Being branded as OWL360', the customized system provides shippers with a total view of their product including purchase order and item level.
The system automatically and proactively communicates to both customers and any of their trade partners through alerts and reports.
According to Alan Baer, OWL's president, until now, this type of robust system has only been available to the world's largest importers. 'We have definitely taken standard industry cargo tracking and tracing to the next level. Many of our medium to small sized shippers were looking for the same visibility advantage that large importers have access to, so we made it available to everyone. By giving our customers a high level of detail through shipment alerts and reports, we supply a tangible advantage including real time global visibility of their shipment details, automated communication and customized reports,' said Baer.
'Our goal with OWL360' was to improve the flow of information among all partners in the supply chain to enhance the speed and predictability of cargo. Our customers tell us that OWL360' helps them to make high level supply chain decisions by providing the real time and detailed tracking visibility they needed,' said Baer.
One such customer is OSRAM, a leader in lighting solutions. 'OWL360' benefits our global supply chain and supports our commitment to customer satisfaction,' said Wayne J. Withers Jr., supply chain analyst for OSRAM. 'Just about anyone can quickly learn the system and navigate through the different features.'
OWL360' delivers custom reports by trade lane, KPI and cycle time capabilities to assist with high level routing and supply chain decisions. 'Two of the most utilized components of the system are the customer notification and the 'DC empty container available for pick up' program,' said Baer. 'The system reduces transportation costs, while improving inventory levels, order cycles times, on-time and complete delivery, and staff productivity.'
Another shipper using OWL360' is Coleman Cable Inc., a leading manufacturer and innovator of electrical and electronic wire and cable products for the security, sound, telecommunications, electrical construction, retail, commercial, industrial, irrigation, HVAC and automotive markets. 'OWL360' allows us to track import delivered containers directly with the most up-to-date information,' said Priscilla O'Dell, import/export coordinator.
OWL360' generates many reports by cycle times; measurement of transit times between two milestones; measurement of transit times of complete routing; identifying sources of delays by origin and carrier; automatically informing each DC of the cargo expected into their warehouse; and much more.
The system also produces automated alerts such as: late or out-of-tolerance sailing; container available for delivery to DC and empty available for carrier return. This feature reduces per diem and detention charges. Another popular application is the order management module which allows customers to upload vendor purchase orders, providing early visibility of orders in production, and enabling OWL to proactively manage shipment schedules based on product ready dates.
