Ensure the Safety Of Your Consignment With eLocks

eLocks are a way that you can blindly rely on to get your consignment across. Its real-time notifications, whenever locked/unlocked, lets you breathe in peace.

Theft or pilferage of goods while in transit is a common practice and a problem that logistics companies suffer from. This adversely affects businesses, causing a loss of customers and the economy.

But we are here to help you get out of the quicksand you are getting into. 

Here, quick, hop onto elocks.

eLocks or container locks are not just for locking away goods. But they go that extra mile by providing visibility of the trip. It is an advancement in technology that will help your logistics business guarantee your customers the safe and timely delivery of their consignment.

Why Should You Bid Adieu To Traditional Locks?

Using the traditional lock and key does not apply ointment to the pain points of logistics companies. In fact, they only add to the restrictions and hamper the functioning of the fleet.

While transporting cargo, the safety of the content is on the logistics company, and relying on traditional locks and keys is not sufficient. That is because they can easily be picked and dismantled. And as the saying goes- there are many keys to a lock, and chances are that the driver might duplicate the key for theft.

And not to forget, there are chances of losing the key, which might lead to hassle and inconvenience. Additionally, this traditional system of securing cargo does not offer much like geofencing or tracking vehicles and carriers, which is possible with elocks.

It’s the Time to Disco with eLocks

*Personal opinion: eLocks deserve drum rolls

Logistics technology has truly amped up their game regarding security, and elocks are a part of the modern-day fleet security system. E-locks are an advanced approach to traditional locks and keys, providing additional security features to your carriers through real-time GPS tracking and geofencing. Using these locks in logistics can help you monitor your vehicles in combination with fleet monitoring software. This even allows you to provide selective access to the cargo contents.  

These elocks are easy to install, have a long-lasting battery, and are weatherproof, unlike some traditional locks, which tend to rust and fall apart.

The Technical Nitty Gritty of eLocks

eLocks can be locked and unlocked through multiple methods, such as:

• RFID
• Bluetooth
• SMS Command
• Server Command
• Barcode Scanning

Using elocks with fleet management software will ensure that every piece of data regarding it gets recorded. It enables fleet operators or drivers to lock/unlock remotely through phones and other methods. You will receive notifications and alerts every time the elock is unlocked/locked. Even notifications regarding unauthorized RFID scan, wrong password, or failure to unlock is sent to the operator through the system. 

Furthermore, these elocks have inbuilt GPRS, GPS memory and Bluetooth, and various other integrated sensors. This enables them to offer a considerably higher level of security to your consignments.

But What’s So Special About eLocks?

eLock is a promise to secure your consignment and offer real-time monitoring of your vehicles. Partnering with fleet management software leaves no scope for a breach in the security of your consignment.

Real time GPS Tracking

Logistics companies use container locks to gain information on the fleet’s location, vehicle speed, and ETA. In situations when there is delay or idling, or route deviation of trucks, GPS trackers is useful.

Secured Locking and Unlocking

eLocks are robust and cannot be opened without the correct key. Using RFID/GPS-embedded elocks requires a smart command that verifies the user’s identity. Entering the wrong password, RFID, lock/unlock command, or geofence entry and exit will alert managers. This lock stores the data on everyone who can unlock it with time and location coordinates.

Analytical Dashboard and Reports

All the data related to the elocks being locked/unlocked, including the time, location, and duration, gets recorded. This data can be viewed in analytical reports and dashboards of fleet management software.

Geofencing

Geofencing comes in handy when it comes to guaranteeing the security of the consignment to customers. Through the dashboard, you can create multiple geofences that will send alerts when the vehicle enters and exits the geofenced location. In addition, the elocks can sense the virtual boundaries and provide an additional security layer.

Real-time Alerts

Don’t leave anything to chance when it comes to the safety of your cargo. Fleet operators receive real time alerts and notifications whenever the elock is tempered with or by unauthorized/unrecognized personnel.

