“Do you know that 80% of the world’s goods are transported through shipping containers – still, the average container is utilized about only 20% of the time”. (Source: icnl)
Modern tech strategies combined with IoT sensors, GPS trackers and proper use of 10ft shipping containers can change it.
“By equipping containers with IoT tracking devices, utilization can be improved by 10-25% – annually saving around ~ US$ 13 billion by 2025”. (Source: McKinsey)
These tools act as gears behind the curtain – smoothly move goods across oceans, borders and warehouses. Without these tools, the global supply chain seems very chaotic – full of delays, common mistakes and losses.
Continue reading to explore how everyday modern technologies reduce costs and make global trade more transparent and efficient.
In the same way that a busy city’s traffic grid depends on street signs, the global trade relies on technologies that manage, control and coordinate the movement of goods.
While innovations like blockchain and AI grab attention, technologies like barcode, GPS and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) are the core systems that help global trade scale and work efficiently.
When automated well, these tools cut down human errors, improve coordination and provide real-time monitoring of the cargo’s location.
Do You Know?
IoT powered smart containers can even track temperature, humidity, shock, door opening and more in real-time, enabling better security.
Tools That Help Goods Move Faster
The most common tools that help goods move faster are the barcode and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).
Barcodes such as UPC (universal product code) and EAN (european article number) provide a unique code to each item, which acts as a digital name tag. These are scanned very quickly.
It’s like a supermarket checkout – each scan reduces the chances for misplacement and delays.
RFID allows scanning various items in a single go, even in difficult terrain.
It is like a conference call rather than asking the same thing to each person individually.
Consider Nike and Prada, which use RFID tags to track inventory more accurately.
The global trade is full of risks – perishable goods spoil, fragile shipments break and precious items require continuous monitoring. This is where IoT sensors come in.
Modern shipping containers can be equipped with smart sensors to monitor goods in real time. For instance, ports use IoT systems to maintain cold chain integrity.
Understand these sensors as a baby monitor for your goods – alert you before anything goes wrong. These sensors not only improve security but also help to reduce loss with their accuracy in reporting.
A Jaipur exporter used barcodes, cloud inventory and GPS tracking. In just three months, he noticed a 60% drop in errors, 40% in delivery delays and also got happy customers with real time access. Everyday easy tech turned chaos into a faster and reliable trade that boosted repeated orders.
Behind the scenes, global trade depends heavily on Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) – efficient electronic messaging between business partners. Data replaces paper documents, such as invoices, purchase orders and shipping related notices with digital versions.
The EID market is vast – estimated at US$ 30.6 billion in 2023 and projected to grow to US$ 65.99 billion by 2031. (Source: GlobalNewsWire)
Its main use is to standardise communication: with EDI, brands can lower document turnaround time, reduce processing errors and automate the routine tasks. For example: firms using EID often find a remarkable drop in manual mistakes.
When brought together, these everyday technologies start delivering real time business:
These modern technologies, like barcodes, GPS, IoT sensors and EDI, may not sound that flashy – but they are the unsung hero of global trade. They are the traffic lights that keep goods flowing smoothly across the continents. Without them, the world’s supply chains would be slower and riskier. By strengthening these systems, companies not only bring effectiveness in their business, but also make it more resilient, transparent and scalable.
By continuously monitoring conditions – temperature, humidity and shocks, alerting stakeholders to prevent damage.
Not always. Many of the solutions are affordable and budget-friendly.
Absolutely yes, even the barcodes and GPS can cut costs and reduce risks.
