DATA MANAGEMENT IN WAREHOUSING AND LOGISTICS BUSINESSES
Data shift Warehousing and logistics businesses are producing more data than ever before, but that means nothing unless it is harnessed properly. This is where data management comes in – and it is something that resellers can help customers with.
Warehousing and logistics are sectors under pressure. While they are fundamental to the smooth operation of the economy, customers at all parts of the chain are putting pressure on companies in the sectors to provide faster and better tracked services. This means warehousing and logistics companies are seeking to become ever more efficient and this is where data comes in. Businesses in these sectors now produce a huge amount of data, and there is increasing recognition among leaders that if it is harnessed properly it can help to improve their business and, ultimately, the bottom line. Becky Stables, GDPR expert at business intelligence consultancy Catalyst BI, says that logistics businesses are becoming more aware of the vast amount of data they generate and how this can be managed for operational improvements. “Logistics companies can utilise data analytics to spot potential risks and disruptions in their supply chains, like supplier issues,” she says. “By examining past data alongside external influences, businesses can develop robust contingency plans to manage these challenges. This approach is essential for maintaining operational continuity and minimising financial impact during unexpected events.” Chris Cunnane, supply chain product marketing manager at InterSystems, agrees that businesses across the board are more aware of the power of data. “But more data does not equal better data; the key is unified, actionable, quality data,” he notes. “Within the warehouse,
there is an enormous amount of data on hand, including inventory levels, labour management, workforce utilisation, dock scheduling, receiving documentation, among other sources. This data lacks value without the ability to ingest and act upon it. “The same is true for logistics businesses. Data management and sharing is a critical component of the network effect. The network effect exists when all components of the supply chain technology ecosystem work together and share data to improve the performance of the end-to-end supply chain. “For example, from a transportation standpoint, the network effect relies on communication and data sharing between applications to make freight moves more efficient. This includes matching loads with capacity, using visibility tools to predict more accurate ETAs, optimising routes, and ensuring that trucks can be loaded and unloaded as efficiently as possible.” Mike Barron, UK managing director at SYNAXON, adds that most warehousing and logistics companies are probably well aware that they have access to potentially valuable data. “Exactly how they can make use of that data is another matter,” he says. “It’s important to conform to regulatory requirements and to ensure personal and confidential information is protected, of course.” Customer wants This means that data management solutions are increasingly important to warehousing and logistics businesses. Customers in these sectors are specific
Becky Stables GDPR expert
catalyst-bi.co.uk
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Data-driven insights help companies design efficient warehouse layouts, reducing travel time, maximising storage and streamlining workflows for faster order processing and lower labour costs.
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