In the current age of automation in the supply chain, digital platforms, mobile apps, and inter-connectedness, it is more important than ever for shipping and logistic companies to keep up with the best multimodal big data applications available. According to Medium.com: “The objective should be for data to create a more transparent logistics industry where a group’s all-around performance is put beyond doubt. Again, for the most efficient groups — regardless of their size — it could prove a great signal of worth.” Logistics is no exception when utilizing big data to discover and react to opportunities for improvement across numerous markets today. And supply chain leaders should consider these top multimodal big data applications for enhancing their organizations.
Multichannel Fulfillment and Shipping: How to Streamline Your E-Commerce Logistics Implementation Process
1. Inventory Planning and Logistics Get Easier and More Streamlined
A new wave of innovation helps shipping and transportation supervisors manage inventory and logistics in a more unified and streamlined manner. Shipping companies big and small face changing wants and demands for shipping within both the B2B and B2C categories. Multimodal big data applications can help improve logistics and make end-to-end planning faster and easier for everyone. By using connected systems, managers can stay proactive and avoid out-of-stock products and upset customers.
2. Improved Response in Load Dock Schedule Management
Another benefit to embracing the multimodal big data applications is self-scheduling specific arrival times and shipment movements. Accurate data platforms also make driver scheduling a common problem when using multimodal shipping and faster and easier adjustments. Furthermore, using automation and digital tracking methods can help control backlog congestion and streamline the loading and unloading process.
3. Enhanced Warehouse Management From Start to Finish
Multimodal big data applications can also assist with warehouse management. According to BigCommerce.com: “31% of online shoppers will switch to a competitor the first time a product is unavailable on their preferred site. This rises to 50% on the second occurrence and as much as 70% on the third.” It is apparent managing warehouse inventory is critical and accurate data makes it more accessible. Using big data to streamline inventory replenishment across all modes lowers total freight spend too.
4. Freight Rate Forecasting Gets the Attention That it Needs
One of the hidden advantages of utilizing data is using it in a predicting manner during short, selected periods. This is great for general logistics and business planning, but it can also improve fright rate forecasting, staffing problems, tracking reliability, and communication options. Many multimodal big data applications today are designed more and more for forecasting assistance. And by forecasting demand, loads are more comfortable to cover.
5. Tracking Freight Spend Levels Are Easier to Project and Monitor
Automation is the way of the future, and multimodal big data applications can help with source trucking capacity, and fright spend levels. Logistics is no exception when utilizing big data to discover and react to opportunities for improvement across numerous markets today. Freight spend control application is one of the best ways to use big data analysis in day-to-day operations, creating the best mix of modes for all shipments.
6. Brand-Wide Improvement in Agility Comes With Data-Driven Management
Multimodal big data applications also improve a company’s ability to respond to disruptions to preserve brand image and customers. According to Manufacturing.net: “managers can predict and identify potential problems and solutions. Thus, they can respond to disruptions in production, supply, and delivery more swiftly…Besides its benefit to us and our environment, it is cost-effective, promotes brand goodwill, and increases customer loyalty.” Companies can be more flexible in multimodal planning and execution by increasing agility during tumultuous times, such as a pandemic-related disruption or threat of an approaching hurricane.
7. Order/Demand Projection Is Easier and More Accurate
Shipment tracking and automation is another way multimodal big data applications improve transportation logistics. Using a shipment tracking platform will be easier to see the real-time status, where delays may be happening, and problem areas that creep up with a shipment. All this data can help ensure that each package is being handled, delivered, and picked up accurately, alluding to after-the-fact auditing.
Listen to “Data Driven Shipping is How Shippers Gain “Shipper of Choice” Status” on Spreaker.
Utilize Multimodal Big Data Applications to Improve Shipping Performance With an Enhanced TMS
For the last few decades, increases in the amount and availability of data-based decisions, forecasting, and management have changed how the transportation and logistics industry operates at both the micro and macro levels. In the current age of growing customer needs and demands and ever-changing environment at home and abroad, it is more important than ever for shipping and logistic companies to keep up with the best multimodal big data applications. Above all else, that includes the ability to use a TMS to manage multimodal shipping.