Jan/Feb 2004

A host of advanced consignment tracking and reporting technologies are to be embraced by Emirates SkyCargo, the fast-growing Gulf-based airline, as it strives for further market differentiation to support what it describes as "phenomenal growth".

The company says its new system will be the first in the cargo industry to feature barcoding and embedded-chip technology based on RFID (radio frequency identification) and GPS for tracking equipment and shipments. The aim is to be able to inform customers about the exact whereabouts of shipments throughout the world in real time.

Information will be distributed primarily via the Internet. The aim is to offer customers "a seamless, transparent communication pipeline that accurately and conveniently captures information at source."

The system will also enable Emirates to track its own ULDs (unit load devices) and other equipment in airports around the world, reducing the losses currently incurred on these.

 

Hardware envisaged for the project includes PDAs, tablet PCs, mobile printers and other mobile data capture devices. No hardware or software suppliers have yet been named, but the intention is to roll out the system by the end of next year, so contracts are presumably in the pipeline. The system is being co-developed with Mercator, the airline's IT division.

Emirates has already aroused interest with a new ground handling and warehouse software system, Chameleon, which it plans to deploy at its Dubai hub by April this year. Meanwhile, SkyChain, its "one-stop" Web shop, is said to be handling 100,000 transactions a month.