Page 20 - STAT November 2022 for Magzter

INDUSTRY REPORT

EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT
USE OF TECHNOLOGY & DATA
How can we ensure that technology is
used efficiently and effectively? In many
circumstances, data remains the most
challenging task. Modern data analytics can
provide important insights, thus effective
data collection and exchange are required.
Similarly, AI can assist in forecasting future
needs, which is especially important in the
face of climate change.
“Data is not being used effectively as
there is a lack of innovation along the
logistical supply chain. The use of technology
for assessing stock levels and flows in the
warehouse at the destination and at the
origin will result in efficiency. The use of Photo: IHC
temperature control devices will be useful
in vaccine movements. The humanitarian
sector needs to cooperate with companies in BENEFITS OF DRONE-BASED
the innovation sector,” Gadhia said. LOGISTICS
Logistics is at a crossroads now, just as Drones can complement humanitarian
it was 20 years ago. It must evolve into a aid responses by providing an additional,
driver of critical organisational strategy complementary resource for humanitarian
decisions such as investments in data aid organisations to adopt. They may be
analytics, technology, sharing platforms, pre-positioned in disaster-prone areas,
and collaborations. as they do not require considerable
“There are a lot of technologies around infrastructure (like runways), and
now. If we speak about data analysis, proper can work around regions with limited
preparation of cargo details and statistical When it comes infrastructure.
tools to draw lessons from past experience, to humanitarian “The versatility of drone platforms
this would be down to technology emergency response, makes them ideal for a wide range of
specialists to determine user-friendly and applications. The drone that is deployed
efficient systems. However, when it comes the most crucial to deliver medical supplies can also be
to humanitarian emergency response, the tools are high- deployed in a crisis response scenario for
most crucial tools are high-speed internet last-mile delivery of emergency supplies,
and comprehensive phone coverage to speed internet and or even temporary restoration of network
ensure information can be communicated comprehensive phone connectivity.” said Julie Makena, drone
swiftly and clearly,” said Kovalova. coverage to ensure engineer, Astral Aerial Solutions.
IHC has provided the international But are drones capable of solving
community with a solution for better information can be the gaps in humanitarian logistics that
preparedness and response called ‘The communicated swiftly now exist? Makena thinks that based on
Humanitarian Logistics Databank’. individual delivery requirements and
It is a platform for sharing data on and clearly. availability, aeroplanes, drones, roads,
humanitarian aid inventories and OLGA KOVALOVA and rail each have their own unique
movements in order to improve CHAPMAN FREEBORN application.
emergency preparedness and response. “For example, drones are uniquely
Saba said, “Instead of collecting food, medicine, and shelter, making them positioned to be a go-to logistics solution
information from the various WMS accessible to all cooperating parties. This in Africa owing to regions with poorly
(Warehouse management systems) platform improves collaboration and helps developed infrastructure such as road
adopted by our humanitarian community, avoid bottlenecks in ports and airports.” and rail. Additionally, they will provide
we decided to adopt an automated tracking The Databank now covers the last-mile delivery in locations that are
of aid movements based on customs data humanitarian hubs of Dubai, Panama, and inaccessible. My personal view is that once
from ports, airports, and other entry Brindisi – Italy, and we intend to replicate drones are proven to fill the existing gaps
points. It provides the global humanitarian it in other humanitarian hubs, hosting in logistics, there will be more widespread
community with information on the exact stocks prepositioned for an international adoption and more use cases that will
positioning of critical relief items such as response,” he said. arise,” Makena added.

18 LUA NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2022