3 Leading Suppliers of On-board Truck Scales for Sale

One of the many factors that hauling-related business (e.g. roadwork, construction, mining, logistics, etc.) must address with great accuracy and precision is measuring the weight of truck loads. While there are numerous systems available, such as portable weigh pads, weighbridges, axle scales, and other types of truck scales for sale, one form of weighing technology that stands above the rest is on-board truck scales.

Unlike other forms of truck scales for sale, on-board systems are integrated and calibrated directly on the vehicle. This eliminates the need to for an external scale system, as well as weighing station. With on-board scale systems, the weight of truck loads can be measured directly from the cab, offering the ultimate convenience and efficiency for many industries.

However when it comes to on-board truck scales, there are only a few reputable suppliers in the U.S. that are trusted names in the industry. These are Cleral USA, Teltek USA, and Walz North America. Each company sets themselves apart as leading industry supplier of on-board truck scales for sale.

Cleral USA 

Cleral USA designs to make durable and affordable scales that have easy installation for the truck driver. The scales are made in Northern Canada and have been found to work in tough working conditions in the harsh winter weather.


The KiLoad sensors on Cleral products are easily installed with the suspension to detail the weight of the load. With sensors on both axles (frontal and rear). The results of the sensor are displayed in the cab of the truck for the driver to see the total load. The display is a simple one with few buttons and features. It reads in a dark calculator black color. However, there is no backlight, which could make it difficult to read in paling lights.

Teltek USA 

Teltek provides a digital reading (in either red or blue light) of the load to the nearest 100 lbs. It only requires calibration once, unlike other brand names. Teltek provides lifetime warranties on its digital scales, up to 100,000 lbs (or 50 tons). It displays the number in ??kilo-pounds,’ where 55,400 lbs would read 55.4 on the digital display. The sensor has a 1 second delay, so that the number does not jump around while in transit.

Teltek has over 20 years of experience making scales. Their history and innovative designs set them apart. Additionally, the LED display of the number makes Teltek much easier to read while driving, than Cleral, which displays the number in black digits without a backlight.

Walz North America (Walz On-board)

Walz On-board (branch of global truck scale leader Walz Scale) provides an affordable, quality alternative to the Teltek and Cleral. Walz presents full range of on-board truck scales for sale that can be applied to many different hauling vehicles. Each on-board truck scale unit is equipped with a simple display that has a yellow backlight interface that's not as visible and clear as Teltek’s. Additionally, the Walz On-board interface has more options and functions than Cleral.

With this many other advanced features of behind this company's on-board truck scales, Walz On-board weighing systems allows for the measurement of various conditions with the vehicle itself as well as recording the weight at the beginning and end. Unlike Teltek, Walz records the weight in actual pounds and does not shorted the number. Further, the on-board truck scale unit is interchangeable with most trucks and they claim that recalibration is often unnecessary altogether.

The Increasing Demand for On-board Truck Scales

On-board scales are becoming more prominent, with legislation expanding the number of trucks that are required to have one. It protects the driver from being overloaded, as well as helps them gauge how early they need to break with the current load, than before.

It can eliminate time-costly trips to visit scale centers for verification, as well as verifies the weight dropped off and picked up. With the average scale being much more affordable than other truck scales, it is a great investment, whether Walz, Teltek USA or Cleric USA, getting an on-board scale is a must for any truck operator.

5 Elite Technologies Used By Today's Top Banks & Financial Institutions

The days are gone when banking was limited to passbook and check book transactions. Today, transactions and money processing is completely different. Banks and financial institutes use elite technologies for secure and protected financial transactions. In case, you are not aware about the technology that these institutes use, then here are five elite technologies used by today's top banks and financial institutions.

Encrypted transaction

When you do any kind of online transaction, optimal security is important in that transaction. In order to keep all transactions secured, all the top banks and financial institutions use a secure and encrypted data transfer between your computer and their server. In essence, having the proper encryption protocol has become a staple and necessity among bank security system products

This highly advanced and digital form of secured and encrypted data transfer always gives an assurance to people that no one will be able to hack the data. Also, all these instituted try to stay updated with latest encryption technology so use gets the best security in easy ways.

