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What service does the Booking Control Tower offer and who is it suitable for?
Ralf Boelicke: The Booking Control Tower supports compliance with transport contracts concluded with forwarders and carriers by enabling continuous monitoring of the individual processes. Carrier management provides a precise insight into the booking, processing and execution of the agreed services so that customers’ requirements regarding the availability of goods are met. Its core function is based on the concept of Supply Chain Visibility and exception management and includes real-time tracking, performance monitoring, performance analysis, contract management and reporting. Above all, companies that have high demands on Supply Chain Transparency or need to coordinate a large number of suppliers and service providers and are dependent on efficient, time-critical deliveries benefit from a Booking Control Tower.
How exactly does the Booking Control Tower work?
Ralf Boelicke: Once goods have been ordered and booked by forwarders or carriers, the transport contracts, including conditions, details and individual agreements, are managed in a centralized system. To be up-to-date about the progress and smooth running of the transport, customers are given insight into the individual process steps. The Booking Agent monitors compliance with the agreed framework – for example, whether the service providers are adhering to the pick-up and delivery times, routes and specialized service level agreements (SLVs). Thanks to real-time monitoring and performance analysis based on quality indicators, deviations can be quickly identified and those responsible can react immediately to take corrective measures – whether by switching to other options or communicating immediately with the parties involved.
A combination of real-time monitoring, performance analysis and feedback loops is used to ensure the agreed quality of logistics services. For this purpose, we use advanced tracking and monitoring tools for our Booking Control Tower. Key KPIs include the best possible management of contracts, punctuality and the condition of deliveries. These are clearly presented in dashboards and regular reports.
Which technologies are crucial for the effectiveness of Booking Control Tower?
Ralf Boelicke: The technological foundation is laid by our ticket system and GPM as well as the integration of monitoring solutions. In this way, we ensure a smooth planning, execution and optimization of transport processes as well as a fast and location-independent exchange of information between participants of the supply chain. It is important to continuously generate data on the location and condition of the goods as well as compliance with transportation times in order to enable a direct review of the carrier’s performance against the contractual agreements.
In addition, blockchain technology can be used for increased security and transparency in document management. This applies especially to international transportation, where customs and import/export documentation is also important.
How can a company implement a Booking Control Tower?
Ralf Boelicke: A phase-oriented approach is recommended for implementation, which begins with a detailed analysis of the existing supply chain processes. This is followed by the conceptualization and technical implementation, with a particular focus on the scalability and flexibility of the solutions in order to meet future, changing requirements. A modern and robust IT infrastructure forms the backbone of an effective Booking Control Tower. By avoiding data silos and relying on intelligent workflows instead, our customers increase their responsiveness. Using Data Management and analytics, data on the performance of forwarders and carriers can be collected, evaluated and used to predict delivery delays or optimize processes. The development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) is also important in order to promote uniform working methods and ensure a high quality of service.
How does the Booking Control Tower differ from other traditional logistics solutions?
Ralf Boelicke: Many logistics solutions are fragmented and reactive, whereas the Booking Control Tower takes a proactive, integrated approach. With our service, the supply chain can be continuously monitored and analyzed. The use of innovative technologies promotes the identification and resolution of non-compliance and offers significantly greater adaptability and speed of response compared to traditional booking monitoring. The latter is often characterized by manual processes, data silos and limited visibility. Companies can take advantage of the benefits and transparently track whether transport bookings and logistics processes are being carried out in accordance with the agreed conditions. After all, punctual deliveries of goods are of fundamental importance in order to satisfy customers and strengthen your own competitiveness.
Mr. Boelicke, thank you very much for the interview.
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