Amsterdam-based Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) published IoT connectivity interface standards for shipping containers.
Accordingly, the standards can be implemented by vessel operators and owners as well as ports, terminals, container yards, inland logistics providers and other third parties to ensure interoperability between smart container solutions at the radio interface level.
Using these standards, carriers and supply chain participants will be one step closer to providing customers with an uninterrupted flow of relevant information regarding the whereabouts of containers and the status of their contents at any point along the container journey.
Also, it is stated that the DCSA standards enable carriers and other supply chain participants to focus on providing more valuable services and a better experience to their customers.
The Association plans to launch additional IoT standards, addressing connectivity requirements for reefer and dry containers, as well as the RFID registration of these containers.
Maria Rosaria Ceccarelli, Chief of Trade Facilitation Section for UNECE commented that
IoT will usher in a new era of efficiency in global trade. Smart containers that share information with multiple stakeholders will facilitate a digitally enabled supply chain.