One time password devices

In present time only your user ID and password is not enough for the online transaction. In order to complete the transaction, these days banks and other similar organizations ask you to use one time password that they send on your mobile devices or emails. Many top banks and financial institutions prefer to send this password on their one time password devices that makes the online transition really easy and very secure for people

IVR help and transaction

Earlier physical transaction was the only medium for money transaction, but now a day’s you can do the transaction even if you do not have any internet connectivity. For that many banks and financial organisations allow you to do the transaction using IVR ("Interactive Voice Response") and phone banking password. This kind of transaction helps users to do the transaction from any remote location. Other than this, IVR offer so many other facilities also including balance enquiry, card blocking, card holding and much more.

Biometric access control

In earlier time, it was easy for unauthorized people to access the restricted area as long as they have the physical key for that restricted area. But now a day’s all kind of top financial organizations use advanced access control system. This kind of access control systems use biometric reading of people so only authorized people can get access to restricted or specific area of the bank. In addition to financial institutions, other applications of biometric access control systems can include high security bank vaults, locker rooms and other similar areas.

Non-stop logs creations

These days, people do millions of transaction in every minute. Sometime few transactions get failed also due to various factors include bad internet connection, mistakes, insufficient fund or other issue. In this kind of situation banks need to return the money to their customer and they can do it only if they know the exact reason for this failure. That is why banks keep a record or log of everything and they use it when needed.

Other than this, bank or similar financial organizations always remain a prime target for hackers. To avoid this trouble, banks keep on increasing their security and they continuously take backups of their communication at various servers so they can avoid any damage due to any hacking effort.

Industry Innovator Scales Back On Weighing Systems With New Load Scanner Technology

There is some welcoming news coming from truck scale innovator, Walz Scale. Truck operators that depend on truck scales and heavy duty weighing systems to determine load weight on a regular basis can leverage a revolutionary new technology for the measurement and management of truck loads.

This new technology comes in the form of a laser-generated, 3D volume scanning system otherwise known as the Walz Load Scanner.

For those who haven't heard about this innovative load scanner, it is perhaps the most efficient, non-contact technology that scans material truck loads as they go under the scanning unit. It uses laser technology and advanced patent pending algorithms to accurately calculate and display the volume of the truck load, which can then be converted into weight metrics with a few basic operator inputs.

Further, the Walz Load Scanner shows 3D imagery of scanned truck bed loads, enabling operators to pinpoint insufficient loading processes that may be hindering productivity. To learn more about the Walz Load Scanner, keep reading this article, or visit the official website of the load scanner system to get an inside look at how the system is revolutionizing payload management processes for many industries.

How The Walz Load Scanner Works

First and foremost, trucks are fitted with RFID (Radio-frequency Identification) tags which communicate with the overhead scanners to automate the process. Starting with an empty bed truck driving under the scanner system at speeds of less than 3.5 mph, the scanner calculates and gives the 'empty volume'.

Next, with a truck load of material, the truck again goes under the scanner to record the new volume. Using these two measurements you get the accurately scanned imagery of the load, in 3D, and the volume calculations. How about that for a hands-off system of managing material truck loads?

The video below shows a great example of the Walz Load Scanner in use:


The beauty of it all is that it doesn't have to be stationary or fixed in one place. There are portable trailer mounted scanners too, which you can tow and station on any temporary sites. Such information can be printed in form of tickets per individual trucks, or emailed and stored electronically for data management.

You can access data remotely and in real-time using the advanced software solutions in an easy-to-use interface. You should see some of the cool interfaces you can choose from, that will help you to easily manage your truck loads. You can use any device; from PCs, to touch screen mobile devices, to outdoor kiosk systems- even from inside the cabin of your truck.