Standalone Unit

eLocks are standalone devices, meaning they have a big battery backup, withstanding for a long duration. This is great for long-haul trips. And you get to track the battery level through the fleet management app. No driver intervention is required to operate them.

Fast and Easy Installation

Installing and using the elocks is super easy.

• First, remove the padlock and keys from your containers.
• Second, install elocks onto your vehicle containers.
• Third, connect them with your fleet monitoring software.
• Now you are good to go.

Difference Between eSeals and eLocks

What are eSeals?

eSeals are designed like the typical bolt seal to provide ease in securing containers. All you have to do is just push the bolt into the cap, and you are done. It is unlocked using either an RFID or scanning a barcode. 

The difference between elocks and eseals is not much.

The foremost difference is that elocks are reusable as many times as you want, whereas eseals, in most cases, can only be used once.

eLocks offer multiple features to track and unlock, but unfortunately, that’s not the case with eseals. They offer no additional features and can be unlocked only through RFID or barcode scanning.

Use case

You have a fleet of liquor-carrying trucks going from Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal via Bihar. The problem arises that Bihar is a dry state, meaning no alcohol from outside is allowed. Because of this, the chances of liquor trucks being looted are high. 

Also, the Bihar government in 2016 imposed some strict rules and regulations regarding the transportation of liquor to bordering states. It has been decided that spirit-carrying trucks need to have digital or e-locks and GPRS. Also, the elock must be installed when the vehicle enters Bihar and should only be unlocked after crossing the state border. Additionally, the transit period of such trucks in Bihar can not be longer than 24 hours.

Not much has to be done to comply with the rules; all you need is elocks and fleet management software, and you are all set. The software will geotag the elocks to open and close at Bihar borders. And since the elocks are embedded with GPS tracking, sensors, and alarms, you get extra visibility of your fleet. Additionally, chances of theft get eliminated due to the robustness of the locks and the alarms, and managers receive real time alerts allowing them to act instantly.

With the route planning solution of fleet monitoring software, you can devise the perfect route for your fleet to ensure they leave Bihar within 24 hours.

Benefits of Using eLocks

We agree that the security of the consignment is the top priority for any logistics company. But looking beyond it, you will discover that using elocks can benefit your fleet operations in multiple ways.

Enhanced Transit Security

eLocks are robust and rugged to withstand all weather conditions and add to the remoteness of the trip. Each time the password or REFID is used, the data gets recorded and is protected with high-level encryption.

Any mishandling is eliminated with alarms and real-time alerts, thus providing complete protection.

No Dependency

The locks are operated through multiple methods, such as SMS, servers, or RFID. Fleet monitoring software automates the process of locking/unlocking through geofencing, thus reducing human involvement.

Optimize Vehicle Utilization

Because of these elocks, you can accurately predict the fleet’s location and arrival time. This helps to reduce fleet idling. In addition, with access to the travel history of each vehicle, you will be able to detect any unauthorized stoppage, route deviation, etc. All this data will allow fleet managers to make informed decisions and put the vehicles to good use.

Secure Consignment

When you decide to use elocks, you are left with no reason to worry about the safety of your consignment. Because of the visibility of the trip that managers gain through it, the chances of theft or pilferage get eliminated. Furthermore, the locks are robust and cannot be dismantled without sending alerts and setting off alarms.

Guarantee Consignment Security with TrackoBit’s eLock Management System

It’s time.

Time for what?

Time for you to discard your worries about your consignment safety along with your traditional padlocks and keys.

The time is for you to be smart about your choices and rely on elocks and fleet monitoring software to look after your cargo and vehicles. You get much more than you ask for (you’ll know if you have read the blog).

TrackoBit can help you manage your elocks and fleet by streamlining the operation. Through the software, you will be able to operate your elocks remotely. In addition, the software is flexible and compatible with almost all kinds of elocks.