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With advancements in digital technology, shipping digitalization and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly relevant in the shipping industry.
Why is that so?
When shipping companies embrace shipping digitalization, they fast-track existing processes, breathe new life into supply chains, and enjoy many other benefits.
But this comes with some challenges.
Let’s explore everything you should consider before incorporating new technologies.
Digital freight forwarding enables faster processing speed and more autonomy for freight forwarders. These benefits are attractive to shipping companies and customers, giving the industry businesses a big boost.
Shipping digitalization can also help the industry take a step towards its zero carbon footprint goals through enhanced operational efficiency.
And that’s not all!
By introducing digital technology solutions, the sector can enjoy better quality control, data-backed planning strategies, and swift decision-making.
So, overall, it enables sustainable operations, better competitive advantages, and an improved customer experience.
Let’s look at how you can get started.
Here are three steps you can take to embrace digital transformation.
Start with doing data collection on the market — the strategy of other providers (your competitors) and the efficiency and competence of your company. Look at ship deployment processes, cost breakdowns, and your current container shipping lines.
Then use information systems to compile all the data, make realistic comparisons, and identify the most effective changes. From there, develop a detailed yet realistic implementation plan.
Find new technologies that align with your business model to help fast-track processes that need change. New technologies like software can help streamline operations, analyze big data for smart shipping decision-making, and identify further scope for improvement.
Finally, fully embrace shipping digitalization by implementing your chosen plan. However, do watch out for potential issues.
For example, when the software isn’t integrating well with your air or maritime shipping system or when your staff isn’t properly trained to use the software. You can then take the necessary steps to address these issues.
You could also monitor your progress to identify where things are improving. You can then use that information to plan and implement a long-term strategy.
Now that you know where to start, let’s look at the advantages of doing so.
Here’s what you can look forward to with digitizing your shipping business:
Using digital platforms to improve your supply chain visibility can increase your profits.
In fact, a World Bank report mentions that digital technology can help improve shipping efficiency and processes for the logistics industry.
For example, the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) ensures businesses can securely share documents electronically, helping establish uniformity across the maritime logistics industry.
It tries to ensure everyone enjoys the same benefits, like:
In fact, most businesses avoid paper air waybills (AWBs) since eAWBs make generation and submission effortless.
Want in on the action? Then check out Shipthis’ fantastic eAWB submission feature!
No one likes to be left on read.
We all want fast responses!
And that’s what you’ll get by adopting shipping digitalization — enhanced supply chain visibility and easier customer interaction.
Real-time updates and accurate timelines can ensure you’re always on top of things. This data can help everyone in your shipping business, from ship operators to container managers, stay afloat.
What do we mean?
Access to the latest data about the industry and each vessel will ensure you’re always aware of regulation changes and can prepare for any possible delays.
You can also provide accurate and quick responses to your clients (boosting customer experience) if they have any queries regarding vessel location, cargo condition, etc.
Freight forwarders can enjoy complete transparency and accurate real-time information with Shipthis’ Track and Trace feature.
The digital age brings along vast amounts of information that, if applied correctly, can enhance functionality.
For example, let’s take maritime shipping as an example.
Quick responses to sudden changes in the maritime supply chain will give digital maritime companies a boost. They can efficiently react to challenges in a way that prevents significant losses for the company and reduces the effect on the world economy.
How do maritime shipping companies do this?
By implementing ocean freight software!
The software’s predictive analysis can help enhance functionality. Freight forwarders, ship operators, and container managers can discover the best options to navigate natural disasters and geopolitical tensions.
Businesses can use digital solutions, like freight accounting software, to predict market and industry trends.
By optimizing aspects like crew spending, maintenance, and the procurement process, businesses can make smart financial choices. Without digital solutions, you might miss out on volume discounts and delivery-pool savings when purchasing from suppliers. This increases your unplanned spending.
Here’s how digitalization can help your shipping business:
Regulators, like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are concerned about the impact of the maritime sector on ecosystems.
As such, there are several sustainability initiatives and regulations to ensure companies are going green by embracing smart shipping. Some of these regulations include pollution tax and mandatory reporting of carbon footprint and emissions for businesses.
But here’s the thing:
Businesses can stay compliant with digital freight management platforms. Such software solutions allow for route optimization of maritime transport that conserves fuel and ensures quick resolutions to leaks or spills.
Here’s how the logistics industry is minimizing its environmental impact with Electronic Airway Bills.
The most critical operation when shipping is navigation.
Any mishap or oversight while manually working the system could be catastrophic.
Maritime technologies can streamline and automate dangerous or difficult operations. Thus reducing the opportunity for incidents at sea or in port.
How so?
Advanced tools that use artificial intelligence, deep learning algorithms, and big data analytics can ensure safe maritime transport navigation.
These tools can provide accurate weather and natural disaster predictions so you can make the safest container shipping lines decision. Plus, advancements could eventually lead to autonomous ships.
But wait, there are other things to consider.
Below are aspects to know before implementing shipping digitalization:
Some stakeholders think testing the implementation of digital technologies is a waste of time and money. They consider it a risk since the shipping industry has low-profit margins, and they need to find ways to cut operational costs.
But here’s the thing:
This fear of shipping software is misguided.
Investments in shipping software are only risky when you try to implement several tools simultaneously. So, it’s best to identify which tools would make the most impact and start integrating them into your business slowly.
When done right, businesses can reap immeasurable benefits through digital technologies.
Ready to join the digital revolution?
Become a leader in the freight industry with Shipthis’ comprehensive freight forwarding solution.
Businesses seem to prioritize data protection over data sharing. This creates a barrier within the community as some maritime companies embrace open data sharing, and others don’t.
What’s more?
Some technologies rely on data sharing to predict future events and help businesses make realistic plans to deal with disruptions. These digital platforms can ensure accurate monitoring of operations and ensure better safety.
Opting to share data benefits the entire sector, and it can encourage a quicker transition to a digital-oriented industry.
Attacks on digital infrastructure could devastate a business. This is why some ship managers aren’t willing to forgo legacy business processes that are safe from cyber attacks.
Yes, cyber attacks are troublesome.
They can directly affect operations, reducing profitability.
But what scares companies is that they’ll need to spend more money to upgrade and rebuild their infrastructure after profitability has already decreased.
No thanks, right?
However, software companies regularly update and improve their digital systems to reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
As a freight forwarder or ship owner, you could also implement preventive plans to deal with these threats, like having data backups and running regular vulnerability scans.
The demand for better, faster, and improved e-commerce operations has reached the shipping industry. It’s up to all stakeholders in the supply chain to join the digital revolution and become the best version of themselves.
Plus, Shipthis can help freight forwarders go digital effortlessly!
Schedule a demo of Shipthis’ comprehensive freight forwarding software to take the first steps of your digitalization journey today.