The Next Step in Innovation

This technology can be applied in many other areas where such data is crucial for production management purposes. Think of a production plant that uses conveyor belts to transport material from one point to another. You can easily capture any inconsistencies that are common with automated conveyor belt operations and thus save your company of losses, both monetary and image-wise.

It is cheaper and more accurate than most other truck scales and weighing systems and doesn't require much maintenance. You will get consistent results for many years without having to calibrate or service it, as long as it is utilized correctly.

The Walz Load Scanner can also be very useful in excavation and mining sites that are located in some of the harshest conditions without failure of the systems or the laser scanner. You will no longer need to use expansive payload management systems such as truck scales and heavy-duty weighbridges, once you acquire and install the Walz Load Scanner. Think organized, simple, and efficient, because that's exactly what you will get.

Change the way you do business in the bulk material transportation industry today. Check out the Walz Load Scanner by visiting WalzScale.com.

5 Forms of Technology That Are Revolutionizing How We Live

Designed to make life easier, advancements in technology have come a long way over the years. These advancements continue to take things to the next level, whether via the delivery of services or making leisurely activities more enjoyable.

Revolutionary innovations in tech are countless these days, however there are those that have made a significant impact on how we live today.

1. Smartphones 

Mobile devices are arguably the most used device in the world right now and they have come a long way since their inception years as just simple cellular communication devices to acquiring the tag smart.

Right now smartphones are capable of just about anything from reminding you about meetings, opening your garage door, the list goes on and there’s no telling how much more they could do. Smartphones have revolutionized how we bank, how we network and just about every aspect of our daily lives by seamless efficiency bundled with a host of creative features.

2. Drones 

Drones are essentially advanced aerial vehicles that are controlled on the ground by a person or travel on a pre- programmed command. With their introduction as military surveillance tools, drones have gone out of their way to serve more un-military’ functions.

Nowadays it is not uncommon for RC drones with cameras to be spotted hovering above homes to take shots of real estate and property for prospective buyers as well as landscapes capturing amazing photos that were not previously possible. Drones have also formed an important part of service delivery as they save a lot of time particularly during shipping. This has seen a lot of companies incorporate drones as a system of service delivery to clients.

3. Social Networking

Owing to the huge strides in Information Technology (IT) courtesy of computers, social networks are now a part of daily life. Communication has changed from a tasking formerly expensive venture to a relaxed, affordable and fun activity that is now done especially for the latter.

Social media has seen tremendous changes over the years and will continue to grow. By virtue of social networks, you stay connected to the world both socially and professionally, you are able to access tons of information on the go as well as a platform to interact and share ideas. In addition to this playing a huge role in business information technology, all this is now a part of daily life.

4. Artificial Intelligence

Increasingly, robots and other forms of artificial intelligence are slowly but surely integrating themselves to our daily lives and becoming a basic need. The idea of creating technologies that can work in harsh conditions where human beings wouldn’t survive is one that has put a smile on many a face.

With artificial intelligence we are now able to make more accurate prediction pertaining to nature and climatic conditions. Space exploration has been on the forefront of employing this form of intelligence we are now able to look at our planet more differently and put measures into place to make this world a better place.

5. Electronic Funds Transfer

What would you without PayPal or your VISA card? Access to your money has become a breeze with the advent of electronic transfers, shopping is now a very enjoyable affair both in physical stores and on online ones.

With money being instantaneously transferred globally (even via smartphone) you get to have your money with you everywhere you go with security as an added assurance to ensure money is never an obstacle to doing anything anywhere.

With the above as just a small portion of what technology has done, there’s no telling what more can be achieved at this pace.

3 Revolutionary Surveillance Systems Redefining Security Monitoring for Businesses

We live in an ever more threatening world with criminal element of all kind feasting on the civil morality of society, Injecting grief and distress in victims of their sinister plots and plunders, leaving sadness and chaos their wake. We watch the stories on the news each night and sympathise, but is there a way to prevent these nightmare from happening or catch the evil doers before they dissolve into obscurity?

The answer is yes and various systems and methods have been used for decades to increase the chances of catching perpetrators before they strike or before they escape the scene of a crime.

