What Is Real-Time?

Real-time information is information that is processed and accessible as it happens. Often associated with the tracking of vehicles, trailers, containers or inventory in logistics operations, the importance of real-time reporting is growing as more and more companies rely on just-in-time inventory. For example, trailer tracking can use either satellite or cellular communications to transmit the position and can even track whether the trailer is loaded or empty, or when the doors were last opened. With most real-time tracking systems, carriers can dictate how often they want the system to update, with some systems transmitting data every five to 10 minutes.