A modern real-time freight tracking API built by Programmers.io for a global shipping company
About The Client
The client is a full-service customs broker and freight forwarder with over 50 years of personal service. It is committed to providing remarkable service by combining the knowledge and experience of its professional staff with advanced information technology and systems. The client works seamlessly to coordinate the flow of goods and information through today’s complex trade environment. The company operates nationwide in the US covering all the key ports. In addition to this, the client has strategic agency alliances in all major cities and ports of the world to provide its customers with integrated, global coverage.
- Industry: Transportation and Warehousing
- Headquartered: United States
- Platforms: RPGLE, Apache Server, DB2
- Team Size: 5–6 Experts
The Challenge
Being a major customs broker and freight forwarder, the clients’ ERP system runs on IBM i, looking at the criticality of data and services. The system works on IBM i as the client has to maintain ample of records of the containers across the year.The challenge faced by the client:
- The client’s operators have to maintain these records manually. They have to check the data of the containers from various delivery agents’ sites and enter the details in the provided IBM i system.
- This process is time-consuming and prone to error as there is a lot of human interference, resulting in huge costs to the business.
- The client wanted a centralized real-time container/freight tracking system for all the delivery agents, such that tracking the containers and maintaining the details is easy and automated.
The IBM i based companies are also looking forward to making the best use of API integration given productivity benefits. Integrating updated shipping data from transportation providers with core IBM i applications is one of the most popular API use cases today. The client wanted a similar API implementation for its application.
Our Solution
Centralized Real-Time Container Tracking with Terminal49 API
The client wanted to reduce the delays and make the tracking task automated. So, it chose the service provided by Terminal49- a platform for real-time shipment tracking API. It offers information on all the freights and containers available on a single platform rather than browsing multiple sites
Automating Real-Time Container Tracking Through Terminal49 API Integration
The APIs can give data on demand which is then automated to be stored in the database. This does not involve any human interference. Programmers.io team enabled the client in the successful integration of the real-time API of Terminal49.
Enabling Instant Container Updates with Terminal49 Webhooks
Our team suggested using the Webhook service provided by Terminal49 to enable the flow of real-time data into the system discarding the need for a continuous check on the updates. This functionality works like notifications on phone applications. Whenever there is a change or update in the container’s data the user is notified or the database is updated.
Seamless BOL Tracking Through Terminal49 Program Interface
Programmers.IO developed a program interface that contacts Terminal49 to provide all necessary information and a unique identification number for the BOL.
Real-Time BOL Monitoring and Automated Updates via Terminal49
Once the unique identification number is generated, Terminal49 keeps a watch for updates on that unique number and sends those updates to the client’s system whenever necessary
Processing Real-Time Updates on IBM i via Webhooks
Webhook programs developed by Programmers.IO on the IBM i side receive the updates. The data is segregated as per the information it contains, updating the databases accordingly.
Technologies Used
Our software architects and engineers are experts in using the latest technologies.
- RPGLE
- Apache Server
- DB2
Business Impact
Our solution added value with surprising results because we were able to deliver a high-quality product on time.
Here’s how we did it
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Effortless BOL Registration Through IBM i Integration
Users can now easily register BOL numbers with Terminal49 using the program interface developed by Programmers.io
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Maintaining Accurate Container Data Through Real-Time Integration
The integration of Terminal49 by Programmers.io enabled the database files to be up to date matching the container’s data.
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Enhancing Container Operations Through Automation and Streamlined Tracking
Our team has helped in streamlining and automating container tracking tasks to save hours of labor, expedite containers, eliminate unnecessary damage and per diem charges.
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Direct, Real-Time Visibility into Shipments and Containers
The integration process has helped in real-time shipment tracking for shipments and containers, directly from steamship lines and the US Terminals
Effortless BOL Registration Through IBM i Integration
Users can now easily register BOL numbers with Terminal49 using the program interface developed by Programmers.io
Maintaining Accurate Container Data Through Real-Time Integration
The integration of Terminal49 by Programmers.io enabled the database files to be up to date matching the container’s data.
Enhancing Container Operations Through Automation and Streamlined Tracking
Our team has helped in streamlining and automating container tracking tasks to save hours of labor, expedite containers, eliminate unnecessary damage and per diem charges.
Direct, Real-Time Visibility into Shipments and Containers
The integration process has helped in real-time shipment tracking for shipments and containers, directly from steamship lines and the US Terminals
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I wanted to take a moment to highlight and commemorate the efforts from our dedicated PIO team. To preface, the projects we work on here are complex, with rigid objectives, budgets, and timelines. Expectations are always high and are ever-changing. From the start of our relationship, the IO team was able to exceed expectations and make our business wishes a reality.
Over the past year I have worked with them, they have worked very hard to understand our highly customized system and troubleshoot things with little or no documentation while managing to keep the business up and running normally. Without the hard work and dedication they have shown, I know we would have had some issues causing downtime or lost production. I am looking forward to continuing working them in the next year as well.
I have been working with Programmers IO for more than 5 years now and I have been pleased with all projects and developers that I have worked with. We have had a few issues here and there but they have always fixed and made it right. They have been an excellent addition to our business.
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