Identifying a crime before it happens is possible with the right tools, expertise, and some amount of luck. Building a profile on a particular individual that displays signs of potential assailment is one way to catch a criminal before a crime is committed.

This involves meticulous monitoring of the area being protected, may it be a building or an entire city. Such mammoth undertaken is made possible by the advancements in modern surveillance systems which include but not limited to: digital IP surveillance, transaction surveillance and social network analysis.

Digital IP Surveillance Systems

IP Surveillance provides a modern alternative to analog video surveillance. IP surveillance uses an IP camera to record video footage which is then sent over an IP (Internet protocol) network.

This method provides numerous advantages over regular CCTV systems which includes; quicker search, improved convenience, higher quality and more durable content, also the ability to view real time video footage from any geographic location through the network. Banks and other organisation make full use of this surveillance method which is effective in not only catching perpetrators, but also acts as a deterrent with cameras in clear sight.

There are many digital IP surveillance systems coming out onto the market, such as Pelco, Arecont Vision, March Networks and Axis Communications, all of which you can find at SeicoSecurity.com.

Transaction Surveillance Systems

Transaction surveillance is the auditing of individual customer transactions within a financial organisation in order to identify fraudulent activities or terrorist funding. Companies use monitoring systems to identify potentially suspicious activities which are reported to the relevant authorities. The areas monitored are currency activities, funds transfers, monetary instruments sales, ATM transactions, significant balance change, nonsufficient funds and non-resident alien accounts.

Monitoring these activities helps to prevent criminals using the system to fuel their unlawful endeavours. Transaction surveillance can be an invasion of one’s financial privacy, but it is necessary for macro security in the banking sector. Unlike most systems that demand comprehensive surveillance system equipment, these are mostly digital based in the form of advanced software.

Security Media Security Monitoring (Social Network Analysis)

Social network analysis (also called social media security analysis) is the monitoring and filtering of vital information generated on social network sites like Facebook and Twitter to identify a pattern of interest to authorities. These patterns of interest are generated by criminals and terrorists who use social network sites for communicating with associates and search for potential recruits.

This is a fast growing problem and governments worldwide invest heavily in research involving social network analysis. Powerful data filtering systems capable of sifting through terabytes of information in seconds, search for keywords and phrases used on social network sites to identify wrong doers. There are many social network analysis and security solutions out there, such as Signal, and more are coming out every year. For a great introduction on social networking analysis, visit Orgnet.com.

The monitoring and surveying of various sectors of society helps to restrict the progress of unlawful activities and maintain confidence in the business community. It may be intrusive and even offensive but the benefits far outweigh the insults.

Load Sensor Technology Behind Truck Weighbridge Scales

Whether for mining sites, high-volume farms, or free-ways, heavy-duty weighbridge truck scales are built to handle an enormous amount of weight. For instance, truck weighing stations are usually fitted with these scales to ensure that the weight of the truck (and its load) is captured for variety of reasons (i.e. tax purposes, daily business operations, and ensuring that the weight falls within the safety guidelines.)

This weight is usually calculated through two measurements; the axle weight which constitutes the amount of weight carried by each axle and the Gross weight which is the combined weight of all the axles. Truck scales are usually built out of a combination of concrete and steel.

It's All in the Load Cell

To accurately measure the weight of a truck, these truck weighbridge scales usually use load cells to capture the weight. A load cell is simply a transducer or sensor which converts a force or load into an electric signal. This signal can either be a frequency change, a current change or a voltage change; all this does depend on the circuitry and the type of load cell that’s been used.

These load cells can be made using inductive, resistive or capacitive techniques. The most common load cell technology for truck weighbridge scales tend to be resistive; working on the on the principle of change of resistance in response to an applied load. In other areas they are termed as piezoresistive, which is something that changes in response to an applied squeeze or pressure.

