Enabling digitization in logistics

Digitization allows businesses to streamline their operations. It helps them to optimize use of resources and reduce costs. With digitization, companies can also use data to make better decisions and drive growth. However, when the process of digitization involves integrating data from multiple parties, as is the case by definition in the logistics industry, it can get very complex. A data integration approach that helps manage this complexity at high speed enables companies to transform faster and with less headaches.

Further digital transformation (or even revolution) in logistics is bound to push through: AI, cloud computing, the internet of things (IOT), blockchain, big data analytics, advanced robotics, etc. A solid data integration layer will be the perfect foundation for the future.

Connecting your logistics ecosystem

As multiple parties enter the supply chain, they are all using their own systems and technologies. Connecting all these parties together is essential to efficient supply chain management. Instead of building custom solutions at every turn, having a data integration solution that allows you to rapidly onboard new parties and systems will be a key factor for success.

And this goes far beyond data mapping. Because a high-quality integration platform will allow you to answer questions concerning data security, system performance, development cost, technology (in)dependency, and more.

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Dealing with disconnected data

Disconnected data refers to data that is not easily accessible or usable because it is stored in different data formats or locations. Think customer data or data from a transportation management system (TMS) or enterprice resource planning (ERP system). This gap can create inefficiencies and delays in the supply chain. Connecting disparate data sources and making data accessible in real-time is what allows businesses to make faster and more informed, data driven business decisions, making the supply chain more agile and robust. Data integration improves supply chain visibility which in turn promotes supply chain agility.

Creating opportunities for automation

While AI has taken the scene by storm, a lot of logistics professionals can take major steps in optimizing their current way of working by first integrating supply chain data and putting it to use through automation. The supply chain process involves multiple stages, from procurement to delivery. Each stage of the process can impact the overall supply chain performance, cost and customer experience. Data integration can help businesses to automate certain steps or time consuming tasks at each of these stages. Automation will not only free up time, it will help improve data quality by reducing the need for manual entry, which is prone to errors.

Staying ahead of competition

Everything we mentioned above goes for your competitors as well. They face the same challenges and are looking to have a bigger piece of the pie for themselves. All business are constantly seeking ways to gain an edge in the market. And companies that are able to harness the power of data integration quickly and seamlessly can gain a competitive advantage by adopting trends early on, predicting customer needs, and responding to market shifts in real-time.