Here at Fargo Systems we believe strongly that one of the major benefits of the Internet is the ability to cheaply and transparently transfer data between different systems, without needing specialist software or network links. Where traditionally EDI was utilised, new data standards are emerging such as XML and with TCP/IP becoming the de-facto standard for networking, new methods of inter-communicating systems allow even the smallest of companies to exchange information over the Internet. In the shipping and haulage industries we believe that "Business-to-Business", (or "B2B"), information transactions will significantly increase the efficiency and reduce costs in the flow of information between parties. This is what, in our sector of industry we call "e-Commerce".
That is not to say that there is not a place for "Business-to-Consumer", (or "B2C"), transactions in the transportation industry: of course there is. Customers should be able to visit a website and receive customised quotations and convert these into confirmed job orders together with having the ability to interrogate a suppliers website to find out the status of a consignment, or to report on the jobs of the previous month.
There is a distinction above between B2B and B2C. Here at Fargo Systems, we tend to think of B2B, as opposed to B2C, as not requiring a visit to a website. Instead, the different systems in the supply chain can automatically trigger events, (such as raising job orders, confirming rates, etc.), without any intervention required on the part of the user. Information can be exchanged transparently using the transport of the Internet and the level of encryption required depending on the sensitivity of the data.
To find out more about how we can help streamline your processes and enable B2B solutions between yourselves and your customers and/or suppliers, please do get in touch and we would be happy to come and discuss this with you.
WAP, (or "Wireless Application Protocol") is a new transport protocol allowing mobile devices such a mobile phone to access the Internet. Whilst it is somewhat limited in terms of the speed at which data is transferred, and thus limiting the applications or websites that are worth viewing, there are nonetheless certain applications that are perfectly suited to this new technology. One such example is the ability via a menu system of updating a central database with certain snippets of information.
Fargo Systems have developed a software solution to allow drivers to view and update information on the TOPS haulage system using WAP-enabled mobile phones.
Drivers can update the date and time of Jobs and also update the container number for export jobs without having to make a telephone call into the transport office. This is a great improvement over previous systems and allows the traffic desk operators to concentrate on the job in hand instead of answering calls from drivers and having to key in information into the system.