Truck Load Sensor Componentry

The load sensors on most truck weighbridge scales are built using resistive bonded strain gauges. A strain gauge basically consists of wires which transmit a very mild electric current. The strain gauges can either be tension or compression based. A tension strain gauge is based on the slight change in shape of the cell that’s caused by the weight while a compression strain gauge is based on how much the cell compresses when some pressure is applied on it.

Usually 4 strain gauges are configured in a Wheatstone bridge configuration with 4 separate resistors connected. An excitation voltage of 10V is usually applied to one set of corners and the difference in voltage between the two corners is measured between the other 2 corners; at equilibrium, with no applied load, the voltage output is usually zero or very close to zero.

When the metallic member to which these strain gauges are attached is stressed by any application of force, the strain experienced does lead to a change in resistance in either one or more of the resistors. This small change in resistance does result in a change in the output voltage. This change, however small can be measured and then digitized after accurate amplification of the rather small milli-voltage signals to a slightly higher amplitude of 0-10V or 0-5V.

Weighbridge Scale Software

These readings can then be captured by appropriate weighbridge software and utilized accordingly. It is worth mentioning that most of these truck weighbridge scale load sensors come fitted with high level digital output formats such Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB and Xbee Wireless capabilities.

Software-integrated truck weighbridge load sensors allow users of the system to monitor the output on a PC with the help of appropriate weighbridge software and generate the requisite reports and undertake a wide range of analysis. This also allows for the storage of this data for future use.

Industry-Defining Truck Scale Technology of 2015

For many years, truck scales were cumbersome systems that were usually mounted permanently on a concrete foundation. But today, there are many different types of truck scale technology, such as portable (or movable scales) as well as in-motion scales.

The load cells are the key component used by a truck scales in order to measure weight. The load weight of the vehicle is calculated by first using truck scales to weigh the empty vehicle (for calibration) and later when it is loaded.

Now in 2015, there are many types of truck scales used today. They can be classified based on the technology used, their applications, and whether or not they are portable, semi-permanent, or fixed. Below are some of the most industry-defining truck scales on the market today.

• On-board Truck Scales
• In-motion Portable Axle Scales
• Heavy-Duty, Steel-Deck Weighbridges
• Portable Wheel Weighers
• In-motion Rail Scales
• Grain Dump Truck Scales (Farming)

Heavy-Duty Truck Scale Technology

Heavy-duty truck scales, such as weighbridges, can be surface mounted or they can be pit mounted. They are typically built from concrete or steel and are extremely robust in order to sustain the weight measured. Modern weighbridges use multiple load cells connected to an electronic equipment that receives the sensor inputs.

In case of semi-permanent scales the weight readings are recorded in a nearby office. Many modern weighbridge truck scales are linked to a computer running truck scale software. They are capable of additional features such as providing reporting or printing tickets.

Truck scales are used in various industries that manufacture or move bulk items, such as in agriculture and farming, garbage dumps and recycling centers, mines or quarries, household goods, bulk liquid and powder movement, and electrical equipment.

Easy-to-Use Portable Truck Scales

Portable truck scales can also be found in various applications around the world. They have lower frame work that allows placement on non-typical surfaces. These portable truck scale systems are designed to allow a simple low cost installation.

In order to install this scale systems is required only a very simple low profile shallow pit. Axle and gross vehicle weight measurements can be done when vehicles drive over the scale system in-motion.


 Examples of portable wheel weigher solutions are the AXW-45, 95 and 110 Series of portable axle scales by WalzScale.com. They are ideal for in-motion weighing, off road conditions and applications requiring weighing large vehicles.

The benefits of the in-motion portable wheel weighers are:

• Removable ramps
• Tough, durable, and dependable construction
• In-Motion weighing (weighs truck loads while the vehicle slowly passes over the scale unit)
• Weight terminal included with ticket printer

For those applications requiring tracking and managing a multitude of data advanced weight study software is also available. This software can be used for vehicle weight studies and tracking in one central database various payloads, vehicle weight, and tire load data.

The technological trends in the truck scale industry in the year 2015 show an integration of recent developments in load cell technology, an increase in demand for high performance scales, an increase in demand for automated weighing solutions, emerging of using wireless technology for load cells, and the tendency to use electronic scales rather than mechanical scales.

