VoIPcare Announces Start of qMetrix for Transportation Trial

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VoIPcare Technology, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA, this past week announced the start of a six-month trial period with members of the pulp and paper industry to evaluate the benefits and ROI associated with the use of VoIPcare's qMetrix for Transportation software product. The VoIPcare system provides detailed information necessary to help the industry reduce the amount of in-transit damage being experienced today.

The trial program was initiated through the efforts of the Shipping, Receiving and Warehousing (SRW) Committee of TAPPI, following a year-long study. Conducted by a cross functional team of people representing the linked parts of the supply chain, the study identified a set of criteria that needed to be met to effect long-term reduction of in-transit damage claims. Because of their design philosophy and background in data collection and information delivery, VoIPcare was chosen by the SRW team to design and implement the system.

There are 26 locations participating in the trial process including paper mills, commercial printers, tier 1 railroads, and high volume publishers. "We are very excited about the great response from all participants in the supply chain" said Robin Mangold, principal at VoIPcare. "The industry as a whole has come together to address a common problem and has selected the qMetrix product to help them gather complete information about paper shipments that will lead to better root cause analysis and problem resolution."

The VoIPcare system combines a unique blend of technologies to facilitate the rapid collection and distribution of information. Built on the same technology platform as the VoIPcare qMetrix for Healthcare product, the Transportation product gathers data about the condition of equipment, methods used to protect loads, arrival condition of product, and details about any damage that occurred in-transit. Information that at times took days and weeks to gather is now available immediately at each step in the supply chain. Participants in the supply chain transaction have access to the inspection data and photographs taken in support of those inspections. Damage prevention coordinators from all involved entities can access the same information while reviewing causes and extent of damage reports.

The initial trial period will involve tracking of paper shipments on railcars. As the trial progresses, the VoIPcare team will be planning expansion of the system to include shipments via truck and intermodal containers. In addition to expansion of transport types, the team will also be expanding the use of the system to include other types of products. For more information, contact Robin Mangold, 319-393-3230, rmangold@voipcaretechnology.com.