Clariant achieves record ocean shipment tracking coverage within 6 weeks using FourKites visibility platform

Clariant, a Switzerland-based global specialty chemicals company, faced a critical visibility gap across its international ocean freight network. Clariant's logistics teams were relying on multiple disconnected systems and manual tracking workflows. Without real-time visibility or predictive intelligence, the company could only react to disruptions after they occurred.

Clariant deployed FourKites' supply chain visibility platform to consolidate all ocean shipment tracking data into a single centralized system accessible simultaneously to global stakeholders, business units, and customers. At the core of the platform is a machine learning engine that uses real-time data to generate dynamic predictive ETAs. FourKites also integrated critical alerting capabilities to surface in-transit disruptions, alongside OTIF and carrier performance analytics that Clariant expects to play a crucial role in managing its global supply chain. Clariant expects to track all ocean shipments globally with FourKites.

Within six weeks of go-live, Clariant reached its highest-ever tracking percentage for international ocean shipments — a record achieved faster than anticipated and delivering a rapid return on investment. The unified platform eliminated the need for multiple disconnected tracking systems and the manual overhead tied to them.

Key outcomes:

• Record ocean tracking coverage reached within 6 weeks of deployment
• Automatic, accurate ETA updates delivered to all global stakeholders without manual intervention
• Reduced operational overhead from consolidating disparate systems into one platform
• Improved customer satisfaction through proactive, real-time shipment status visibility
• OTIF and carrier KPI framework established as a foundation for continuous supply chain improvement

• Specialty chemical companies should prioritize unified visibility over point solutions — fragmented systems create blind spots that predictive analytics cannot bridge.
• Deployment speed can be rapid: Clariant's six-week path to record tracking coverage shows visibility platforms can deliver results without lengthy implementation cycles.
• Machine learning-driven predictive ETAs reduce manual tracking burden by delivering automatic updates across business units.
• OTIF and carrier performance analytics help teams spot areas for improvement and drive better customer service.
• Platform-wide adoption across all business units — not just the logistics function — supports the shift from reactive to proactive disruption management.