3 Portable Truck Scale for Weighing Heavy-duty Truck Loads

Truck scales are a necessity in any logistics, mining, farming, and waste management operations that demands heavy-duty weighing of truck loads. There are many types of trucks scales to use for these operations, and also for different types of trucks. Understanding the types and their pros and cons will assist you in purchasing a quality scale that you can use for many years.

Among the most popular of truck scales for sale are portable truck scales. Portable truck scales are mobile, easy-to-use, and more affordable compared to other types of truck scale systems. Below we showcase three of the most popular and effective portable truck scales for weighing trucks and other heavy duty vehicles.

Portable Axle Scales

This type of portable truck scale is considerably small, easy-to-use, and affordable. However, portable axle scales will only accommodate one axle at a time. You can use the scale to ascertain that the truck is not above the set weight limit for each axle as set for certain roads.

You can hardly use the scales to measure the entire cargo and also you can not use them to charge your customers according to the weight of load you have ferried.
Features of portable axle scales

• Equipped with overload protection.
• They can stand several tons of weight.
• They are completely portable and you can use them in any area you find them suitable.
• Can measure a large varieties of vehicles ranging from mining trucks to some farming vehicles.
• They will occupy a little space due to their design.

Portable Weigh Pads 

Also known as the truck axle scales. Generally, they are light portable scales made to weigh individual wheels and axles to ensure the compliance with the legal weight limits. Many of the models will allow connectivity to over six wheels.

These portable truck weighing scales allow individual wheel weighing and combined axle weighing, which you can perform at the same time to increase weighing efficiency and accuracy. To attain weight accuracy you should have all the wheels on a level ground and on the same plane. That will avoid inadvertent weight transfers.

In-Motion Portable Truck Scales

Weigh in motion portable scales are capable of recording the actual weight of a moving truck. The scales will mostly be installed on free weighs specifically for weighing the semi trucks at weigh stations. The scales are advancement as the truck will not need to get into a standby for the weight recording as it was the case in the older static weigh stations.


There are many weigh in-motion truck scales you can use to ensure compliance with the set regulations and also analyze the vehicle while on the road. The scales in addition, offer a cost effective solution by monitoring the heavy duty tucks while traveling over the highway. They will also measure per axle weight or the gross weight while the truck is in the highway speed. The weigh in motion scale will measure the axle spacing to get the class of the truck and also will record the vehicle speed.

When searching for portable scales for weighing trucks, there are many things to consider. You should consider the scale with a certification from the relevant authority and also the right size. The other factors to consider include weight capacity, feasibility of axle scales concrete or steel plate deck options and pit or pitiless scales.

How GPS Technology Has Evolved the Third-Party Logistics Industry

The third-party logistics industry is undergoing a rapid transition due to the advances in information and communication technologies.

Advancement in information technologies has brought substantial benefits to logistics service providers, specifically third-party logistics (3PL) companies. The development and application of these technologies such as global positioning system (GPS) are especially important and helpful in transportation and logistics activities that are integral components in any supply chain system.

In this article, we discuss the application of GPS-based information technologies to optimize operations of companies providing third-party logistics service. We discuss how these technologies help to enhance the effective and efficient management of their businesses and analyze the interaction of GPS implementation and several key characteristics of the logistic distribution context.

Because of the wide range of business activities involved in the transportation process, logistics related costs account for a quite substantial share of the total costs for any company. In the past decade, other technologies such as enterprise resource planning and electronic data interchange systems substantially improved the efficiency of supply chain management. In this decade, the emergence of GPS improves logistics operation efficiency.

In recent years, GPS has been used in vehicles of logistics service providers. GPS is used for obtaining information with respect to the position, speed, and travel direction of vehicles. In addition, there are concepts and techniques to combine GIS, GPS, and other digital communication technologies to locate the position and velocity of vehicles.

