A tracking and monitoring device for rail freight shipments on the New Silk Road has been developed by technology solution provider Arviem. The device provides shippers with real-time data on the condition of their cargo passing through each phase of its journey between Europe and China.

Transporting high value cargo across the New Silk Road by train imposes supply chains to various risks. There are severe temperature variations along the route as the train passes through the warm climate of China to the cold environment of Russia. Bearing in mind that cargo ferried along the railway is often temperature sensitive, manufacturers are putting in place mechanisms to monitor their goods ensuring the correct temperature is being maintained and mitigating the risks of disruptions, explained the company.

Tracking needs

Arviem developed its monitoring solution to respond to these clients’ monitoring and tracking needs. “After successfully completing the first monitoring missions on the Silk Road for a selected number of existing clients, Arviem is ready to offer the services to a wider range of companies”, says Mirko Schneider, Director of Sales at Arviem.

“Knowing where our cargo is at any time and being informed in real-time of its condition helps us to optimise our supply chain and mitigate the effect of disruptions. Thanks to this device we can compare various transport modes with respect to shock, temperature and humidity fluctuations and use this intelligence to select the best option for our global shipments”, said Marc Linten, Transportation Manager Logistics and Demand Chain at SKF.

Constant data stream

A constant data stream is displayed via a cloud-based supply chain visibility platform. The continuity of the monitoring service on remote locations, such as the steppes of Central Asia, is ensured by equipping containers with tracking devices that can transmit data both via satellite and GSM. Tracking devices are able to automatically switch to satellite communication whenever the GSM network in not accessible ensuring the elimination of logistics blind spots.

“Thanks to Arviem’s intelligent cargo monitoring solution, clients are empowered to make educated, well-informed operational decisions while staying in control of their cargo from its origin to its destination”, the company concluded.