DC Velocity - August 2015

Risk management software: IDV Solutions has released a new version of its enterprise risk visualization software, Visual Command Center for Supply Chain.

Visual Command Center for Supply Chain shows all components of an organization’s global supply chain, including air, ocean, rail, and truck routes; route nodes; suppliers; and manufacturing and retail locations. It monitors for risks that could affect those assets, such as severe weather, terrorism, transportation delays, and natural disasters. Once a risk has been detected, the command center provides automatic alerts, risk assessments, and communication tools for taking efficient and effective action against it.

Visual Command Center for Supply Chain 1. 5 includes new capabilities such as “ on-the-fly” value stream mapping and alerting, and custom global weather alerts.

The new release allows users to view their supply chains as value streams and as simple origin-and-destination pairs. New routes can be added by importing data or by drawing directly on the map.

The new release also incorporates the ability to gather information from suppliers via online surveys. Faced with a potential threat such as a hurricane or a strike, organizations can poll their suppliers and receive alerts when certain responses (such as “material unavailable” or “depot closed”) are received, or when recipients fail to respond. (IDV Solutions, www. idvsolutions.com/supplychain)

Battery charger: Delta-Q Technologies’ new QuiQ 1500 Industrial Battery Charger is a high-er-power, 1,500-watt addition to the company’s QuiQ Series of industrial battery chargers. The new charger is available in 48- and 72-volt models and allows users to charge up to 30 percent faster than they can with the QuiQ 1000. It can also charge machines equipped with higher-ca-pacity battery packs. The QuiQ 1500 has the same dimensions and mounting configuration as the existing QuiQ and is approved for on- or off-board vehicle applications. Applications for the QuiQ 1500 Charger include utility vehicles, low-speed electric vehicles, and boom lifts.

On a 110/120 volt AC outlet, the QuiQ 1500 provides 1,200 watts of continuous power. On a 208/230/240 volt AC outlet, the charger provides its full 1,500 watts of power. (Delta-Q Technologies, delta-q.com)

Proof-of-delivery and fulfillment system: Paragon Software Systems has introduced a mobile proof-of-delivery and fulfillment system called fleXipod. This cloud-based solution is implemented using PDA, tablet, or smartphone devices and provides real-time information on the status of deliveries; captures essential delivery recipient information, including a signature for proof of delivery; and provides user tracking via GPS.

Companies can also use fleXipod to create data capture forms that can change the driver “workflow” to ensure driver compliance with regulations and transportation plans or meet a variety of business requirements. The system can prompt users to take certain standard required actions following specific task outcomes—such as obtain a signature on screen following a successful delivery, capture additional notes regarding a damaged installation part, and photograph the premises if the end client is not present. The forms management module allows a further level of data to be captured with the specific details determined by the user.

fleXipod incorporates GPS tracking of each device’s exact location so transportation managers can check driver adherence to expected routes and timetables. Recipients can be alerted as to the expected time when a delivery will take place. By tracking and gaining instant updates on deliveries, it is possible to monitor driver performance and instantly respond to failed deliveries or delays.

fleXipod integrates with invoicing systems as well as Paragon’s HDX, a home delivery management and route optimization solution. (Paragon Software Systems, www.paragontruckrouting.com)