Logistics solutions provider Dovetail Business Solutions reports that it will launch its new Container Transport Solution (CTS) software package next month, enabling logistics companies to track the whereabouts of containers and improve efficiencies.

Dovetail’s development team created a logistics solution to cater for the logistics and shipping industry tasked with transporting containers. The CTS manages the tracking of containers at various stages of their journeys using real-time dashboards. The software package also enables users to track storage locations and manage the booking and return functions for containers.

The CTS provides clients with live tracking updates, bookings and scheduling. Port schedules for shipping vessels are also managed with the software so that clients can account for delays or early arrivals, cutting costs and saving time. Logistical performance can be streamlined and driver productivity monitored to ensure further cost savings, increasing productivity for the end client.

For real-time updates and planning, clients have the option of integrating into Dovetail’s driver mobility solution. Interlinked legs of the journey can also be managed, whereby the client is advised on the status of containers – whether collected, emptied, returned or stored.

Planning and scheduling are automated, but these tasks can also be performed manually. The web-based CTS platform, with the option of being hosted offsite, assists in lowering start-up costs and in reducing paperwork.

Also, activity-based billing is automatically done by the CTS through preconfigured rates, thereby ensuring the accurate invoicing of all activities.

The CTS benefits clients by providing increased visibility, driver assessments, automation, container tracking and performance, fleet and content management, as well as increased safety and productivity.

Meanwhile, last month an updated version of Dovetail’s MobileControl software building on the success of Dovetail’s award winning Microsoft-based MobileControl solution, was released. The new solution can be installed on any Android smartphone, rugged scanning device or personal digital assistant (PDA) device.

MobileControl aims to deliver functionality, such as an electronic proof-of-delivery sign-on glass, collection management, delivery management, barcode scanning, alerts and notifications, as well as integration into Dovetail’s transport optimisation solution, warehouse management software and enterprise resource planning solutions.

Dovetail decided to update MobileControl, owing to clients requiring a less rugged PDA device, with the benefits of the mobile application on a less expensive PDA or smartphone.

“It made sense for us to enhance our MobileControl application to run off Android and Microsoft devices,” says Dovetail director Shermandra Singh, adding that clients currently enjoy a significant reduction in total cost of ownership because of the savings on hardware.

Singh notes that logistics providers in South Africa realise that innovation and technology are key to their survival and ability to compete in a global market. “Their challenge is to select not only the right technology but also the right partner to deliver. Dovetail has proven that we can meet this challenge, with 19 years of proven delivery success. We offer a deep bench of technology innovation and experience,” he concludes.