using the solution in 2021, the airline team has helped Descartes refine the solution by enhancing functionality and adaptability.
Together, they have optimised tracking capabilities, streamlined workflows and advanced data integration to improve decision-making.
He says, “By addressing Cathay Cargo’s specific needs, we’ve not only increased the solution’s effectiveness but also supported their commitment to high service standards in a dynamic logistics landscape.”
Raising standards further
After any successful shipment, there are learnings to enhance future shipments even further.
The highest level of preparation is necessary to ensure resources are ready and tested in advance, which reduces setup time and avoids potential issues.
A quick post-shipment review allows parties to share valuable insights to refine processes.
Hung says, “By making these small adjustments, we can further enhance the effectiveness of future shipments.”
The ability to monitor shipments has advanced significantly in recent years and was accelerated by the pandemic, says Hung.
Transporting vaccines underscored the importance of real-time supply chain visibility, which led logistics and shipping stakeholders to adopt technologies for precise tracking and monitoring.
This made shipment monitoring a standard practice rather than an exception, says Hung.
“To stay ahead in this evolving landscape, companies like Descartes must integrate advanced monitoring solutions that track multiple parameters simultaneously, enhance data analytics capabilities to help predict anomalies, and improve customer communication by offering real-time data access through user-friendly platforms or APIs,” says Hung.
This article was published in the December 2024/January 2025 issue of Air Logistics International, click here to read the digital edition and click here to subscribe.