Challenge
Maersk wanted to streamline operations and automate reefer monitoring, which was dependent on external vendors.
Maersk, the world’s leading ocean carrier and integrated logistics provider, ships temperature-sensitive cargos like fruits, vegetables, meat, pharmaceuticals in refrigerated containers—reefers, whose ambient conditions need constant monitoring. Any deviation must be resolved with agility. Maersk, like most carriers, relied on third parties and manual methods to detect, notify, and resolve issues, causing delays in fixes and higher operational cost. There was a need to revolutionize reefer monitoring with real-time visibility and centralized solution for proactive operational decisions.
Solution
TCS supports Maersk in its reefer transformation journey, by developing a comprehensive monitoring solution.
With its deep domain knowledge of container shipping processes, TCS partnered with Maersk to define and develop the right fit architecture for a modular, loosely coupled solution.
The core solution involved integration of real-time data from reefers with the enterprise solution at Maersk to enable quick decision-making on reefer conditions. TCS delivered multiple solutions during the journey–automated alarm detection, corrections and closure, a workflow solution to streamline actions by different internal and external stakeholders, a vessel-based solution to on-board reefer technicians, integration of predictive algorithms to help detect issues before they turn into problems and support the implementation of a mobility solution for Maersk’s equipment maintenance and repair vendors. Autonomous management of reefer controller’s software is now possible remotely.
The solution, which has also provided visibility of monitoring data to Maersk’s customers, is built using Microsoft’s cloud IoT platform and technology components. It monitors a fleet of over 385,000 reefers and provides monitoring capabilities for over 450 vessels.
Benefits
Maersk improves customer experience and achieves sustainable operational cost savings.
The industry-first initiative helps Maersk underscore its leadership in integrated container logistics. Maersk can carry cargo in the exact ambient conditions inside the container as desired by customers and promote sustainable business operations.
- Automated monitoring at land and sea
- Improved visibility of temperature conditions inside the container
- Real-time detection of reefer malfunction, compared to traditional 12/24 hours through physical inspection
- Enables Maersk to provide its customers with a complete supply chain solution
- Reduce the risk of wastage of food items and critical cargo like medicines and blood plasma
