Hello Everyone,
In our previous blog, we took a closer look at the Standard and Template Models in SAP GTT, their functionalities, and the significant value they bring to the realm of supply chain management. Building on that exploration, this blog aims to shed light on another indispensable component within the SAP GTT ecosystem – “the Tracking Shipment App”. Let’s delve into the functionalities and benefits that make this app a pivotal tool for streamlining and enhancing the visibility of shipments throughout their journey in the supply chain.
Understanding the Tracking Shipment App:
The Track Shipments app is a pivotal component of Global Track and Trace, designed to monitor milestones and real-time statuses of your shipment during execution. It is used by the transportation planner of the shipper organization and provides various functionalities that redefine the way we manage and visualize the shipment process.
Key Functionalities:
- Real-time visibility
- Event-based tracking
- Geographical tracking
- Document flow
- Collaboration and Notification
Benefits of the Tracking Shipment App:
- Worklist Efficiency: The app provides a centralized worklist encompassing all tracking documents, including shipments from SAP S/4HANA or SAP ERP and documents from SAP TM (Transportation Management).
- Milestone Monitoring: Transportation planners can efficiently monitor crucial milestones, including loading start, loading end, departure, arrival, and more, providing a comprehensive overview of the shipment’s progress.
- Event Reporting: Planners can seamlessly report planned and unplanned events, enabling a proactive approach to issue resolution and continuous process improvement.
- Support for Diverse Scenarios: The app caters to various scenarios, supporting both parcel tracking and container tracking within the SAP TM framework.
Process Flow:
- When Freight units and Freight orders are created in SAP S/4 HANA based on outbound/inbound deliveries, the transactional data such as FO/FB/FU from SAP TM is extracted using a data extractor.
- Extracted data is sent to GTT as an IDOC message, initiating the respective tracked process.
- Based on visibility provider settings, relevant details are sent to carriers/LBN systems, ensuring they are ready to receive messages.
- Tracking resources, such as truck license plates, flight numbers, or container numbers, along with freight order details, are sent to the visibility provider to receive real-time statuses from these resources.
- The events and other statuses can be received directly from any solution partner, such as the carrier, LSP, or other business parties, if they use SAP Logistics Business Network public APIs. Events received by the SAP Logistics Business Network can also be synchronized back to the SAP TM system.
The above screenshot shows the process flow based on SAP TM freight documents and real-time tracking supported by a visibility provider, showcasing the seamless integration within your supply chain operations.
Conclusion:
The Tracking Shipment App is not just a tool; it’s a strategic asset within SAP GTT. By providing real-time insights, event-driven tracking, and collaborative communication features, this app empowers transportation planners to navigate the complexities of the modern supply chain with precision and agility. Stay tuned for more insights into SAP GTT, where each component serves as a catalyst for innovation and excellence in supply chain management.
