What if you could calculate the real-time location of spot carriers using a Digital Twin?
Transport planners who work with spot carriers or ad-hoc carriers must be familiar with this challenge: you have no access to their real-time location data. "Where is the truck?" "When will it arrive?" When working with spot carriers, it can be difficult to answer these questions promptly. Spot carriers often do not have, or do not provide compatible systems to share their location data. For a temporary partnership, installing a new app is usually undesirable, and the cost of a full integration often outweighs the benefits.
Obtaining real-time location data
There are various ways to obtain location data from your carriers. Sometimes, this is contractually enforced. A more agreeable approach is to encourage carriers to share data by offering them valuable information in return, such as route optimisation or real-time traffic updates in the cabin. Additionally, it is possible to gather data via widely-used apps that drivers may already have installed.
But what if you could solve this problem without IT connections, integrations, or the need to install new software or systems? What if you could use a Digital Twin?
Location data using a Digital Twin
A Digital Twin is a digital representation or virtual copy of the real-world situation that uses real-time traffic data and historical trip information to provide insights, predict performance, and support decision-making. This digital environment can therefore be used to accurately predict the journey of a truck.
All you need is the truck’s exact departure time. The rest can be left to the simulation. The system uses real-time traffic information and historical data to calculate an expected arrival time (ETA), similar to real-time tracking.
If the situation on the road changes, the simulation can process interim updates and keep you informed of progress, even without a direct connection to the truck. This not only provides insight but also allows you to give customers reliable ETAs.
Therefore, a Digital Twin offers the ability to turn the lack of real-time information from spot carriers into a predictable and insightful solution. With the right tools, you can provide customers with reliable ETAs, even without a direct connection to the truck.
What do you think?
Could using a Digital Twin make a difference in your collaboration with spot carriers? We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!