+1 800 967-0030

A Quick Look At How Data Powers Your Supply Chain

Unless you’ve been doing your order fulfillment from a cave in the middle of the ocean for the last decade, you’ve heard the term “Big Data.”

You’ve probably even been told once or twice how it can save your company a lot of money by eliminating waste and helping you to better understand your customers.

All of this is true. But there’s a lot more that data is up to when it comes to the supply chain.

Data is the Backbone of Modern Logistics

There was a time, long ago, when vendors and retailers all wished they could read their customers’ minds. If only they could access that information, they’d be able to perform so much better and grow without any impediment. Then that day came.

Data has been a game-changer for everyone. Sectors like eCommerce, traditional retail, wholesale and even manufacturing and warehousing have been made or remade by the many thousands of measurements they can now perform. In the past, if you needed information on a process or procedure, you’d turn to an analyst and wait weeks for an answer.

Today, the right software, the right measurements and the push of a button will give you the answer in minutes. Not only is that data fast, it’s no longer simply analytical. Data gives you actionable information that can quickly turn the tide on problems your business is experiencing. You can see what products are being consistently returned, for example, or deliveries that are delayed due to dangerous weather.

In both cases, you can immediately respond. In the first, you can use common customer return reasons to fix your website or manufacturing problem; in the second, you’ll simply reroute that package through a much safer area.

All of This Data Comes at a Cost

At least, that’s what anyone who is still resisting the use of data for warehousing, fulfillment or order distribution keeps telling themselves.

The truth is that data also saves companies huge amounts of money every year. It’s especially useful for maintaining just the right amount of inventory in warehouses, ensuring that you won’t run out of product, nor will a whole lot of something go bad or out of fashion before its sold.

Order distribution is smarter and faster because of data. Trucks on different routes can communicate just how much space they have left to fill and if they are anticipating any problems accomplishing on-time last mile delivery. GPS tracks them across country or through a metro area, allowing the distribution company to better route deliveries down the road.

The future is bright and it’s in large part because of data. The more you know about your operations and the operations of your supply chain partners, the better you can work together to solve problems and accomplish even greater feats of logistic splendor.

September 26, 2018
Share This:

Related Posts

RECENT POSTS

Real-Time Order Tracking Or Bust

Gps tracking map. Track navigation pins on street maps, navigate mapping technology and locate position pin. Futuristic travel gps map or location navigator vector illustration “Where is my order?” “When will my package arrive?” If you are inundated with questions...

First In, First Out Warehousing and Fulfillment

Are you a seasoned inventory manager? If so, the acronym FIFO - which stands for First In, First Out - might be a familiar term to you. Put simply, the items are sold in the order they are received in the store or warehouse. FIFO is the go-to inventory management...

Grow Your Amazon Business With A Standout Listing

Do you sell on Amazon? If so, you are in great company. At the end of 2022, Amazon had over 2 million active sellers worldwide, making it one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world. Businesses have the opportunity to reach millions of customers in over 180...

Scroll, Click, Buy: How to Sell On Instagram

Do you have an Instagram shop? Instagram Shopping is quickly becoming the preferred way for consumers not only to learn about new brands and products on Instagram, but also to purchase them in just a few simple steps. If you are not already selling directly on...

New Year, New You?

Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions, hoping to spark positive change, adopt new habits, or even reinvent themselves. The recurring themes each year include a more active approach to health and fitness, improved finances, better relationships,...