The emphasis of the concept is on the importance of the connection with the central monitoring system. There have also been studies on the application of GIS and OR techniques in the problems of technician-dispatching and home deliveries and parcel delivery. in Korea. GPS is also important for geographic data collection, global positioning system based addressing, vehicle routing, and resource discovery.

GPS and related new computer systems and information technology have a huge impact on logistics distributions. We need to understand GPS usage and have a deeper understanding about the benefits and values generated by these technologies in logistic operations and provide analysis of why these benefits exist. For instance, improved just-in-time service, optimized delivery schedules, and routes are made possible by these technologies, real-time monitoring, and data transfer are obtained between dispatchers and drivers helps improve supply chain management.

Moreover, these advantages can also be extended and enjoyed by their costumers such that the entire supply chain operations can be optimized. Studies reveal important and critical issues during the application process of these new technologies. While some of the issues are inherent and closely related with the further development of these new technologies, others need stronger collaboration and support from logistics management partners and from other important players in the business.

Results confirm the potential of related technologies of GPS for enhancing operating efficiency and productivity, improving communication and relationship building, and facilitating collaboration and strategic planning of a firm and its supply chain. The results have to be interpreted cautiously and need to be validated with further extensive studies. Continued large-scale research should be planned and conducted to further explore broad range of business sectors.

The Role of IT in Advanced Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Information Technology (IT) is the study, creation, support, utilization and management of computer based information systems, especially computer hardware and software applications. IT is not limited to computers, with the current technological advancements in area of mobile and other handheld devices, IT is fast moving onto other forms of business and technology.

A supply chain on the other hand is a network of suppliers, subcontractors, and distributors used by a manufacturer to source for its raw materials, supplies and components. Logistics organizations store, transport and distribute work-in progress and supplies within the entire supply chain and also distribute the finished product to clients and intermediaries therein between. Thus, it follows that the integration of logistics operations and supply chain will not only reduce costs and improve efficiency but will also increase the competitive advantage of the organization.

How Technology Has Advanced SCM

A supply chain management (SCM) system is therefore concerned with the flow of information and products between the member organizations within the supply chain. Recent advancements in technologies have ensured that organizations can avail this information quite easily, thereby greatly reducing the cost of information. With integrated supply chain solutions, the flow of information and materials is usually bi-directional.

Today’s advanced IT systems have enabled organizations to leverage some turnkey logistics and warehouse management, and packaging systems as well as custom Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) solutions at a fraction of the previous price. This development, where the supply chain system is inter-organizational has three very distinct advantages.

First and foremost, there is a drastic cost reduction in the route to market, distributorship and production cost.

Secondly, the productivity of all the organizations in the supply chain is bound to improve and lastly there is bound to be a drastic improvement in the development and execution of product and market strategies.

Facilitation of Logistics Collaboration

For many systems, there are at least five basic levels in the system where logistics technology can enable high-levels of collaboration. The first level is at the remote input/output node where a member can participate from a remote location and interact with application system.

The second level is where a member of a fluid supply chain shares a single application such as an order processing system or inventory query with the application.

The third level is where a member of the supply chain develops and shares a network which links it to other participants with whom it has a business relationship.

In the fourth level, a partner organization may opt to develop and share a network with different applications which can be used by other members to make queries, place orders, check stock levels etc.

The fifth and final level is where a member decides to become more of data processing or communications utility and integrates any data coming from other participating members in real time and avails it when required to do so.

Next-Level Supply Chain Solutions

Solid supply chain solution providers choose the level of IT that best fits their clients' needs and requirements and will not overstretch or overburden their networks or lead to instances of information overload.

Another huge area where IT has become a facet in supply chain management has been in the integration of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) into most supply chain management systems. EDI refers to the computer to computer exchange of business documents in a standardized format.

Through the use of EDI, supply chain partners are able to overcome the exaggeration and distortion usually prevalent in supply and demand set ups by simply improving technologies available so as to allow for real time sharing of actual supply and demand information. This not only improves customer service through limited stock outs but is also cost efficient, improves the billing process and enhances productivity for all the players or partners involved.