News in the Channel - issue #37

DATA MANAGEMENT FOR WAREHOUSING

highlight the importance of data, the reality on the ground is that poor data quality, fragmentation and low digital adoption continue to limit the use of high- value analytics. “There is enormous potential in combining and leveraging trusted data to create real value for organisations, but that value can only be realised when users have confidence in the data and in the decisions derived from it.” Martin Tombs, field CTO EMEA at Qlik, adds that there can still be a gap between understanding how valuable data can be, and using it effectively. “Many businesses sit on large volumes of data, but it’s siloed across different systems, held in different formats, or sometimes just isn’t complete enough to make reliable decisions from,” he says. “With logistics operations increasingly exposed to challenges like extreme weather and other disruptions, getting a handle on data is more critical now than ever.” What companies want The increasing embrace of data means that what customers want from data management solutions is changing. Martin says businesses want to see the clear end-to-end view of what is happening across their operations. “That means accurate, up-to-date information across all systems and tools that work together, and the ability to act on insights quickly,” he adds. “For example, real-time warehouse stock data can help logistics companies quickly identify shortages or overstock in different locations, so they can reroute shipments and ensure customers receive deliveries on time. “As logistics operations become more complex and time-sensitive, predictive analytics and trusted data foundations are becoming essential rather than optional. “That’s where partners have a significant opportunity. By helping companies clean up their data, making

Contributors

it consistent, and putting the right governance in place, resellers can build a trusted operational data foundation like linking warehouse inventories, shipment tracking and order systems so teams can plan accurately and respond quickly. Once data is trusted, businesses can start anticipating issues and resolving them earlier, instead of constantly firefighting.” Manik Sharma, head of supply chain GTM AI at Celonis, agrees that warehouses need platforms that provide operational context and end-to-end visibility. “The trend is moving toward context-aware Enterprise AI, where systems don’t just optimise isolated tasks, but understand the full flow of operations, predict bottlenecks and recommend recovery actions in real time,” he adds. “Companies are also looking for open systems that enable seamless collaboration across partners. We believe an open ecosystem enables organisations to ‘Free the Process’ from rigid systems and vendor-locked silos, seeking solutions that integrate with existing ERP and SCM systems while supporting composable AI solutions. This combination of context, openness and intelligence allows businesses to build trust in AI-driven decisions and adapt quickly to evolving demands – a shift that will increasingly define competitive advantage in 2026 and beyond.” Paul says warehousing and logistics businesses are also looking for clarity and control. “Real time visibility is non negotiable, especially with stock spread across multiple sites. You need to know what you’ve got, where it is and how fast it can move,” he says. “We’re seeing a shift away from siloed tools towards cloud platforms that integrate ERP, WMS and IoT for centralised insight and decision making. Flexibility matters too; solutions need to scale as operating models evolve. Again, the ERP foundation is key: one version of the truth that customers, partners and

Paul Flannery

epicor.com

Benoit Charnallet

emea.tscprinters.com

Mohammad Mesgarpour

microlise.com

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