In September 2009 the EU funded INTEGRITY project implemented its IT platform, the Shared Intermodal Container Information System SICIS. SICIS tracks containers along the entire logistics chain and registers all data and related events which are generated during the transport. SICIS regularly monitors the INTEGRITY consortium members’ containers from China to Europe. By the end of the project the aim is for several thousand containers to have been monitored by this IT platform.
Since the beginning of this year the extended version of the basic SICIS is able to provide a unique function. This new version links container monitoring data with vessel tracking information provided by satellites using the vessels’ AIS signals (Automatic Identification System). The vessels’ positions together with related events like course divergences are visualized on a world map and buyers, sellers and logistics providers within the supply chains are able to track vessels and corresponding containers to get information about their position and status at all times. The monitoring of the containers is automatic while on route, and needs no manual input or intervention. The event updates are automated processes initiated by ingate/outgate and vessel loading/unloading.
(www.integrity-supplychain.eu)